Dress Like a Boss, Even If You’re Not One (Yet)
The first few years after college are rough on your closet. You’re transitioning to your first real job and you have to create an entirely new wardrobe that doesn’t consist of sweatpants. Amassing a solid set of work clothes is especially tricky if you’re in a conservative industry, since you can’t pass off your weekend clothes as your weekday ones. But as you rise up in the ranks, you can’t rely solely on that trusty black suit you wore while interviewing. Looking professional and pulled together is an important part of the job.
To help you get ahead, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide to buying work clothes. From blouses to skirts to bags, every piece in this capsule wardrobe matches perfectly. Just pull a dress, a blazer, and a pair of heels, and you’re good to go. You definitely don’t need to buy everything — look at what you already own and use this to fill in the gaps. Click ahead and dress like the boss you already are.
A Perfectly Tailored Sheath Dress If you don't already own a classic black sheath, this version by French Connection is a great option to wear un...
A Perfectly Tailored Sheath Dress If you don't already own a classic black sheath, this version by French Connection is a great option to wear under a blazer. And if you'd rather incorporate some color into your day-to-day, Goat's elegant red version is a great investment while J.Crew's cobalt dress is bright without being distracting.
A Chic, Comfortable A-Line Dress Should sheath dresses feel too constricting, an A-line silhouette lets you move with ease. Tory Burch's subtle p...
A Chic, Comfortable A-Line Dress Should sheath dresses feel too constricting, an A-line silhouette lets you move with ease. Tory Burch's subtle pattern is a nice way to mix things up while Theory's mock-neck black dress can pull double duty as a sophisticated evening option.
Another Suit in Your Rotation Given how expensive suits are, you don't have to ditch your black one from college if it fits well, but having a fe...
Another Suit in Your Rotation Given how expensive suits are, you don't have to ditch your black one from college if it fits well, but having a few in your rotation is especially smart. Reiss's classic black option features a slim trouser while & Other Stories' double-breasted style has delicate pinstripes for a menswear feel.
Plenty of Blouses Here's the one piece you should stock up on. If you'd like to go the inexpensive route, Uniqlo's version is virtually wrinkle-p...
Plenty of Blouses Here's the one piece you should stock up on. If you'd like to go the inexpensive route, Uniqlo's version is virtually wrinkle-proof. And if you'd rather invest in a few great ones, Frame Denim's is made from a beautiful silk that looks especially great with the sleeves rolled up.
A Sleek Pencil Skirt MM.Lafleur makes a very forgiving one from jersey that works with multiple body types while Topshop's midi version is a way ...
A Sleek Pencil Skirt MM.Lafleur makes a very forgiving one from jersey that works with multiple body types while Topshop's midi version is a way to add a creative touch to any outfit.
Tailored Pants You probably own an array of neutral pants, so try mixing in other colors and silhouettes, like Uniqlo's olive pair or Whistle's n...
Tailored Pants You probably own an array of neutral pants, so try mixing in other colors and silhouettes, like Uniqlo's olive pair or Whistle's navy culottes.
A Sophisticated A-Line Skirt Much like the A-line dress, if you'd rather wear something with more room to move than a pencil skirt, you'll want t...
A Sophisticated A-Line Skirt Much like the A-line dress, if you'd rather wear something with more room to move than a pencil skirt, you'll want to have a few A-line skirts. Tibi's heavyweight wool version will work well into the fall while COS has a lightweight cotton style that can handle hot summer days.
A Blazer You Can Throw Over Anything You can splurge on a blazer with a subtle detail like this Rag & Bone micro dot, but if you're looking t...
A Blazer You Can Throw Over Anything You can splurge on a blazer with a subtle detail like this Rag & Bone micro dot, but if you're looking to get something on discount, here's where you can save money. This Stella McCartney houndstooth style is 70 percent off the retail price while Vanessa Bruno's sleek black option and Helmut Lang's white wrap style are both over 50 percent off.
A Well-Fitting Bra Get a few seamless styles in nude and black and you'll be set for the week.
Professional Underwear Want a pair of seamless undies that will suck you in? Get Commando's classic high-rise panty. More of a thong person? Find...
Professional Underwear Want a pair of seamless undies that will suck you in? Get Commando's classic high-rise panty. More of a thong person? Find a good nude option. And should you want something comfy that can wick away sweat, Under Armour's sheer Cheeky is not just for working out.
A Solid Work Bag Everlane's tote is a solid, real-leather style that will hold all your stuff while looking great. If you'd rather spend less, AS...
A Solid Work Bag Everlane's tote is a solid, real-leather style that will hold all your stuff while looking great. If you'd rather spend less, ASOS's structured style can pass for a much more expensive brand. And for all of your post-work events, this Zara clutch adds a chic touch to any evening outfit.
Subtle Accessories You can't exactly get away with giant statement jewelry, but this Miansai bracelet and the Haute Pursuit's gold hoops are quie...
Subtle Accessories You can't exactly get away with giant statement jewelry, but this Miansai bracelet and the Haute Pursuit's gold hoops are quiet enough to add a special touch to your outfit without being distracting. And if you prefer to wear your hair pulled back from your face, Sylvain Le Hen's gold clip is an upgrade from your sad black hair tie.
Shoes That Aren't Black Pumps It's easy to default to classic black heels every day but don't fall into that rut. You can try a stacked mule duri...
Shoes That Aren't Black Pumps It's easy to default to classic black heels every day but don't fall into that rut. You can try a stacked mule during the summer or be comfy in sleek flats.
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