This 23-Piece Capsule Wardrobe for Work Will Change Your Life
If you find getting ready for work to be more stressful than it should be because you "have nothing to wear," you're not alone. But there's a solution. We talk about capsule wardrobes a lot here at Who What Wear because they really work. We've shown you how to reduce your closet to 37 pieces, how to create a capsule wardrobe for fall, and how to build one using the basics we all love. And now, thanks to this capsule wardrobe for work, you can save time and money on your 9-to-5 wardrobe too. We curated a selection of 23 pieces that can be mixed and matched and worn on repeat, most of which are suitable for a corporate office environment (and ones that are a bit more business casual).
To get you started, we put together five looks (one for each day of the week) that even non-minimalists would want to wear. Trust us—they're stylish enough to earn you best dressed in the office. So without further ado, find out how to change your life with just 23 pieces.
OUTERWEAR
What You Need:
Wool Coat
Trench Coat
Blazer
Why:
These three classic outerwear options suit a variety of climates and lend polish to any look.
TOPS
What You Need:
Colorful Tank
White Shell
Black Short-Sleeve Sweater
Wrap Top
Silk Blouse
Neutral Sweater
Why:
This assortment of tops can easily be layered under your outerwear of choice, and there's something to go with every skirt or trouser style.
BOTTOMS
What You Need:
Printed Midi Skirt
Checked Trousers
Black Pencil Skirt
Cropped Black Trousers
Why:
Just two versatile skirts and two pairs of pants are all that's needed to build a wide variety of stylishly conservative office outfits.
DRESSES
What You Need:
Sheath Dress
Printed Shirtdress
Midi-Length Wrap Dress
Why:
When you want to look especially pulled together, whether it's for a big presentation or an annual review with your boss, these three dress styles are most appropriate for an office environment.
SHOES
What You Need:
Kitten-Heel Mules
Ankle Boots
Black Pumps
Loafers
Why:
When it comes to office-appropriate footwear, we recommend having a couple classic, conservative styles (e.g., the black pumps), and a couple that can help show your personality (e.g., the white mules) if the rest of your outfit is feeling plain.
Available in sizes 35 to 41.
ACCESSORIES
What You Need:
Sunglasses
Scarf
Tote
Why:
Aside from your favorite understated jewelry and whatever gear the weather may call for, you really only need a pair of chic sunglasses, a cozy scarf (the office A/C struggle is real), and a tote that's big enough to hold your laptop.
5 Looks to Try
Pictured Above: Tibi Drape Twill Sleeveless Corset Top ($325); Rixo London Georgia Pleated Floral-Print Silk Midi Skirt ($300); Everlane Penny Loafers ($175)
Pictured Above: Cefinn V-Neck Voile Wrap Dress ($365); Le Specs Enchantress Sunglasses ($79); Rachel Comey Zaha Stretch Faux Suede Booties ($395)
Pictured Above: Theory Gabe Wool-Blend Crepe Blazer ($425); Johnstons of Elgin Fringed Cashmere Scarf ($175); Mango Printed Trousers ($50); M.Gemi The Lustro Pumps ($278); Zara Short Sleeve Top ($30)
Pictured Above: London Fog Double Breasted Trench Coat ($168); J.Crew Resumé Dress ($188); Pour La Victoire Korrine Mules ($245)
Pictured Above: J.Crew Drapey Crepe Faux-Wrap Top ($68); Zara Pencil Skirt with Zip ($50); M.Gemi The Lustro Pumps ($278); Cuyana Classic Structured Leather Tote ($195)
Consider the days of having nothing to wear officially over.
Allyson is a senior editor for Who What Wear. She joined the company in 2014 as co-founder Katherine Power's executive assistant and over the years has written hundreds of stories for Who What Wear. Prior to her career in fashion, Allyson worked in the entertainment industry at companies such as Sony Pictures Television. Allyson is now based in Raleigh, North Carolina, and is originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She holds a BFA in theater. Her path to fashion may not have been linear, but based on the number of fashion magazines she collected as a child and young adult, it was meant to be.