6 fashion essentials every woman needs for work

Client: Spittinbear

How often do you stand in front of your wardrobe staring at the contents, and panic because you’ve got ‘nothing to wear’ to work? Once a month? Once a week? Every day?

Bad work wardrobe days happen to all of us from time to time, but if they’re a daily occurrence, it’s time to take action. The good news is there could be a very simple reason why you can never find anything to wear to the office: you’re lacking in work wardrobe essentials.

What are work wardrobe essentials?

Work wardrobe essentials are key items of clothing that can be mixed and matched with anything in your wardrobe to create a stylish and professional look. These pieces can be dressed up or down to suit the occasion and they’ll never go out of fashion. Essentially, they have the power to give you your mornings back.

If that sounds good, here’s what you need to put on your shopping list:

A black blazer

A black blazer is top of the list for a reason: it can make anything look professional. You can wear it with trousers or a skirt to create a chic suit for an important meeting or throw it over jeans and a t-shirt for the post-work drinks. It can even double up as a jacket when it’s too warm for your heavy winter coat. Nothing beats a blazer when it comes to versatility, so it’s an investment piece worthy of a splurge.

Top Tip: The seam of the shoulder should more or less match where your actual shoulder is. If the seam goes too far past your shoulder it’ll make them look broad and you’ll look like you’re drowning in your clothes, which you don’t want.

A pair of fitted trousers

No work wardrobe is complete without a pair of fitted black trousers. Not only can they be worn with absolutely anything, they’re a lifesaver when you haven’t had time to shave your legs.

There are plenty of options out there, from cropped and tapered, to wide legged and high-waisted. And if you’re averse to black, grey, khaki or navy will work just as well.

It might take time to find the style that works for you, but it’s time and money well worth spending.

Top Tip: If you carry your weight around your stomach, go for high waisted trousers. A higher rise fit will hide a multitude of sins.

A white shirt

A white shirt is another key piece of clothing for any work wardrobe. You can dress it down, dress it up, and wear it in a whole host of ways. You can tuck it in or out, wear it under a sweater or jacket, or wear it as part of a suit. Work out which shape works best for you, whether oversized, fitted, or sheer, and buy a few of them. You won’t regret it. For a slightly more stylish vibe, pick a shirt with a bit of flair, such as ruffles, polka dots, or a quirky collar. Top Tip: If the shirt gapes when buttoned up, it’s too small. This is not a professional look, so bite the bullet and get the next size up.

A pencil skirt If you only purchase one skirt for the rest of your life, make it a pencil one. Why? Because the style is universally flattering. The higher rise and knee-skimming length look great on just about everyone. And they go with everything from a blazer and heels in the office, to a t-shirt and sandals for the summer office BBQ.

Top Tip: The key with a pencil skirt is to get the right fit. Make sure the length hits right at the knee or an inch above. If it hits below the knee, it might make your legs look stumpy.

A pair of heels When it comes to work shoes, a pair of heels is a must. But they don’t have to cripple you. Opt for low heels. They’re practical and will ensure your feet make it through the day in one piece. It’s also wise to stick to neutral colours, as they'll go with more outfits.

However, if your job requires you to be on your feet all day, a good pair of flats are equally as important. They’re comfortable, versatile and easy to walk in. And, with studded, patterned and metallic options available, they can be just as fabulous as a pair of heels.

Get your work wardrobe sorted under one virtual roof

At Spittinbear, we've got your work wardrobe essentials covered, from silk shirts and trench coats, to kitten heels and loafers. With a mix of high street brands and designer labels available, there’s something to suit every budget. So, why not get browsing and make your morning wardrobe panics a thing of the past?