How To Build The Perfect Work Wardrobe
Making a good impression in the workplace is critical to your career development, and let’s face it, your personal appearance plays a part in a person’s perception of you. LinkedIn recently issued a study that revealed the New Norms @ Work, and the way we present ourselves and our professional brand is a hot topic—particularly in the area of dressing the part at work. A “new norm” that stood out to me: Nearly one in 10 workers in the US are spending as much time getting ready for work as they do for a night out. Since pulling together a stylish and professional ensemble can sometimes feel overwhelming, here are some important hero pieces every woman should have in her closet.
Your Mission: Make A Statement, Subtly
Present yourself in a way that does not distract others— you want to grab your colleagues’ attention with your sophistication and intelligence, not a flashy outfit. Keep it classic, nothing too trendy or polarizing, and let your style come through with a couple of carefully selected accessories. A beautiful outfit can make you feel empowered, increasing your confidence and enabling you to act like a leader in your company. In short: It’s worth the effort.
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A Perfect Office Trouser
From left to right: Marcella pant, $325; Germain pant, $295.
I love the Marcella cropped pant from my collection as an update to a traditional office trouser. With its crisp pleated detailing and modern wide leg silhouette, it’s polished without being uptight. If your office is more casual, a slouchy trouser feels relaxed. For women who work in a conservative environment, try the Germain pant from my collection with a silk blouse or poplin button-up, tucked in. Complete the look with a structured blazer for a head-to-toe power ensemble.
Boss-Worthy Blouses
From left to right: Rachel Zoe Lane v-neck blouse, $275; Rachel Zoe Joya silk blouse, $345.
From a French blue button-up to a silk, kimono-sleeve blouse, there are many gorgeous shirting options for the workplace. In general, choose something soft and subtle, stick to a classic colors, and always aim for pieces that fit well and are comfortable. Avoid prints and embellishments that are distracting or flashy and never show too much skin. If your look feels basic, add a necklace or scarf for an element of interest. This advice also applies to selecting an outfit for your professional portrait or LinkedIn profile photo.
The Hero 9-to-5 Dress
From left to right: Rachel Zoe Stewart tweed dress, $395; Rachel Zoe Luke dress, $355.
If your place of employment is casual, a shift dress (or several) is a must-have—it doesn’t cling or show too much skin. The Stewart tweed dress from my collection is a go-to for work meetings and lunches and pairs perfectly with black tights and ballet flats in the winter. For a more sartorial pairing, I love the Luke dress with its proper Peter Pan collar and lace cuffs—wear it with leather oxfords and a structured satchel bag in the spring.
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Personal Accessories
From left to right: Rachel Zoe Gavriel Hexagon bangles, $175; Rachel Zoe Gavriel hinged ID bracelet, $125; Rachel Zoe Mia station necklace, $195.
Your work style speaks to who you are just as much as any off-duty look does. According to LinkedIn research, more than half of professionals keep dual wardrobes, one for work and one for play. However I recommend investing in functional, crossover pieces that can go from day to night. Use your accessories as an opportunity to express your personal style. Limit yourself to one or two pieces and keep jewelry minimal. (I can’t believe I’m saying that, but it’s true!) You don’t want your accessories to compete with your outfit or make lots of noise as you’re walking around the office. I love an oversized gold bangle—it’s glamorous but still professional.
Professional Pumps
Carina pump in black, $295.
A classic pump in a neutral color is the best way to go when it comes to looking professional. Be mindful of the heel height, as your shoes should always be comfortable enough to stand in all day. Save anything over five inches for date night. Make sure your shoes are always polished and cared for. If you’re going to splurge on something in your office wardrobe, make it a pair of well-made heels.
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Tailored Pieces
Rachel Zoe Clarissa grommet jacket, $495.
A great black or navy blazer and a pair of coordinating trousers are no-brainers, even if you don’t usually wear them together. They’ll work hard for you so make sure you get these pieces tailored to fit you perfectly. Personally, I love a double-breasted blazer with the sleeves pushed up and a silk blouse underneath. For pants, pick a silhouette that works with your shape. That said, a wide-legged pant looks great on anyone. If you work in a creative industry like fashion, advertising or graphic design, take the liberty to push the boundaries and swap out your classic blazer for the Clarissa grommet jacket from my collection. The gold-chain detailing is an easy way to accessorize your look and can take you from desk to dinner with ease.
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Mining & Metals Professional
9 年Really give it up, I cloth myself cheaper than everyone, my blazer is my camel?!
Fashion Stylist / Set Decorator
9 年Your prices are too expensive and unrealistic, for the average person.... i can purchase these items at off brand stores for pennies compared to your prizes..... I'd be paying your bills not mine.
Digital Project Management | Social Media | Email Marketing | Digital Content Management | SEO/SEM
9 年Always good to remember the foundational basics, and then adapt from there. As a business owner in a creative field (web design) I have to straddle the line between top corporate professional and outside of the box creative. I do that by pairing basic wardrobe pieces like those described above with unusual one-of-a-kind pieces of jewelery and creative manicures. There's a line between not being distracting (from the article) and being ignored. When you are working for yourself, you can't be afraid to get noticed!
ALLIED HEALTH
9 年i usually like my work outfit to have an accessory as in a brooch or a necklace, beads preferably.
Marketing Measurement + Analytics @ AB inBev | Marketing Analytics
9 年My go to work outfit would be a dress. It's easy to just throw on in the morning with an accessory and I can add a blazer for a more professional look.