A fabulous white shirt is the base for any wardrobe and is something that can be dressed up for work or dressed down for the weekend. The silhouette that you select should be reflective of your personal style.
If you have a more classic aesthetic, you may opt for simple, classic white shirt.
If your personal style is trendy, you may select a style that has a little more panache.
Another important wardrobe staple is a dark neutral pant (black or grey) that can be mixed with all of the pieces in your wardrobe. The style that you choose will depend not only on your personal style, but on your body type as well.
For a curvy shape, you may opt for a wide leg silhouette.
For a more athletic shape, a great skinny or straight leg pant is a great option.
I adore a great cardigan!! A cardigan is one of the more versatile pieces to have in your closet. It is also a great way to incorporate color or pattern into your wardrobe. A cardigan is a perfect transition piece that can add a pop of color as the seasons are changing.
A tailored, well made blazer is a great staple as well. It is best if it is in a neutral shade (black, navy, ivory or even denim) so that it can be mixed and matched with different colors and fabrics. It is definitely a piece that can take you from work to the weekend, depending on what you pair it with.
A sleek pencil skirt is a great piece that can be worn with a sweater, a blazer or a crisp shirt. It is a wardrobe element that looks great on all body types and is also a fabulous way to infuse color into your closet.
When building your work wardrobe, it is not just about the soft pieces, it is important to have great accessories as well! You should have a few statement pieces in your wardrobe that can take your look up a notch. A statement accessory is a great way to add color or texture to any outfit.
I adore a substantial statement necklace. It is a great way to add a pop of color to any ensemble and it is also a fabulous piece as you are transitioning to a new season and want to brighten up your look a bit!
Not everyone is a necklace person. Another option for infusing pattern or color into your wardrobe is a scarf!
A wonderful way to complete your wear- to- work look is a great tote. Select one that is both fashionable and functional. This is definitely a piece that you can spend a little more on, as it is something that you will carry with you every day!
No outfit is complete without a great shoe! I would recommend having at least one fabulous pump and one chic flat in your wardrobe.
A classic pump like this one can be paired with your little black dress or pencil skirt for the office and also can work with your skinny jeans when you are going out on the weekend.
A fabulous neutral flat is a great staple. And in my book, leopard is a neutral! It is a great way to bring pattern into your wardrobe!
Dressing for work does not mean having to abandon your personal style! Below, I have taken the same little black dress from dress designer, Donna Morgan, and have shown how the dress can be styled to reflect three individual styles. And you don't have to spend alot to do it. All of the looks below were put together for under $250!
cardigan- J.Crew , pump- Target, pearl necklace- Pinterest
blazer-J.Crew , scarf- J.Crew , flat- Target
blazer-Target, booties- Target, necklace- J.Crew
For more work wardrobe inspiration, visit our Work Wardrobe Essentials Pinterest Page.
About Beth Chapman:
BETH CHAPMAN, owner and fashion stylist, is a veteran of the retail industry. She spent 10 years working in the corporate office of Ann Taylor, where she served as a Vice President of Merchandising. Bethâs love of exquisite fabrics and feminine details, along with her sincere desire to create a memorable shopping experience for brides, compelled her to launch The White Dress by the shore, in 2004. Her expertise in fabrications and garment fit and her love of bridal couture, allow her to assist clients in selecting the perfect attire for their wedding. Recognized for her dedication to her business, family and community service, Beth was selected as one of the 5 finalists for the 2006 Connecticut Working Woman of the Year. Bethâs extraordinary fashion sense has led to her styling photo shoots throughout the world. She is co-author of The White Dress in Color, an inspirational coffee table book filled with photographs that celebrate the creative spirit through beautiful bridal stories and innovative planning tips from industry experts. Her styling work has also been seen in: Inside Weddings Magazine Grace Ormonde, La Bella Bride, BrideLIFE Magazine, BRIDES Magazine, WellWed Magazine, The Connecticut Bride, Bliss Celebrations, Gala Weddings, Southern New England Weddings Magazine, style me pretty and 100 Layer Cake, among others. Beth resides in Guilford, Connecticut with her husband Mark, her two children and their dog Pickles. To read more about her love of styling, visit The Musings of a Stylist
All images via Pinterest
xoxo, TWD