Wore a new outfit to work today - got lots of compliments :) I'll post a picture asap, and I gotta say, this is probably one of my top three favorite outfits! It's comfy and cute, definitely attractive and flattering without being overly sexual. Learning how to dress attractively but not sexually is really the key to designing a winning wardrobe for working in a professional environment. Your clothes and your actions say much more about you than your words, *especially* the first few times people meet you. Most people form the context from which they will judge you within the first time or two that they meet you, so be sure that you're dressing to who you want to be seen as.

When you're putting together a wardrobe for a professional, office type environment, there are a few steps and guidelines I would recommend following to ensure you won't have to run out in three months and repeat the process!

(And bear in mind, that while this advice is written primarily as guidelines for building a wardrobe for a new job, this advice can also help you re-vamp your current wardrobe if you are already working in an office and your clothes are starting to feel a bit blah and last year!)

1. Do your homework.

The first thing you'll want to do is familiarize yourself with the dress code. This may seem like a dumb thing to point out, but you want to make sure that you've read the dress code and remember at least the key points before you go shopping - trust me, you'll be pretty ticked if you come into work the next day and the shoes you just dropped $$$ on aren't allowed in your office! Keep in mind that every employer's idea of what constitutes professional dress will be different. Don't just automatically assume that business casual means the same thing to your new employer that it did to your last one.

The next thing, which isn't exactly required but highly recommended, is to ask your supervisor/manager if there are any plans in the works to modify or change the dress code. Again, it would really suck to go out and buy a completely new wardrobe just to find out that half of it won't be considered appropriate next week.

I would also advise watching (not stalking or staring) a few of the current employees. Pay attention to their style of dress, hair and make up, and their demeanor. Do they dress conservatively and work like they're in a library most of the day, or are they a more lively, colorful bunch? The idea here isn't to blend into the scenery, but to look like you belong there. There is an appropriate time and place to show off your immense talents, but sporting blue hair to the board meeting is definitely NOT the way to get the kind of attention you want from your superiors.

2. Go shopping!

First off, as with any shopping trip, make a budget - and plan to stick to it! Take cash, or a friend who understands and will help enforce your budget goal. You don't want to bankrupt yourself just because you want a fancy new wardrobe for your awesome new job. You might be bored with your current closet selection, but most of us have the basics already.

Which leads us to our next point: shop your closet! Button down shirts, turtlenecks and sweaters, heels, pumps and boots you already own can form the basis of your new work wardrobe. This will allow you to spend more on the key pieces that make the outfit.

If you feel that your closet is really seriously lacking, below is a list of things you probably already have that you can incorporate into your new look. Make sure you check that list before you head out the door to the mall!

Next, check magazines and the internet for the look you want. That way when you hit up the shops, you already have a general idea of what you're looking for and you don't end up wandering aimlessly for hours. You'll probably end up with a few great things... but will any of them match??? The key to your shopping trip is knowing what you're looking for.

Below, there is another list of classic items that I would advise for a professional wardrobe. The key to making your outfits seem fresh and new every day is mixing and matching. Get tops that match at least 2-3 different bottoms, and the same with shoes and purses. If possible, I recommend starting off with at least ten outfits. That may seem like a huge number, but if you have one pair of pants that goes with five shirts, that counts as five outfits!

Advice on Pants & Skirts
If you're low on cash, I would recommend at least getting one pair of black and one pair of brown slacks. Most of your tops will still cross-match, and this allows you color variation from day to day at least. If you're able to, also go for (in this order): a black skirt, gray pants, and taupe pants. Make sure you get a couple solids and couple patterns, like plaid and pin stripes.

Advice on Tops
As I said above, try to make sure your tops match at least two pairs of pants. If you're able to get four pairs of pants (black, grey, brown and taupe) this shouldn't be too difficult. If you find a top you're absolutely dying for, but it only matches one pair of pants, that's fine - don't deny yourself something you know you want, because you'll just end up regretting not getting it. If you genuinely love it, and you're actually going to wear it, go ahead and get it.

This may go without saying, but I'm going to say it nonetheless: the purpose of your new wardrobe is to look professional and well-dressed - not like a high class prostitute. While I have all the respect in the world for women of that profession, if it's not yours you shouldn't dress like it! But at the same time, that doesn't mean you should wear a bag to work. Find clothes that are cut to flatter your figure without revealing too much. Anything skin tight, low-cut, sleeveless, too short, etc. should be dismissed out of hand as part of your new work wardrobe. If you have money left over in your budget after you've acquired at least ten outfits (remember, things should be interchangeable), then go back and get it.

The Shoes
Start with the basics - one pair of sensible black shoes & one pair pair of sensible brown shoes. Work your way up from there. Some things to eventually include would be a wider array of color (just make sure you're getting shoes that will actually match your clothes) and a pair of boots in black and one in brown (NOT Ugz or rubber rain boots). When you're working in a professional setting, keep heels under four inches, avoid platforms over a couple of inches (especially if they have goldfish in them), and remember that flip flops are typically a huge no-no, regardless of whether or not your employer's dress code spells it out for you. And while your ballerina shoes might be super cute and comfy, they aren't usually considered to be professional attire unless they have a hard sole (so more like a Mary Jane than a ballerina flat).

Another good rule to follow: if you can't walk in it, or if it hurts so badly you don't want to walk in it, don't buy it. The shoes will sit in your closet and collect dust and your money will have been wasted, no matter how cute the shoes are. Beyond that, refer to your employer's dress code for specifics on rules about shoes.

Purses & handbags
Personally, I think it would be a pain to switch purses every single day. I would recommend having one that goes with as much as possible; or two that cover everything, such as one black and one brown. However, if you don't mind the hassle, switching up your purse can be an easy way to add a new touch to an older outfit. The purse you take to work with you should be as clean and professional looking as the rest of your clothing. It's still a part of your outfit and should be treated as such. You don't need to drop $$ on designer handbags, but I would recommend investing in a couple sturdy but classy ones that will last a long time and still be stylish next season.

Accessorizing
The most important thing here is not to overdo it. Accessories are another quick and easy way to freshen up a wardrobe you're getting bored with. Big necklaces are very much in right now, just make sure you don't overdo it on earrings and bracelets if you're statement piece is on your neck, and vice versa. If you clank and cling when you move your arms or your head, you're probably wearing too much jewelry, but a little jingle is okay.

Something else to keep in mind is that if your belt loops are showing, you should be wearing a belt (typically one that matches your shoes/pants). Your belt should be simple and tasteful. I would advise having at least one black and one brown belt.

Colorful, printed scarves help add color to an outfit that may otherwise seem a little lifeless. But again, keep it low key and don't go for anything too bright (i.e. neon yellow or hot pink). You should look like you're going to your office, not a rave (they're also great for covering up the hickies your lover gave you the night before ;) ).


So there are the basics of building a professional wardrobe. Below are those lists that I mentioned to help you get started on your shopping list. Any item that appears on both lists will be marked with an asterisk (*), and the must-have's I mentioned will be marked with a plus sign (+). Feel free to email me or comment if you have any feedback, comments, questions or if you need some more individualized advice :)

Things You Probably Already Own:
1. White button down*
2. Black slacks*
3. Heels and/or pumps (provided they meet the above guidelines)*
4. Turtlenecks
5. Sweaters
6. Cami's & t-shirts (for layering under other shirts)*
7. Boots (black and/or brown)*
8. Black tights*
9. A classy, neutral handbag*
10. Two belts: one black, one brown*

Things You Ought to Get (assuming you don't have them already):
1. White button down*+
2. Slacks: minimum two pairs, one black and one brown*+
3. Heels and/or pumps (provided they meet the above guidelines)*+
4. Cami's & t-shirts (for layering under other shirts)*+
5. Boots (black and/or brown)*
6. Additional slacks: taupe & gray
7. Skirts: black & brown
8. Cardigans
9. Polos
10. Sensible flats (try to go for a neutral color that will match anything, for the days your feet are aching)
11. More button downs, in several different colors
12. Black blazer
13. A nice heavy coat (think wool or leather - not your ski parka)+
14. A few nice blouses (I like the billowy ones that are all over right now - they're the perfect fit for the office but still cute and trendy enough to wear them out after work)+
15. Black tights*
16. A classy, neutral handbag*+
17. Two belts: one black, one brown*+
18. Classy, coordinating accessories for each outfit+
19. A few lively scarves
20. A heavy sweater (preferably neutral and with a full zip, in case it's cold in your office.)

(This article will soon be available in the Figure It Out section, under the Articles & Advice link. You will also be able to see photos of example outfits and recommended items in the Fashion Galleries section under the Career subheading.)

Labels: clothes, clothing, dress code, fashion, interview, new job, office, outfits, professional, wardrobe, work