The Staples: How do I Start a New Work Wardrobe?

The Staples For Women at Work: How do I Start a New Wardrobe?

July 7, 2011 by Anna Runyan ·

Dear Classy Career Girl, I am hoping you can help me with a problem. I am returning to work after being on maternity leave for 4 months and realize I don’t have a thing that fits and haven’t bought any non-maternity sized work clothes in a year. I am essentially starting over with my wardrobe and out of tune with what is in fashion. Can you recommend some staple pieces I should buy to help start a new work wardrobe and how to accessorize them so it doesn’t look like I’m wearing the same 5 – 10 outfits over and over? - Out of Tune Working Mom

Dear Out of Tune Working Mom, Congratulations new mom! The thing that most people don’t realize is that you really don’t need much to have a great working wardrobe. Just a few staples to mix and match and you are good to go! I realized this after getting rid of half of my closet. The best part about storing less in your closet is that it is so much quicker to get ready in the morning!! Here are the 8 staples that you need for a great working wardrobe. These staples you can mix and match for an entire month without looking like you are wearing the same thing over and over:

1) The Black Blouse

2) The White blouse

3) The Simple Tee

4) The Trouser Pant

5) The Black Blazer

6) The Pencil skirt

7) The Tailored dress

8 ) The Cardigan

Hope this helps!I try not to accessorize too much at work because I have heard that men find it distracting when women are wearing big earings and chunky necklaces (and I work with all men..) But, I do think there are simple things you can do to make these outfits look very different every day. To change things up – try wearing a scarf or a blazer over your favorite weekend shirt. Wear open toed shoes (if appropriate in your office), different color necklaces or different purses to give your outfits different looks.

-Classy Career Girl

Do you have a question for me? Leave a comment here, email me at anna@classycareergirl.com, send me a message on twitter @classycareer or comment on my Facebook page. I answer every email and will never share your name (unless you want me to:)

Comments

Lape says:

July 7, 2011 at 8:35 am

Hi Anna,
I love seeing what other people wear to work. I work in a creative industry so I can wear (almost) anything at work. I smiled when I read the part in your post about not accessorising much because accessories are big in my industry; giant earrings, bracelets and necklaces – they're all acceptable here. I guess what to wear to work depends a lot on the industry you work in.

Classy Career Girl says:

July 7, 2011 at 6:46 pm

Lape- That is so fun that accessories are big in your industry. I would love to wear big necklaces and earings to work…maybe someday! Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment. That is a great addition that it very much depends on the industry that you are in.

ashleycray says:

July 7, 2011 at 11:24 pm

I would love to be in an industry where I could accessorize, but I too refrain due to the ratio of men to women. I love this post though! With the staples you can easily mix and match. It's just a matter of finding the staples that I have troubles with. I would just have to add 1 thing: Classy pair of comfy black heels no higher than 3inches Thanks for the post! I am loving your bloggy!

Gloria Buono-Daly says:

August 8, 2011 at 7:52 pm

Great article and very helpful. Who doesn't need help with their wardrobe?