Cupcakes and Cashmere

15 Work Wardrobe Essentials

September 27th, 2012

I receive a lot of questions about what people should wear in the work place – how to incorporate trends, the key pieces that everyone should own, and those items on which it’s worth spending. I haven’t worked in a typical office for several years, but I’ve put together my list of 15 essential pieces that are a good starting point to building your work wardrobe.

1. Classic bag $168
2. Pencil skirt $98
3. White button-down $72
4. Pumps $120
5. Trench coat $199.99
6. Trousers $240
7. Cardigan $128
8. Dark skinny jeans $176
9. Skinny belt $24.14
10. Ballet flats $135
11. Statement necklace $165
12. Shift dress $295
13. Blazer $99
14. Printed blouse $80
15. Watch $175

P.S. I look forward to seeing everyone who’s coming out to my book signing party tonight (from 5-7pm) at Bloomingdale’s in Century City!

http://www.biologadesalto.com Janine Braz
Yes!but You need to see your work place, If You live in my city You don’t need a trech coat.Think the real work place and You need to feel comfortable.
Xx
Http://biologadesalto.com
Camille
Love this post! So helpful! Do you have any tips for college students trying to find internships/jobs?
Julia
don’t forget the beauty tips for the work place, those are always tricky.
http://prettysquared.blogspot.com/
Jill
I noticed the comments about price and I thought it was great that you selected lower price points so that most career women could afford this range. There’s also the issue about quality. Choosing lesser priced items could mean they won’t last as long. It’s important for the staples to be able to withstand consistent wear.
I would like to suggest that you model these pieces for your audience. That would be fun. Maybe create a video!
http://www.gamedaystylist.com Sara @ Gameday Stylist
Love this post – what a great list.
- Sara @ Gameday Stylist
http://hemingwayandhandbags.blogspot.com hemingway and handbags
We really hate buying work clothing, but this post has inspired us to take another look at those blazers and blouses
xoxo
H&H
http://hemingwayandhandbags.blogspot.com
http://portraitofcuriosities.blogspot.com.au/ Ula
That gold watch is devine… goodluck at your book launch
http://ainfintaire.blogspot.com Alice
So many chic pieces!
Even though I’m definitely far from being the target audience of this post, I can appreciate the timelessness of each of these wardrobe staples.
Everything you’ve shared here with us, Emily, is something that can be worn for many years and for a multitude of occasions.
The silk blouse would look cute paired with the jeans for a casual outfit or paired with the trousers or skirt for something more serious.
All of the accessories would perk up any look while also remaining elegant and classy.
The only thing that I’m not too sure about is the hot pink skirt and the vivid red slacks. Those colors just seem a little too much for a conservative environment. Outside of a more serious place, I could see these pieces working marvelously. For more formal occasions (and work), I think it would be best to swap these hues out for more neutrals such as brown, cream, tan, and the like.
Someday, I would love to have each of these wardrobe essentials in my closet!
All of them are gorgeous and will definitely get plenty of loving.
~Alice
Ainfinitaire
http://www.livingincolorstyle.blogspot.com Elle
Agreed! These are definitely staples in my closet! Thanks for sharing Emily!
xo, elle from Living in Color.
http://fashion--review.blogspot.com/ Deborah
Amazing,love the trench!
FASHION REVIEW
FASHION REVIEW
FASHION REVIEW
Lora
Thanks )))
Super choice for autumn-winter season ))
Especially pumps and watch, they are gorgeous
http://www.ampmstyle.com AM PM Style
Just noticed we had picked the same trench coat for our blog posts! Mine is last Sunday from Top Shop UK… http://www.ampmstyle.com/blog/2012/9/23/london-in-fall.html#.UGWSMs3qr08
http://www.ampmstyle.com AM PM Style
Love your assortment!
http://hellobougeotte.blogspot.com Megan
I love all those staples. I am litterally buying all of them now as I build my work wardrobe and I’m having an internal debate – can flats really look professional? I don’t see why not, but there are some interesting discussions online. I walk a fair amount at work, often feels like I’m walking fast too cause it’s with men who are a lot taller and often it’s outdoors on somewhat uneven ground so I always choose flats (saves me from bringing a separate pair of shoes for walking to work too). I’d love to see you put together some professional looks (skirts and pants) with flats
hellobougeotte.blogspot.com
http://www.threesixtyfiveashley.blogspot.ca Ashley
All of these choices are great. I especially really like the printed blouse. It’s appropriate for work but it also has flair and style.
Ashley
threesixtyfiveashley
http://friendsarefashion.blogspot.ca/ Friendsarefashion
Very good collection, xoxo
http://balancingahecticworld.blogspot.com Misty
Love this list! All the pieces are super versatile and the pop of colors allow an individual to inject their on style!
http://eclecticliving.org Kay C.
I love that you managed to find so many cute things for work, but on a budget! Great finds & I’ll definitely be taking into consideration your recommendations for work-wear! Followed on bloglovin’!
xoxo
eclecticliving.org
http://coralsinspirations.wordpress.com Wendy Coral
This is SOOO helpful, that’s excatly what i wrote in my pinterest when i pinned it. From someone who has worked in an office environment my entire working life, i thank you! The collection is great for someone just starting out and veterans alike.
kb
This post is fantastic! I want almost every piece here. Thanks for this!
http://www.turningpaige.blogspot.com Paige
thank you, i am going to get each piece,
starting work in mid-oct. so i’ll pick up two or three pieces at a time.
http://psbananas.com Daisy Nguyen
LOVE these basics – especially the skinny jeans!
XOXO
-Daisy Nguyen from PS BANANAS fashion blog:
http://psbananas.com
http://www.cinnamonandsouth.blogspot.com cinnamon and south
Great idea for a post, as many of us wear corporate clothing 5 days out of 7 workwear is definitely not blogged about enough. I agree with other comments that it is important to invest in a few key neutral pieces (eg. Black pencil skirt, cream silk shirt, black patent pumps) that will stand the test of time, and buy more affordable seasonable items to wear with them
Lemur
Does anyone have legs that small? Those skinny jeans in the picture are like arm pants. For people with really long arms. For legs.
http://joyfuldiary.blogspot.de/ Lena
I like the post, but I could never ever wear this sweater at the office!
http://joyfuldiary.blogspot.de/
http://Tesoribelle.com Deana
Great choices. Love all these peices.
Deana
http://Www.tesoribelle.com
Siobhan
at twenty grand it’s an outfit most girls can only dream of.
Siobhan
*two
http://afasione.com Aela of aFasione
I am loving this post! Really useful and it’s an amazing set for work wear!! Kudos!
http://afasione.com
http://www.jenventure.blogspot.co.uk Jenny
I adore the gold watch and the grey dress! x
http://www.jenventure.blogspot.co.uk
http://www.whiskey-ginger.com taylor Fuller
this is a perfect post. im always wondering what to wear to work!
http://www.whiskey-ginger.com
http://wishing-f0r-chanel.blogspot.com Ria
My blouses are an absolute work essential for me, I have them in so many colours now! I love the little collar tips on the white button down you’ve featured, just makes it looks a little more interesting doesn’t it? xoxo
http://www.vanillaandroseblog.com Vanessa {vanilla and rose}
What a great post! I definitely have a few of these items and have been eyeing others!
http://www.ProgressiveThinkers.com Justin
Great collections! Stylish and elegant. Nice of you to share this post.
http://bijourepublic.com Chloe
We love all your accessories! Take a look at our website! We’re a small family business and think you would so love some of our things. Very afforable for your viewers
http://www.bijourepublic.com
Thanks!!
xoxo,
Chloe
http://www.simple-fabulous.blogspot.com Nicole
Wonderful selection of wardrobe essentials!
Love this post!
Kisses from Hong Kong,
Nicole
Emily
Emily, this is such a great post! I’ve been reading your blog for years and find post like these extremely helpful. Congratulations again on your book – it’s a staple on my bookcase now
All the best,
Krysta
http://www.askcarrie.wordpress.com Ask Carrie
Those red palazzo pants are to die for ! Also the answer to any question is also pencil skirt, go for the pencil skirt !
http://www.askcarrie.wordpress.com
https://www.etsy.com/listing/111286645/vintage-sz-85-9-1950s-de-liso-debs Sally Fletcher
So helpful, as usual!! Black heels are always the way to go
http://www.fashionablecollections.com fashionablecollections
2, 6… yes please
Collections
http://melisacuevas.blogspot.com Mel
I love them all! I have always been hesitant to wear dark skinny jeans though. I feel that they are not appropriate for the office. Anyone else feel this way?
Sarah
I love this post! Very helpful… However, one thing I’m seriously struggling with is appropriate heel height! I’m 5’4″ and my I’m shopping around, but every plain pair of black pumps I come across are 4 inches. Is that appropriate? The internet keeps telling me 2.5-3 in the max lol