9-5 #BellaStylistas understand how difficult it is figuring out what to wear every workday, coupled with the fact that there are other matters about work you have to concern yourself with like deliverables, targets, deadlines, etc., which can be daunting. Although various people have come out with various formulas and method tips on how to rifle through your entire wardrobe to pull looks together, the truth is if you don’t have the right work essentials such formulas might just not work for you. In light of this, I came up with eight (8) work essentials every woman should have for her professional wardrobe.
So, if you are in dire need of wanting a wardrobe that would make it easy for you to navigate looks to work daily, you are in the right place. Scroll down to find out the type of items you should focus on when building a professional wardrobe.
1. A Structured Blazer
Blazers are one versatile layering item that looks good over anything and works perfectly for a casual or professional environment. So, either you wear it over a dress, a tailored pant or skirt etc. you aim here should be finding the types that work for your body type and sticking to them for that great look.
2. Blouses & Shirts
Tops are definitely an essential for every work environment however what are the right tops to wear to work, with a pool of different styles and forms of tops, I say blouses and shirts are the most suitable for professionals. They can stand alone or serve as a layer for blazers, coats or cardigans. When picking or buying your tops, I would advise sticking to timeless pieces like a white buttoned-down t-shirt, silk blouses, tanks, striped shirts etc. which never go out style and are most likely going to serve you for a very long time.
3. Bottoms
When it comes to bottoms, a common staple is pencil skirts and straight pencil pants as they go really well for work, thus they are definitely a must for every woman’s wardrobe. Hence, depending on your preference, the goal here is to ensure you have one that can work with other items in your wardrobe.
4. Dresses
Dresses are definitely everyone’s favourite workpiece because they are easy to work with when accessorising. The colours however to work with are base colours like grey, black, white emerald green, wine etc. as opposed to accent colours like yellow, orange, pink etc. as these colours would make you look more professional. They are also best paired with blazers, pumps, slingback heels etc.
5. Work Stilettos
When it comes to shoes, the most essential amongst the various types of work shoes out there for every professional wardrobe are pointed toe shoes, good examples are the classic pumps and sling-back heels. They have a way of making you look well put together, confident and polished, hence it is a must for every wardrobe. You should consider wearing them for that out of station meeting, office meeting, presentation etc., you are sure to stand out.
6. Simple Jewelry
A work look is not complete without jewellery, and notably, a professional’s jewellery has to be simple. For example, a simple pendant necklace, stud earrings, a simple watch, bracelet etc. would fit perfectly into any work outfit you wear.
7. Structured Bag
When it comes to choosing the right bag for a professional, I would say structured tote bags are the most appropriate. Apart from coming in handy to carry light documents and a few other work items, they would make your outfit look more classy and chic in some way.
8. Matching Suit
I was a bit sceptical about this last point, but after a long thought, I decided to include it. Really, nothing completes a professional look without the old fashioned way of looking dapper which is a suit. So either you stick with a pencil or pantsuit, it is just good to have this present in your wardrobe as they can always come in handy.
