Writing a list of what every working woman should have in her wardrobe is not an easy task, as every industry has its own definition of work appropriate clothing.
Here are some suggestions for a mildly formal work environment, which can be adapted for most work industries.
Pants and skirts: They should be neutral colors (black, grey, brown), fabric good all year-round, such as wool crepe or wool gabardine, and at least one of them should be part of a suit, better if both a skirt and a pair of pants are part of the same suit. The starting number should be four, how many of each depending on whether you feel more comfortable wearing skirts or pants. If you choose the colors carefully, you can wear the blazer with all your four pieces: a black blazer looks good also with a gray skirt. Please, hem your pants! They should skim the ground and cover the heel almost completely.
A blazer: This is part of your pants/skirt suit.
Blouses, shirts, thin sweaters: I don't think you should own shirts if you really cannot stand them, find them uncomfortable, or look bad in them. Other options are silky blouses and thin, fitted sweaters (the keyword here being "fitted"). You can choose color, here, and pick the ones that look best on you, to pair with your skirts and pants. The total number of pieces should be four, five if you prefer not to wear the same top twice in a week. With four tops and four bottoms, you have twenty four different outfits ready!
A side note on shirts: I find the leotard-type very comfortable, since tucked in shirts often half un-tuck during the day, looking very sloppy.
For summer, I'd suggest buying four-five well made neat shirts. No screen prints, please! Solid colors or light florals are the best options.
Dresses: At least one, better if it goes with your suit. It's a very versatile item, if you choose a classic fit. Plus, a dress is an instant outfit, and you don't need to worry about matching top and bottom (not that you need to, if you have followed the above suggestions!)
Shoes: Here things become sticky. A low heeled but not frumpy shoe, in black or brown (depending on the color of your pants/skirts) is best. For winter, a very good pair of boots too! For summer, pumps or open toes, but only if the dress code allows it! Absolutely no sneakers, flip flops or crocs. There are some comfortable, neat looking options out there.
A bag in a color than matches all your shoes. If you only own black shoes, a black bag is fine. If you have both
When building any kind of wardrobe it is important to remember one key ides: mix and match! It might seem obvious, but your best when putting together a business wardrobe is to only buy pieces that go with several other things in your closet. Some claim that to be boring, but in reality it will give you more options and more opportunity to play with your look while keeping that professional edge.
Before launching into what you need to own, remember to buy colors that are your best shades. This will give you an automatic sense of power and comfort that is absolutely essential in a business situation.
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