Hello, hello! I’ve missed writing here, and I’ve got a back log of posts I’ve been working on. Today, I’m in the process of carefully updating my work wardrobe to take it up a notch from business casual to business professional, and I’m looking for quality pieces that will last and look fabulous. I don’t want to worry about what I’m wearing, but I want to still feel AMAZING in my outfit choices. I believe that a great outfit should support the woman who wears it so that she is confident and feels amazing, and should not get in the way. After all, no one wants to worry about tugs, gaps, rips, wear. See what’s in my professional work wardrobe, and the results of my research into the types of new pieces I’m considering to fill in the gaps.

I’ve surveyed my current workwear options so that I can thoughtfully identify the gaps and target specific targets for new additions to my closet.

A little research can go a long way to a professional work wardrobe that is thoughtfully put together, and is calm and not stressful. I’ve listed and linked some for you here, and will try to update this post when I have photos of me wearing them. For workwear inspiration, take a peek at some of the workhorse pieces in my closet.

Take a “Peek” into my Power Work Wardrobe

Dresses

-Brass Clothing A-Line dress in White

-Banana Republic ‘Sloan’ Dress in Black 

-Madewell Navy A-Line Dress

Suiting

-Ted Baker Suit (spring 2018) in Black with Rose-Gold Details

-Banana Republic, from 5+ years ago in grey – but it doesn’t quite fit well anymore! 

Pants

-Banana Republic ‘Sloan’ Pants – AMAZING pants (black/white houndstooth, mauve, navy) — shop here

-Brook’s Brothers Navy ‘Natalie’ Slacks

Tops

-J.Crew light blue Button Down

-Brook’s Brothers White Button Down

-Sezane White Ruffle Blouse

-J.Crew x Liberty Floral Button Down 

-Brass Clothing Cream Button Down Blouse – get $30 off of purchases $75+ when you sign up via my referral link

– Madewell White Button Down (with slacks, business casual)

– Madewell Blue and White Striped Button Down (with slacks, business casual)

– Ayr White Tunic

+ Fun printed or colorful blouses, largely from Anthropologie or Zara, that can be worn under a sharp blazer.

Blazers

-J.Crew Navy Wool Blazer

-Zara Bright Pink Blazer with Bell Sleeves

-Zara Ivory Blazer

-J.Crew White Linen, lined Blazer — shop here

-Zara Black Blazer with Leather Detail

-Bershka Collection (London) – Light Grey Blazer

Shoes

-Clarks Navy pumps with bow detail and texture

-Bandolino Black Patent Heels

-Call it Spring Nude Patent Wedges

-Everlane Cream – The Day Glove Flats – shop here

-Clarks Tan flats with Black Patent Toe (shop similar here & here)

-White Mountain ‘Nash’ Flats in Autumn Orange

-Linea Paolo ‘Cora’ slingback pump in White – shop here

-Linea Paolo ‘Zadie’ low heel Mules in Black – shop here

-Prego (Brazilian) Black Pumps

-M.Gemi ‘Rivista’ Kitten Heel Pumps in Blush

-Tory Burch Minnie Ballet Flats in Burgundy – shop here

-M.Gemi ‘Carta’ Loafers in Chianti here

Bags

Cuyana Zippered Monogrammed Tote in Grey

Armani Exchange Plum Tote

Madewell Transport Tote (a little more casual) — shop here

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With all of these, I have sweaters, scarves, and jewelry that I combine with to make many outfit options.

After doing some online browsing, I found that I like the styles of St. John Collection, Lafayette 148 New York, Ted Baker, Max Mara, and BOSS because they’re chic, not boring, a versatile and good canvas, and look well-made.

This exercise of surveying what I have was really helpful.

As a result, I’ve identified 3 gaps I can work to fill: a non-black complete suit, a lightweight neutral sleeveless shell to wear under a blazer, and one less-plain dress (possibly color-block). This way, if I’m at a place like Nordstrom Rack, Saks Off Fifth, I can look for a good deal on exactly the types of colors, brands, materials, styles, and silhouettes I’ve pre-identified = less stress!

Here are some of my clothing picks that I’ve linked below if you’re also looking for a couple of key investment pieces, or inspiration to update your work wardrobe!

*this post contains affiliate links*

Shop my Professional Work Style Picks

Need more ideas? Follow my Professional Women’s Style board on Pinterest