Six Must-Haves to Build Your Office Wardrobe

When getting dressed for work, we want it to be quick without spending too much time thinking about putting outfits together.  A great office wardrobe is one where most things in your wardrobe can be easily put together to create outfits easily and you can mix some of that with your weekend/casual wear or something that takes you from day to night.

When my female clients book me for a Personal Shopping Trip to update their work wardrobe, I include a few must-have items in the shopping list if they don't have them already. So here are my 5 must-haves for your office wardrobe. 

1. Blazer

A timeless blazer takes a high priority in my wardrobe. A blazer can elevate any outfit to the next level. You can add a blazer during the week for a more professional look. Or you can wear it with your jeans and a t-shirt for a smart casual look if your workplace has a relaxed dress code. Pair your blazer with heels, ankle boots or white leather sneakers for a 'dress for the day' at your office.

A blazer is one of my go-to things when I'm not sure what to wear and if you follow me on social media you know it's one of my signature looks (pre-lockdowns of course!).

There are different blazers styles and you need to pick the ones that suit your body type. If you are more top-heavy, I recommend a blazer with smaller or no lapel and single-breasted blazers. Opt for a double-breasted blazer for those who are triangle shape where the widest part of your body is your hips with/and smaller upper body.

When choosing a colour for your blazer, go for one that goes with most things in your wardrobe. 

2. Black or Navy pants

Black or Navy pants are a no-brainer! They are just one of those things that we have to have in a wardrobe because they are so versatile. Invest in well-made pants in quality fabric because you will wear them in high rotation.

Pay attention to the leg style (slim, cigarette, wide-leg etc) if you'd like to dress for your shape. For example, if you are inverted triangle shape, the best style is slim or wide-leg pants (rather than skinny) to balance the bottom part of the body with your broad shoulders.

3. White Shirt or a Blouse

There is just something about a crisp white top that elevates an outfit. I love shirts that are slightly fitted to wear to work. In my book, a white shirt or a top are as essential as a pair of black pants in your wardrobe.

4. Dresses and/or Skirts

While some women feel comfortable wearing dresses and skirts, others prefer to wear one or the other. Go with whatever you feel comfortable with it as they add more variety to your office wardrobe.

The right dress or skirt is an excellent substitute for those occasions when you need to wear a suit if suits aren't something you often wear. Wear your dresses or your skirts with a classic blazer to the meeting that you need to dress a little more formally, 

Pay attention to the cut and print when choosing your pieces to suit your shape and style. 

Read 4 Office Outfit Ideas in Winter to learn how you can wear dresses and skirts in winter.

5. Nude shoes

I'm a sucker for nude shoes - in all the different styles! Nude shoes go with everything, and they elongate your legs.

We all have different skin complexions, so choose the colour closest to your skin. 

6. Accessories

Sometimes we don't pay enough attention to the accessories like bags and jewellery as we should. They are subtle items, but they complete the look.  If you get them wrong, your whole outfit can look wrong.