Style For Work
There are 12 pieces in a work capsule wardrobe that will elevate your style for work. Investing in these items will help you easily create work outfits that will also take you from work to play. Even if you don’t go to an office for work, the pieces on this list are so versatile that they will also work outside the office.
When it comes to your style for work, you want to dress for the job that you want, not the job that you have. Unless the job you have is the one you want. I recommend investing in a work capsule wardrobe to create a work style to match the job that you want. You’ll be looked at as someone that is successful and ready for that promotion.
Are you ready to have a wardrobe that reflects your personal style, works for your body, and makes it easy to put together outfits you feel great in?
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What Is In A Capsule Wardrobe For Work?
The 12 Piece Work Capsule Wardrobe
Style For Work | Work Capsule Wardrobe Video
What Is In A Work Capsule Wardrobe?
I worked with a 30-something-year-old woman to help elevate her style from her 20-something wardrobe. Her closet consisted mostly of workwear items from Express, h&m, J. Crew, and Gap. Those pieces are fine in your 20s when you’re just starting out. As you get older and want to move up the ladder you want to upgrade not just your actual work but also what you’re wearing. What you wear determines how you’re perceived.
When I worked with her we started to incorporate higher-quality pieces into her wardrobe. As we did, we would take out the pieces that were for her 20-year-old self. According to My Imperfect Life, “A capsule wardrobe is a curated selection of pieces that fundamentally all complement each other and can be put together to create separate outfits”.
When building a capsule wardrobe for work stick to a neutral palette like ivory, cream, beige, camel, gray, blush, navy, and black. Those are the colors that you’ll get the most use out of. You also want to focus on solid colors and pieces that are higher quality. You’re going to have fewer items in your closet, but you’ll be able to create more outfits. A capsule wardrobe is made up of investment pieces. More By Meach writes, “A capsule wardrobe is a strategic styling method where you invest mainly in good quality, classic pieces – those tops, bottoms, jackets, shoes, and accessories that never go out of style”. This is the foundation of your wardrobe and you want to focus on quality, not quantity.
The 12 Piece Capsule Wardrobe For Work
1. Classic Black Blazer.
What I recommend for a capsule workwear blazer is to have one that’s not just for work. Look for a classic black blazer that’s tailored to you but that you can wear for work or a night out. You can wear it with a white t-shirt, jeans and a pair of heels to go out in. Roll up the sleeves to make it more casual. A classic black blazer is a versatile piece that you will have in your closet for years. I recommend investing in one for your wardrobe.
2. Black Slim-Fit Pants.
You want to look for a pair of black pants that are high-waisted, and streamlined with some structure to them. But not so much structure that you can only use them for work. Ideally, look for pants that are versatile enough for work and for a night out.
3. Navy Dress Pants.
You can also do gray or beige dress pants if you prefer. I like the navy because I navy is more versatile to wear for work and for your regular life. You can wear navy dress pants with a blouse or an elevated t-shirt. Navy can work from day to night, from office to play and I love that. Also, think about styling navy with black. The old rule of wearing those two colors together no longer applies. Black and navy are chic and stylish together.
4. Lightweight Sweater.
Your neutrals could be blush, ivory, black, gray, beige, camel, taupe, navy, and pretty much any color that you can wear with other colors. I recommend a neutral classic sweater that is lightweight so you can wear it across the seasons. A lightweight knit gives you more versatility versus something that’s heavy. Heavy sweaters only work for winter, sweaters that are ultra-light are only appropriate for late spring or early fall. A solid color sweater can work with a pair of dress pants or a pencil skirt for work. You can style it in a lot of different ways to elevate your capsule wardrobe for work.
5. Cardigan.
I recommend having a lighter neutral color and a black cardigan for work. You will get a lot of use out of both of them. Look for an open style with a shawl collar. And ones that are more fitted and classic. The cardigans that hit just below the waist at the hip are one of the most classic styles that you can wear for work. A cardigan is a versatile must-have layering piece.
6. Silk Blouse.
Look for a silk blouse with clean lines that is tailored to your body. If you’re busty, skip pockets in the chest because it accentuates that area. A silk blouse or a silk-like blouse will elevate a look. If you’re going to wear your blouse for the office you can style it with your blazer and black pants. If you are going out after work you can roll up the sleeves to make it more casual and relaxed. You could also wear a cardigan over it if you want to make it more conservative. There are a variety of ways you can style a silk blouse.
If your blouse has buttons and there are gaps between the buttons, I recommend doing one of two things. You can have a snap sewn in-between buttons. It is hidden by the placket and gives you extra coverage. A more temporary solution is to use double-sided tape between the buttons so it doesn’t gape.
7. Silk Cami Or Tank.
A silk cami is my next closet essential for work. If you don’t like spaghetti straps you can wear a wider strap. This item is great in the office because it can go under a sweater and you can have it peek out. It can go underneath a cardigan or a blazer but then easily transition to evening afterward. If you’re going out after work you can take off your layer and you have on this beautiful silk cami. You can style it with pants or a skirt. I think a silk cami in a neutral solid color is a must for your work capsule wardrobe.
8. Non-Seasonal Dress.
A non-seasonal dress can be any style of dress that works for your body type as long as it’s classic. I recommend having one in a neutral and in a fabric that is lightweight enough that you can wear all year round. Look for a dress that’s easy enough to layer a cardigan or blazer over. The cardigan if you want it to be more casual or the blazer if you want to look more professional.
Sheath dresses are a great option for work if that’s your style but again it’s more important to have a dress that’s classic and fits you well. Another recommendation I’d make about the dress is to make sure it does not come any higher than just above the knee. You want it to be work appropriate. Also, look for a neckline that doesn’t come too low. If you’re busty are your dress is too low, think about having a snap sewn in so the neckline comes up higher. You can also wear the silk cami underneath. Those are some minor things you can do to make different styles of dresses work for your workwear.
9. Classic Skirt.
The last article of clothing I recommend to elevate your style for work is a skirt. Look for a skirt that you love and feel great in. A classic pencil skirt that hits just above the knee pairs beautifully with a lightweight sweater, or a silk cami and blazer. Another way to style a skirt is with a silk blouse. If pencil skirts aren’t your style, another great option for work is the midi skirt. A midi skirt is longer and can also be pleated, silk, or knit. Again you want to look for a solid neutral color so it will go with a lot of things from your wardrobe. You could style the long midi skirt with your silk cami, your silk blouse, or even an elevated t-shirt to make it business casual.
10. Neutral Pumps.
There are two different pairs of shoes that I recommend having to elevate your style for work. The first type of shoe is a neutral pump preferably in a nude, beige, or taupe. Your work environment will determine the style of your shoe but if you’re in a business casual or a more traditional workplace, you want to look for a classic style pump that isn’t rounded or too pointy but somewhere in-between. Pumps are the most versatile style of workplace shoes because they’re not too high, the right pair won’t hurt your feet, and a closed toe is more appropriate for the office. What’s great about a pair of neutral pumps, is that you can wear them with anything else in your work wardrobe but also out of the office too.
11. Black Pumps.
A classic black pump that is ideal for your work capsule wardrobe has a closed-toe and heels that aren’t too high. Make sure they are comfortable enough to wear all day.
Related: “10 Essential Shoes Every Woman Needs“
12. Tote Or Structured Bag.
The final item you need for a work capsule wardrobe is a neutral structured bag or tote. The style and size of your work bag is preference. Think about finding a size that will work for you. Look for a structured bag that has room for your work items like folders, notebooks, or computers. If you need your laptop for work you probably want to go for a bigger structured bag. A structured neutral bag is the one bag I recommend for your capsule workwear wardrobe.
If you’re new to a capsule wardrobe or you need help knowing how to start one grab your free Capsule Wardrobe Checklist for women. It gives you all of the closet essentials for every season that I believe every woman needs to get dressed easily every day.
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Style For Work
FAQs & Expert Tips
What do I need for a work capsule wardrobe?
When building a work capsule wardrobe look for well-made classic items in solid neutral colors. Avoid focusing on trendy pieces that will not be in style longterm. Find classic cardigans that you can use to easily layer on when the office temperature drops or that you can take off when you get too warm. Think about having black slim leg pants, silk blouses, a structured jacket, and classic pumps.
Related: “Find Your Style Quiz: Is Your Wardrobe Working?
How big should a work wardrobe be?
The amount of pieces you have for a work wardrobe is personal preference. If you prefer to have a minimalist office wardrobe, 12-20 items may be enough. Look for pieces that are versatile enough to also be worn after work with some minor style changes. However, you may want to have a larger work capsule wardrobe for greater variety. Whether you have 12 pieces or 30, you want every item to be high-quality, well-fitting, and something you feel confident in.
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