If you’re anything like me, the early morning struggle to get ready for work is real! Even though I’ve been an adult for a while, I still wake up and stare at my closet full of casual clothing. I’m sure a lot of us go through the same issue. Our closet at times somehow is missing the basic staples for a more professional workplace environment, just when you need it.
Having a ready-to-go wardrobe is necessary so that you are prepared for any kind of day at the office. Whether it be a meeting, special event or even a standard day at the office, a couple of staple pieces like a blazer or black pants can go a pretty long way to help you build an easy wardrobe for work. Unsure about where to start? Never fear! Compiling outfits for work isn’t all that difficult. We’ve listed some essential pieces you need to get your work wardrobe ready and create effortless stylized outfits that look polished.
First things first! Before we delve into the essentials, you should keep the following tips in mind when purchasing staples for your closet:
- Decide on the silhouettes that flatter you the most. Find what works for your body and stick with it to start—if you feel good, you look good.
- Know your colour palette! Neutrals are always a safe bet, e.g. navy, khaki, beige and black.
- Don’t get sucked in by trendy shapes. Build your essential wardrobe with good quality staples that will stand the test of time.
- Think about the fabric. Go for more comfortable and breathable fabrics that will work all year round.
Keep scrolling to check out the pieces you need to build a functional work wardrobe:
1. Blazers
Nothing is more classic or screams girl boss like a nice crisp blazer. If you’re an adult, you need at least one black blazer. I’d be surprised if you don’t have this item in your closet already. A great tailored blazer is necessary as it instantly pulls together literally any outfit. Want to inject some personality into your outfit? You can try out some popular yet appropriate prints like houndstooth or a classic check pattern.
2. Suits
Go for a matching pantsuit or skirt. It’s a no brainer when picking out an outfit for the day and a good neutral colour like black or navy looks good on everyone. A suit also works perfectly for client meetings in a more corporate setting. Look for materials that don’t wrinkle and drape well on your body and avoid embellishments or decorative detail. All you need to do then is add a shirt and the right shoes and you instantly look sharp and stylish.
3. Formal Shirts
Women’s dress-shirts in general, are a great layering tool and work well in office settings but also for stepping out on the daily. They make you look smart and professional and come in a variety of materials and colours, making it suitable for all occasions. A structured, clean white shirt, is the most classic must-have item for your wardrobe as it’s a great basic item that never gets old. If button-down shirts don’t work for your body type or your bust, you can opt for blouses with front buttons instead.
4. Kurtas
This is a great alternative to shirts or suits, especially during peak heat in India. It’s necessary to be comfortable and mobile as well and the kurta is quite popular. A tunic can be paired with formal trousers, straight paints or even a churidar. However, it’s important to remember to avoid blingy items and opt for more formal basics for the office.
5. Formal Pants
Going to meet a client? Or short on time and need to put together a polished outfit in a hurry? A trusty pair of black trousers are your besties in this situation. Try out menswear-inspired trousers which always look polished or even opt for chic ankle-length pants. If you want to stick to classics you can’t go wrong with a pair of crisp, cigarette pants.
6. Sheath Dress
For a conservative office, sheath dresses are a great choice as they are easily amongst the one and done outfits. The sheath dress is a more structured and tailored piece that looks great when paired with a blazer. Your dress needs to be well-fitted without being too tight and should, more importantly, finish by your knees or lower, without being too revealing. Opt for colours like black, beige or even deep wine shades that you can wear no matter the season.
7. Pencil Skirts
You can never have too many versions of these skirts. They are a great wardrobe basic that pairs perfectly with any top or jacket in your closet. The pencil skirt creates a more structured base for your outfit and helps you look more polished with a tucked-in button-down blouse. Once again a longer length is important here. Make sure you move comfortably in it and the slits are not too high. Alternatively, you can try an A-line skirt that can also work just as well.
8. Work Appropriate Shoes
Comfort is important in the workplace too! You can’t go wrong with classic pumps in nude or black with a two-or three-inch heel. But if you’re running around a lot, flats like slip-on’s or ballerinas also work just fine. Just remember, smart closed-toe shoes are best for a more formal look. If you’re wearing an Indian outfit, closed sandals or wedges can also work.
Do you have all these essential pieces in your closet? Let us know in the comments below
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