fbpx
21 Must-Have Staples For a Professional Outfit

I always had a hard time figuring out what to wear to work and creating the perfect professional outfit each day. I worked in corporate consulting for 8 years, and it was male-dominated, so I had to look professional but I didn’t want to distract from my work product. I wanted my outfits to display confidence and show I was highly organized. I gave a lot of client presentations every day, so I had to look my best daily.

Note: This professional wardrobe may not be for everyone’s work environment or style, but this worked for me. I wish I had an outfit plan when I first started rather than spending 8 years until I finally felt like I had a good closet to work from.

Then, I quit my day job and now work from home in my pajamas but, oh well. I still love dressing up and if I had to go into the office this is what I would wear!

21 Must-Have Staples For a Perfect Professional Outfit

Blazer 

This is the perfect basic piece to dress up any outfit, from dresses to pretty tops.

SHOP IT
Classic Ponte-Knit Blazer for Women
Old Navy (black): Classic Ponte-Knit Blazer for Women – $44.99 
solid open front blazer
Maurices (pink): Solid Open Front Blazer – $29 

Shell Blouses ( for underneath the blazer)

SHOP IT

RUFFLE HENLEY SHELL

Loft (white): Ruffle Henley Shell – $49.50

HEART RUFFLE HENLEY SHELL

Loft (pink): Heart Ruffle Henley Shell – $54.50

Long Sleeve Blouse

For pairing with a skirt or dress pants.

SHOP IT

DOTTED UTILITY BLOUSE

Loft: Dotted Utility Blouse – $59.50

Button Up Shirt

The wide strips on this button up are just a little bit different, without being too trendy or flashy.

SHOP IT

Striped Satin Twill No Pocket City Shirt By Express

Express: Striped Satin Twill No Pocket City Shirt $59.90 

Tank Tops (for under blouses)

SHOP IT

Best Loved Bra Cami - Black

Express (black): Best Loved Bra Cami – $19.90

Best Loved Bra Cami - Naked

Express: Best Loved Bra Cami – $19.90

Cardigan

Get this cardigan in multiple colors, it’s comfortable and so soft!

SHOP IT

Amie Waterfall Cardigan

Bobeau: Amie Waterfall Cardigan – $58

Dress Pants

Simple, and classic.

SHOP IT

Mid-Rise Straight Trousers for Women

Old Navy (navy): Mid-Rise Straight Trousers for Women – $14.97

Mid Rise Barely Boot Columnist Pant

Express (gray): Mid Rise Barely Boot Columnist Pant – $79.90

Heels 

Add on in each color to your professional wardrobe, and you’ll match with any outfit!

SHOP IT

Hazel Pointy Toe Pump

Nordstrom (nude): Hazel Pointy Toe Pump $59.96–$139.95

Galaodia black shoes

Aldo (black): Galaodia – Sale Price $44.98

Pencil Skirt 

Classic and flattering on everyone.

SHOP IT

ESSENTIAL PENCIL SKIRT

White House Black Market: Essential Pencil Skirt – $89

Matching Pants and Blazer

This is your interview/important meeting outfit. Add a blouse or button-down, and you are good to go.

SHOP IT

Zara Suit

Zara Blazer: Checked Cigarette Pants – $29.90

Zara Pants: Plaid Blazer – $49.90

Minimal Necklace 

This adds just a little touch of something extra to any outfit.

SHOP IT

Stella Necklace

Etsy: Stella Necklace – $34

Work Tote 

I love this size, it can fit a small laptop or tablet, your planner, and whatever else you need. The simple design means it will go well with just about any outfit.

SHOP IT

Lexa Pebbled Leather Tote

Nordstrom: Lexa Pebbled Leather Tote – $159

Dresses

Throw on a blazer and go!

SHOP IT

BOW-BACK SWEATER KNIT SHIFT DRESS

White House Black Market (nude): Bow-back Sweater Knit Shift Dress

STRIPED TIE CUFF SWEATER DRESS

Loft (black): Striped Tie Cuff Sweater Dress – $89.50

Hi, I'm Anna!

I’ll help you create a career strategy and plan so you can finally have a job or business you love that supports the life you really want.

Learn More

You might also like…

Career Coach Income: The Path to $10K Months as a Career Coach

Career Coach Income: The Path to $10K Months as a Career Coach

Career Coach Income: The Path to $10K Months as a Career Coach As a career coach, your focus is guiding clients to their dream jobs, but are you maximizing your own income potential? If you're struggling with inconsistent revenue and want a thriving, profitable...

Mindset Mastery for Career Coaches

Mindset Mastery for Career Coaches

Mindset Mastery for Career Coaches Are you a career coach with big dreams of turning your passion into a thriving business? The transition from a steady paycheck to entrepreneurship is thrilling, yet the path can feel littered with obstacles. Self-doubt, inconsistent...

Meet Caitie Barber: The Tech Career Coach Who’s Changing Lives

Meet Caitie Barber: The Tech Career Coach Who’s Changing Lives

Meet Caitie Barber: The Tech Career Coach Who's Changing Lives I'm so excited about today's post. I'm bringing back one of my favorite guests, the incredible Caitie Barber. If you missed her the first time, she's an amazing tech career coach specializing in helping...

90 Day Planner