Top 10 Working Wardrobe Essentials for Autumn!
By Wendy M.
Head Stylist, Smitten With Style
www.smittenwithstyle.com
wendy@smittenwithstyle.com
Let’s talk about basics. Not business basics, but wardrobe basics.
While looking and shopping for basics can be dull, they are absolutely essential as the foundation of a great wardrobe. You will be able to mix and match and thus get more mileage from your shopping dollar. In fact, I believe that if you choose the right pieces, you can get away without buying a single suit, while still looking highly professional in the office!
Once you get the basics right, you’ll then find it much easier to extend in to statement pieces for each season. More importantly, you will find getting dressed for work in the mornings so much simpler and quicker!
- 1. The tailored shift dress
An easy, no fuss option. Just zip-up for instant office chic. A simple, clean silhouette in charcoal or black will make you look smart and professional. Ensure the dress has a sleeve so you can wear it on its own in summer, or with a jacket or cardi for winter.
Most body shapes will suit a dress that is fairly structured and tailored. A scoop or V-neck will also suit most women.
- 2. A classic skirt
A black pencil skirt with no embellishment is the most classic option that won’t date. Pick one that sits comfortably on or just below your waist, and you’ll be able to tuck a blouse in to it or leave a more fitted top untucked, (skirts that sit on the hips are more difficult to tuck).
If you are heavier in the hips, choose a straighter skirt or a soft A-line.
- 3. Tailored trousers
A stylish pair of trousers is key for any Autumn working wardrobe. Look for a pair that sits closer to or on your hips and hugs and flatters from the waist band to mid bum (or all around if you have a nice bum!), with a classic straight drop from the hips downwards.
If your office is a little less conservative and you have the body for it, you could dabble in a skinny or tapered leg. For most women I would advise staying away from anything to wide legged unless you are super tall.
I have a personal preference for a really really dark charcoal over black but either colour would work well.
- 4. A feminine blouse
Surprised the good old classic white shirt isn’t on this list?
I find blouses prettier, softer and more feminine. Select one in silk or satin to really make your outfit look really smart. A cream or off-white blouse will look fresh with any jacket or cardi, and works beautifully with both charcoal or black trousers/skirt.
Tip: if you do like the tailored appeal of a shirt, there are now brands cutting shirts to suit different cup sizes! No more gaping!
- 5. A feminine blouse (no 2)
You will need at least a 2nd blouse (or shirt) in a colour to help extend the outfit options that you can create from your essentials. Jewel colours such as emeralds, rubies or sapphire blues always work well with black or charcoal for the cooler season, as will ink navy and burnt oranges.
- 6. A blazer
A great blazer pulls your outfits together. Choose a black, fitted blazer that isn’t too long, which will match all your black or charcoal bottoms, and set off your blouses beautifully.
- 7. A knit cardi
Most work places don’t require full jacket / skirt combinations nowadays, so the cardi has become a very popular option. Black will give you the most versatility, just make sure it is fitted, preferably with a ¾ sleeve and do ensure you buy a new one the minute it starts to pill and look ratty.
- 8. A range of cami’s
Pop a cami under a jacket or cardi and voila! You have a new outfit. Get a few fitted camis that sit well under a jacket, in a range of eye popping colours. You can update these every season as colour trends change.
Tip: A nude coloured cami is also handy to have for under sheer tops.
- 9. The jersey dress
For days when you can’t bear the thought of tucking another blouse in to your skirt or trousers! A jersey dress is comfortable and effortless. Be aware though that it is more relaxed, so it may not be appropriate for every day.
10. Accessories
You’ll need at least 3 really unique necklaces that have enough chunk to them to make your outfits look different, preferably featuring strong colours so that they stand out against the sea of black and charcoal. If you aren’t a necklace person, adopt another accessory such as scarves.
You’ll also need a few quality pairs of truly opaque, plain black tights.
To finish off your look, invest in two belts – one to belt around the skirt and the other the belt around your trousers (you may only need one belt if you can get away with it for both skirts and trousers).
Finally, do invest in some quality shoes. Shoes can say so much about your professionalism and can make your outfit look like a million bucks, or just a dollar. So choose a classic pair that you can walk in with a mid-heel. If you can’t wear heels all day, keep another polished looking pair of flats under your desk and swap them as you need to – that way you’ll never get caught out without that perfect pair of heels to complete your look.
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Smitten With Style is a leading corporate and personal stylist who works with corporations and individual clients to best represent themselves through their dress and grooming. With over 500 clients, it is their aim for men and women to dress and look confident at all times, whether at the workplace or at play.