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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.

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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)

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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.

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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.

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Striped Satin Twill No Pocket City Shirt By Express

Express: Striped Satin Twill No Pocket City Shirt $59.90 

Tank Tops (for under blouses)

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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!

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Amie Waterfall Cardigan

Bobeau: Amie Waterfall Cardigan – $58

Dress Pants

Simple, and classic.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Lexa Pebbled Leather Tote

Nordstrom: Lexa Pebbled Leather Tote – $159

Dresses

Throw on a blazer and go!

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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

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