You hear the word workwear and you think dull, school uniform-esque outfits that you wear whilst you endure a boring day at the office, but your work wardrobe doesn’t have to be boring. Stick with the ten workwear essentials below to ensure you smash workwear-chic every time.
1 A Basic White Shirt
Polishing Colors
A white shirt can be worn in a whole host of ways: tucked into a pencil skirt, over smart black cropped trousers or with tailored shorts and sandals for summer. This Oversized Shirt from ASOS is perfect for any look.
———–ESSENTIAL PICKS ——-
2 A Versatile Bag
Fashion Vibe
The ideal bag is big enough to hold all of your office necessities and have: a zip to protect its contents, a handheld strap for easy carrying and a long-length strap for when you haven’t got enough hands for your coffee, your photocopying and all your ‘essential’ items. This luxurious Burberry Leather Tote is perfect for office wear and will add a splash of colour to your outfit. For a more casual look opt for this River Island Handbag in Beige.
———–GET THE LOOK ——-
3 A Sophisticated Coat
LouiseRoe
This Classic Wool Coat from French Connection is available in three colours so whether you prefer classic black, an autumn tan or a bold blue, you’ve got the option of all three. This Zara Handmade Coat is a loose fit which looks elegant over fitted dresses or smart black trousers.
———–SHOP THE LOOK ——-
4 Statement Jewellery
Yes, you may be at work, but the inner fashionista in you doesn’t need to suffer. This statement necklace from French Connection is perfect for livening up a dull work outfit. If that’s too bold for you opt for this low-key Colourful Crystal Necklace from Zara.
5 A Waistcoat
With Love From Kat
Come rain or shine a waistcoat is ideal. Worn with a dress and sandals in summer, or with a shirt and tailored trousers in the winter, a waistcoat is the perfect item to add a fashionable edge to any office outfit. If you want to break up a black on black ensemble, then this Sleeveless Tailored Blazer from ASOS will work for you or if you’d prefer a subtle black addition to your outfit then Mango’s Long Boyfriend Gilet is ideal.
———–ESSENTIAL PICKS ——-
6 Smart Black Trousers
Black trousers may seem boring but they’re an absolute career girl essential. Wear them cropped, skinny or loose to suit the outfit and occasion. Tuck a top into these High Waist Skinny Trousers from ASOS or pair these Crop Black Trousers from Net-A-Porter with just about anything!
———–ESSENTIAL PICKS ——-
7 A Pair of Heels
As career girls in heels, we need heels which are practical, fashionable and make us feel great. If you’re looking for some fairly low and elegant heels opt for the Score Heels from ASOS, if patent or nude is your thing then Pacey Pointed Heels at ASOS are ideal for you, and if you’re a leopard print lover then ASOS Privilege Heels in Leopard Print will suit you perfectly.
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8 A Sophisticated Purse
The ideal purse is small enough to fit in your bag and big enough to fit all of your necessities in. Whether you’re mingling at an event or just spending another day at the office you’ll need enough room for business cards, money and your Starbucks loyalty card (what are we without our daily caffeine fix?) Splurge on the Zip Around Tree Purse from Mulberry or save on Topshop’s Snake Effect Zip Around Purse.
———–ESSENTIAL PICKS ——-
9 A Fitted Pencil Skirt
With Love From Kate
You cannot go wrong with a classic pencil skirt. If you’re pairing a plain black skirt with a bold print blouse then the ASOS Pencil Skirt in Black is perfect. Or for a more summery vibe pair the Iggy Midi Skirt by Revolve with a loose top and sandals.
———–ESSENTIAL PICKS ——-
10 A Basic Fitted Dress
A basic dress can be dressed up or down. Pair it with a blazer and heels or a super formal look or pair with a waistcoat, tights and boots for a less formal look. Mango seems to be the place to find basic office dresses, here are our favourites: Fitted Textured Dress, Houndstooth Dress, Tailored Dress in Grey.
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Need a waistcoat and coat! Love this list
http://www.littleblackshell.com
Okay! I own everything besides a sophisticated purse :) Therefore my workwear must be more complete as I thought before …
xx from Bavaria/Germany, Rena
http://www.dressedwithsoul.com
Such a helpful and spot on post! I’m still struggling to find the perfect button up shirt – fitted but with just the right amount of give, but not so loose it’s like you’ve worn your boyfriend’s shirt to work. Would love to see if you had any advice on that front!
xx, Jen
http://www.thatworkinglife.com
Thanks for the comment, Mango and French Connection usually have some good options! X
http://shop.mango.com/GB/p0/women/clothing/blouses-and-shirts/cotton-shirt/?id=51045536_01&n=1&s=prendas.blusas&ident=0__0_1440941147803&ts=1440941147803
http://www.frenchconnection.com/product/Woman+Collections+Tops/765ZV/Polly+Plains+Oversized+Pocket+Shirt.htm?clr=8c1432
Totally agree with all of these (event if I am not 20 yet)
Xoxo
http://fashionbackyard.blogspot.fr
I understand where this post is coming from, but my wardrobe is completely different (apart from coats – I love a great coat anytime). My work outfit is usually printed leggins (something like this: http://goo.gl/zzURuJ) and a smart top or a quirky dress, but then again, I do not work in a corporate world anymore. :) Having a freelance job changes so much in what you should/can do outfit wise.
Linda D. ❈ http://will-work-for-coffee.blogspot.co.uk/
Coats and jackets are something I’m seriously lacking!