How to Build a Flawless Work Wardrobe and Change Your Life
Waking up and dressing for work every single day is no easy feat. Sometimes, coming up with even one solid outfit a week can feel overwhelming, let alone five outfits in a row. To make your life a whole lot easier, we have figured out how to build a work wardrobe in three easy steps. Starting with the basics and working your way up to the of-the-moment pieces, if you follow this advice, you're sure to feel much less stressed when starting your day.
They say all good things come with time, so we recommend starting with step one and working your way up. Step one is all about acquiring the basic pieces every professional working woman should have hanging in her closet—blazers, button-downs, pumps, etc. Step two is where you can start to have a little more fun by indulging in a few key trends each season—white shoes, velvet, etc. Step three is where you really blossom by drawing inspiration from street style stars, bloggers, and the like. Since you should already have everything you need right at your fingertips, copying your favorite looks instantly becomes a no-brainer. Ready to see for yourself?
Scroll down to uncover exactly how to build the perfect work wardrobe.
STEP 1: HAVE YOUR BASICS COVERED
Fill your closet with work-wardrobe essentials. That way, you'll be prepared for every meeting, every event, and every day spent in the office. Together, these pieces are capable of creating effortless outfits that are polished and stylish.
Blazer:
Button-Down:
Midi Skirt:
Pumps:
Dress:
Trousers:
Handbag:
Coat:
Camel coats make any outfit look more expensive.
Nice Denim:
Cropped jeans are the perfect way to show off your favorite shoes.
Flats:
STEP 2: Update basics with trend-driven pieces each season
Basics are great and all, but we want you to be able to have a little fun with your outfit too! As you know, the trends change with the seasons, so once you feel you have nailed down the basic pieces above, treat yourself to a few key of-the-moment trending items as well.
Sporty Sweater:
White Shoes:
Velvet:
STEP 3: Have office-ready outfit ideas bookmarked
It never hurts to have outfit ideas or examples on hand 24/7. We recommend creating Pinterest boards, screenshotting, and following Instagram accounts or bloggers that inspire you to put your best fashion foot forward. Below are some examples of office looks we are loving made out of the pieces above.
You'll Need: Blazer + Button-Down + Skirt + Pumps
You'll Need: Sweater + Trousers + Boots
You'll Need: Turtleneck + Dress + Pumps
You'll Need: Blazer + Button-Down + Midi Skirt
You'll Need: Blouse + Trousers
You'll Need: Blazer + Blouse + Denim + White Shoes
Do you have a go-to office outfit formula? Let us know in the comments below!
Lauren Eggertsen is currently the editorial director of Who What Wear and has worked at the company for over eight years, where she started as an associate editor and has since worked her way up. Lauren has over 10 years of experience in the fashion editorial space, starting her career with internships at Marc Jacobs, Marie Claire, and The Zoe Report, where she was later hired as their editorial assistant. Lauren has worked in the Los Angeles and New York Who What Wear offices but currently calls L.A. home. It is here where she leads and manages Who What Wear's fashion team and oversees all day-to-day editorial content and large tentpole moments. This includes all of the runway, trend, and shopping-driven content that ultimately helps to build a strong brand reputation within the industry. Lauren's role also includes helping to set the fashion direction for all original photo shoots and often styles many of the celebrity cover shoots, including big names like Kaia Gerber, Normani, and Kristen Stewart.
She has also attended multiple fashion weeks, including New York, London, Milan, and Paris, where her personal style has been featured on sites such as Vogue, Harpers Bazaar, and Elle. She prides herself on discovering and supporting small brands and on her knack for a good vintage shopping find. When she isn't working, she enjoys researching and dining at reputable restaurants around both her neighborhood and the globe.