15 Career Girl Wardrobe Essentials

I love perusing fashion magazines and style blogs for outfit inspiration, and through my “research” I’ve learned that the key to building a great wardrobe is to have essential go-to-pieces. Although you may not be able to build your dream wardrobe overnight, you can build a great wardrobe over time. I’ve curated the 15 Wardrobe essentials every Career Girl should have to build that perfect wardrobe.  This is meant to be a guide, so use it to create your own distinct style by varying colors, tailoring silhouettes to your body, and adjusting styles to fit your work environment.

1. Classic bag – Big enough to carry work documents, but not too big that it looks like luggage.
2. Pencil Skirt – The perfect fit is essential, make sure it’s not too tight or too loose, have it tailored If necessary.
3. White Button up -- Depending on your work environment, you can jazz it up with collar detailing like the one. seen here
4. Heels -- Try embellishments or playing with textures & styles like leather, suede, and snake print.
5. Trench – Can make almost any outfit chic.
6. Dress Pants -- Great with a blouse and a statement necklace.
7. Cardigan – Throw over dresses and sleeveless tops to add variety to outfits.
8. Dark Jeans -- Every Career Girl should have a good pair of jeans that you can through together when you are not sure what to wear.
9. Skinny belt – Adds an instant update to dresses and sweaters, just don’t cinch it too tight, great in bold colors and prints.
10. Statement Necklace – Adds instant flair to an otherwise “simple” outfit, let the necklace shine and avoid big earrings.
11. Flats – Comfortable and can be worn every day, with almost any outfit.
12. Sheath Dress -- Great transitional piece than can be dressed up or down, and worn during the day and the night.
13. Blouse – Very versatile, can be worn with jeans, pants and skirts, don’t be afraid to play with prints.
14. Blazer – The right blazer can pull any outfit together, make sure the fit & fabric are great.
15. Watch – Whether worn for functionality or style, it can be the perfect accent for any outfit.

Looking for more wardrobe inspiration, check out Elle.com’s “50 Musts: Fall Essentials” here.