SHEATH DRESS: Hugo Boss | SUIT JACKET: Hugo Boss | CLASSIC PUMPS: Jimmy Choo | TOTE: Lo & Sons (similar HERE) | NECKLACE: A. Jaffe | GOLD HOOP EARRINGS: Bony Levy

I always get tons of questions on how best to create that capsule collection of workwear staples, so today, I’m sharing an updated version of my Workwear Wardrobe Essentials. Whether you’re a recent graduate new to the workforce, interviewing for a new job, or eager to up your style game at the office to land (or keep!) a recent promotion, these are the staple items every working girl should have in her closet…
TOP 10 WORKWEAR ESSENTIALS:
1. This classic suit (currently on sale!!) has mix-and-match pieces, so you can wear the pants, pencil skirt and sheath dress interchangeably with the same suit jacket (major bang for your buck!). I also love the options by Theory and J. Crew.
2. This non-iron button front shirt is the absolute best in the game.
3. A timeless navy blazer in a super flattering cut is a great way to make separates (or even jeans!) suddenly profesh.
4. A cozy longline cardigan can be layered over anything and is a great staple to keep at your desk for chilly days in the office.
5. These classic pumps are my absolute favorite! (Lower heel option here).
6. Pointed-toe flats look perfect with pants, skirts, anything! Great affordable options here and here.
7. Simple gold knot or pearl earrings are classics that will go with any professional ensemble.
8. This classic trench will never go out of style and is the perfect topper spring, summer or fall. My mom has had her Burberry trench for 20 years and it still looks like new! I also love this affordable alternative here.
9. Sleek and simple, this tote bag has all the necessary pockets including one for your laptop!
10. A sleek black wool coat is the most polished outerwear for cold weather. Additional affordable option here!

The burgundy Hugo Boss suit that I’m wearing today is one of my all-time favorites, and is currently on MAJOR SALE. Boss makes some of the best suiting in the game, and it’s very rarely at this price point, so if you’re in the market for a suit now or in the near future, run don’t walk.
In terms of other suits I recommend, of course, when you start making the big bucks you can invest in higher-end workwear like this Max Mara suit, this pinstripe Jason Wu suit, or this St. John suit. However, if we’re talking working girl “starter” wardrobe, Theory’s suiting is a much more reasonable price point, is great quality, wears like iron and comes in classic, timeless cuts. As mentioned above, I also really like the quality suiting options at J. Crew for that basic, staple starter suit that every working girl should own.
For those of you who work in creative or casual environments that don’t have to wear something this business formal everyday, I still highly recommend having at least one classic dark suit in your closet. You never know when you may suddenly get tapped to make a client presentation, attend a more formal conference, or be brought to a higher-level meeting. You want to be armed and ready for those unexpected moments!
SHEATH DRESS: Hugo Boss | SUIT JACKET: Hugo Boss | CLASSIC PUMPS: Jimmy Choo | TOTE: Lo & Sons (similar HERE) | NECKLACE: A. Jaffe | GOLD HOOP EARRINGS: Bony Levy

30 thoughts on “Top 10 Workwear Essentials”
Just love the outfits. I’m reading your blog for quit some time and I find it very inspiring.
These workwear wardrobe essentials are just perfect !
Thank you!
Thanks for sharing. I could I not have known there’s a non-iron white shirt?
http://www.underaytedray.co.uk
Pure elegance! Fantastic look and pictures 😉
https://4highheelsfans.wordpress.com/2017/08/03/tuscany-firenze/
I’m a firm believer that every working wardrobe should include Theory blouses and a Burberry trench! x
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These are great workwear essential! That dress is perfect for a big meeting!
http://www.rdsobsessions.com
You’ve covered all of the necessities and selected such timeless pieces! Such a helpful post, Mary!
XO, Emily
Epicurean Emily
You always look so chic and professional but stylish at the same time x
http://www.wonkylauren.com
I love the interesting seams on the sheath dress, and what a great color. For alternatives, you can’t go wrong with St. John, even if you do have to bust open the piggy bank for it.
Loving this color on you!
Liz @ ShoppingMyCloset.com
Always looking so classy and like million bucks!! Fantastic, minimalistic outfit!
http://lartoffashion.com
Love the unexpected plum shade!
http://styledfortheoccasion.com
Such a gorgeous outlook!
Love your dress! The color is amazing.
It looks really elegant! xx
https://www.oneirojewelry.com
Just perfect! x
http://www.evdaily.blogspot.com
You look so good. Love the classy outfits.
I would love to hear your thoughts on my latest post about how to become a minimalist.
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Great post, thanks for recommendation products
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Love your workwear outfit<3
It looks super fashionable! xx
https://www.oneirojewelry.com
These are great pieces! I would even suggest purchasing a few statement pieces (necklaces, bags, scarfs) just to add some boldness to the looks!
What polished, professional styles! I love them. I’m an early retiree (63 yrs old) who still works on a PT temporary basis – and who truly appreciates these recommendations. It’s great to know that this kind of class and polish still matters! Thanks for the post!
Such a professional look. Those choices can go anywhere day or evening.
Your workwear suit is beautiful. I love it for the fact that is very classy chic and not BLACK.
Burgundy is fabulous. I need to check Hugo Boss.
Thank you for the fantastic inspiration.
Love, Esther
https://lifestyle-tale.com/lady-in-red/
i love all the pieces in this outfit – i’m glad to see burgundy being used again. it hasn’t been a staple of business attire for a while. its beautiful and it looks great on you. lovely
What a great post! Very useful! I totally agree with
your 10 workwear essentials.
You look very elegant!
Regards from Spain
Angélica
http://angelicasandoval.com/
Love the post! I had just done a workwear post myself and found yours 🙂 Great research and beautiful photos!
http://vstyleblog.com/guide-to-stylish-work-clothes/
I don’t care for black and was getting tired of navy blue and brown. This year I filled my closet with burgundy/wine, olive, blue-gray and tan. They’re a perfect combination, look great with my hair and skin tone and getting more compliments than ever!
This outfit is absolutely gorgeous. This is how I wish I could dress everyday for work. x
http://www.serenbird.com
Gorgeous! Love the outfit.
You look so good. Love the classy outfits.
I would love to hear your thoughts on my latest post about how to become a minimalist.
this entire article is giving me a fashion-gasm
This is such an ever-repeated list. I don’t want to Sound offending, but why are the Basics ALWAYS black and White with one beige Piece? In my whole Country (Austria/Europe), only Waiters wear These combinations. (Have you ever been to a real viennese coffee place?) Why does no one ever suggest a blush rose blouse and at least one Grey item? It still is extremely Basic, but kicks out the waiter associations in a second.
An impressive share! I have just forwarded this onto a
coworker who has been doing a little research on this.
And he in fact bought me dinner simply because I discovered it for him…
lol. So let me reword this…. Thank YOU for the meal!! But yeah, thanx for spending
the time to discuss this topic here on your web page.