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When I first started my office job, I had almost NOTHING to wear. I had maybe three or four outfits I could put together that I acquired from doing a weekly internship. Building a whole work wardrobe isn’t cheap, and it isn’t easy. Now don’t get too stressed out and blow your entire bank account on a massive shopping trip trying to find something to wear for work. It’s important to build a new workwear wardrobe by starting with the essentials, basics, and neutrals. So, to help you start building your office wardrobe, I made a list of 11 Business Casual Wardrobe Essentials you need first.
Once you have all of your basics, you can start to work on a capsule wardrobe. A capsule wardrobe is a collection of mixable, versatile, and timeless items, with a few seasonal pieces. If you are interested in learning How to Build a Business Casual Capsule Wardrobe or need some inspiration, check out my post!
1. A pair of black and nude pointed-toe pumps
Firstly, you can never go wrong with a classic pair of black or nude pointed-toe heels. It can make any outfit look classy, chic, and most importantly, professional.
2. A black pencil skirt
Wearing a basic pencil skirt can add a little femininity to any simple look. Old Navy also has pencil skirts, as well, for great prices.
3. Black slacks
A pair of black slacks is a staple in all workwear attire. Old Navy has black pants for excellent prices, along with many other colors and patterns. Old Navy online also carries petite, tall, and plus sizes! I’ve also found good sales on pants in Macy’s.
4. A sheath dress
Are you getting tired of me talking about Old Navy yet? Well, I can never get tired of the reasonable prices in a store that carries petite sizes, therefore, I’m going to keep talking about them! Old Navy has some beautifully simple and classic sheath dresses to add to your workwear collection.
5. A white button-up long-sleeve and short- sleeve blouse
A crisp white button-up blouse is something that all women should have in their wardrobe. If you own at least one long sleeve and one short-sleeve button-up shirt, you can style it in so many ways and create many cute looks.
I like to have both in order to wear the short sleeve button up on its own in the summer months and the long sleeve to wear either on its own or layered with a sweater in winter months.
6. A neutral-colored blazer or cardigan
A neutral color blazer or cardigan to style any outfit is a must. I picked up this lovely blazer in black from Kohl’s in the junior section. Most of my cardigans I find at H&M and Target.
7. A pair of black and nude flats
Trust me when I say you are going to want a pair of black and nude flats to slip on when you are wearing your heels all day. I found these adorable pair of black pointed ballet flats from Walmart for only $9.99.
8. A timeless trench or pea coat
A timeless, neutral-colored trench or pea coat for the fall and winter months is a necessity. They keep you warm and perfectly polishes any outfit. You’ll look classy, chic and elegant.
9. Cropped tank tops
You’re definitely going to need some tank tops and cami’s to wear under your blouse. I prefer cropped tank tops because they don’t get bunchy under my blouse, especially when I need to tuck my top into my pants or skirt. I get these cropped tanks from Target for only $2.99.
10. A few t-shirts or long-sleeve shirts
Long-sleeve and short-sleeve T-shirts are a staple because they’re cheap, easy to find, comfortable, and easy to style. Grab a few t-shirts in a few different colors and layer them with a cardigan or blazer and you have a super simple and chic outfit! I usually like to style my T-shirts with paper-bag or tie-belt pants. I get most of my T-shirts from Walmart.
11. A work tote bag
Of course, you’ll need a work tote bag to carry all of your daily work essentials. I found this beautiful tote bag on Amazon. I love the colors, the size is perfect and the quality is great and sturdy. Target also carries a lot of tote bags perfect for work!
Once you have these 11 business casual wardrobe essentials, you can start working in some key/ statement pieces slowly.
If you don’t want your essential wardrobe to be too basic, instead of using neutrals like black or navy blue. You can find other neutral colors such as white, gray, olive, or burgundy.
Don’t forget to incorporate at least one statement piece while you’re shopping for your basics, and make your wardrobe personal to your style! Comment below what is your absolute favorite statement piece?
This is such a good round-up. I’ve luckily never worked in a very formal office, but whenever it comes to businesswear for conferences, interviews, or events I always start to realize that my business clothes are lacking. x
Jess | @byjessicalillian
Thank you! It’s definitely important to start collecting a few of the basics to have at hand when you need it!
As a young professional in a corporate office it’s hard to upkeep a sense of style while being modest and also not breaking your budget. This is the exact wardrobe I based my young professional outfits on and am slowly growing and expanding with my personal style! It’s quite the juggling act haha
Yes it is! I’m glad you’re getting to add your own personal style to your office wear!
If you’re not a model, then you need to be! I love these business wardrobe recommendations!
You’re too sweet, thank you!
I am obsessed with all these office looks, they’re all so classy, especially the trench coat! Definitely going to be investing in some new work wear once we’re all back to normal! Thank you for sharing x
Thank you so much! I’m happy you liked it 🙂
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