Wardrobe Staples for Work

Since it's a new year, it's time to step up your wardrobe. While a lot of people are not returning in person to work, I know some are. After so much time being spent working from home, I know a lot of people are struggling on what to wear back to the office. Offices are loosening dress codes, and there is a lot of uncertainty about what is acceptable to wear. That being said, I came up with a list of 10 wardrobe staples that are ok no matter where you work or what your dress code is!

1. A Long Coat

Unless you live somewhere warm and sunny all year, a long coat is a great investment to have in your closet. Not only can you wear a long coat casually, but it is the perfect jacket for work. Not only is a long coat sleek and professional, but it is also timeless and polished. A long coat works for any kind of dress code for work, and you can throw it on over any outfit. This kind of jacket is great because it will keep you warm in any kind of weather, and it is really easy to layer underneath!

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2. Blazer

I talk about blazers a lot, just because they are such a great piece to have in your wardrobe. No matter what your job is, you can wear a blazer to look chic and put together. If your job is more casual, throw on a blazer over jeans and a tee as a third piece on top. If you have a more business casual or business professional dress code, a blazer always looks great with slacks or a nice trouser. A blazer can be worn a ton of ways which is why it is such a great staple piece for your work wardrobe.

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3. Wide Leg Trousers

This is a piece that leans more professional, but can be dressed down too. The wide leg shape is awesome because it is super flattering, and is great because you can wear heels, loafers, or even sneakers with them! With a wide leg trouser, I recommend wearing a tighter top or a top that you tuck in to show off your body shape. This is a staple you should have in your closet if you have a more business dress code at work because it is a modern and classic look. Even if you dress more casual for work, you can dress them down to look polished and cool!

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4. A Big Tote

Everyone needs a work tote in their life! I love a nice big tote because you can keep literally everything you need in one place!! I throw so much in my work tote and it works out great! Make sure if you are bringing a tote to work it is big enough for everything you need to bring to and from the office. Your laptop needs to be able to fit plus anything else you might need! My bag usually holds my laptop, a portable phone charger, a pair of scissors, a tape measure, a snack, hand sanitizer, and a little umbrella!

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5. Crisp Button Down

As I have talked about before, a button down is a really great staple to have in your wardrobe because you can wear it so many different ways. No matter what your work dress code is, a button down can look good. You can throw on a button down with jeans and loafers for a more casual look, or wear a button down tucked into those wide leg trousers for a more professional look. A button down is also a great work staple for zoom meetings! You can throw on a fun necklace under the neckline of the shirt and you are zoom ready!

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6. Comfortable Heels

After spending so long at home in slippers, the thought of going back to wearing heels sounds horrible! The key to having a well rounded work wardrobe is having comfortable shoes. If you can't walk in your heels, you can't wear them to work! I think everyone should have a pair of heels in their closet, but especially heels that can be worn for work. This is a staple even if you don't usually wear heels to work, because you can always wear them to a work event. But comfort is key, otherwise you will be uncomfortable and not confident in your outfit!

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7. Sock Booties

I have had a couple friends ask me what kind of shoes to wear to work when the weather is cold. My advice for everyone is sock booties. It doesn't matter where you work or what your job is, a sock bootie works well with most outfits and is appropriate to wear into work. Plus, it will keep your feet warm!! The reason I recommend a sock bootie rather than just a normal boot or bootie, is because the tight ankle can be worn underneath any kind of pants. Having the ankle go under your pants is elongating and is slimming! Plus, sock booties are generally pretty comfortable!

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8. A Sweater Dress

A sweater dress is a perfect piece to have in your work wardrobe for the cooler weather months. You can style a sweater dress a bunch of different ways, plus it is comfortable and will keep you warm. You can wear a sweater dress with a shacket and combat boots if your workwear is super casual. Into a more professional office, you can wear a sweater dress under a blazer with tights and heels. The options for outfits are endless, and this is a classic piece that will not go out of style!

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9. Fun Earrings

Accessories are what make clothes into an outfit. That is why I think having a fun earring as a part of your work clothes is never a bad idea! This works for if you are going into the office or not. A fun earring can be colorful, but it could also be a chunky hoop, or an interesting shape. Earrings are great because they help bring attention up to your face. They can also help dress an outfit up. Earrings are a great accessory to add if you are working from home and hopping on a zoom call too!

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10. A Nice Sweater

This is pretty vague, but having a nice sweater is an important staple for any wardrobe. When I say "nice" sweater, I mean a sweater that is not worn out, doesn't have any pills, and is not stretched out from years of loving it. If you are wearing a sweater to work, it should look nice! A sweater is such a staple for your wardrobe, but also for your work wardrobe because you can style a sweater professionally so many ways. Put on a button down underneath for a more preppy and polished look. Or throw on a sweater with trousers and heels to look sleek and put together!