Workwear Roundup

Posted on March 16th, 2017

To round out this week’s batch of career related posting, I’m sharing some options from my four key workwear categories.  When buying workwear, I follow the Three Seasons Rule– everything I buy for work must be able to be worn in at least three seasons of the year, and bonus points if adding tights enables a seamless transition from summer to winter.  To get by when it comes to dressing myself for work, I rely on four areas as the base.

1. A big bag that fits all of your essentials, your laptop, a pair of shoes and/or a set of workout clothes
2. Basic dresses that can be worn with our without a sweater, and preferably do not need drycleaning
3. Oversize cardigans to protect from freezing winter temps or freezing summer air conditioning
4. Versatile black pants that can be worn with sweaters, blouses, heels, flats, etc.

Bags- I’ve had the best luck with the three options pictured above.  Barrington Gift’s St. Anne tote is customizable and roomy, but doesn’t have any closure at the top.  A Longchamp can hold a whole week’s worth of essentials and is good in the elements, but you risk looking a little collegiate.  The York buckle tote isn’t quite as spacious, but holds a laptop safely in a center zipper pocket.  I haven’t tried this option, but it looks good, too!

Dresses- Green with button pockets (on sale!), scalloped shift, pleated ruffle shift, tweed fit & flare, laser cut flare, scalloped inset, grey sheath, striped dress for casual days!

Oversized Cardigans- Wheat cashmere, super soft jersey (have this in black, size down!), open sweater coat, summer weight option

Black Pants- If you find a pair you feel fabulous in and they cost $400, you should probably still get them and get two pairs because black pants are forever but the right fit is few and far between.  Pixie pant, Twill, skinny stretch (Any you particularly recommend?  I wouldn’t say I’ve found my forever pant yet!)

Of course options abound for all of these, but you get the idea.  The right “fun” pieces will crawl into your wardrobe and pop up overtime, but when you’re just starting out, setting a baseline with these options will get you on the right track so your great outfit matches, but doesn’t detract from, your dazzling career performance!