Unfortunately, women are often judged based on their wardrobe in the workplace, so what we wear can alter what people think of our work ethic. And while this is nothing new, the thought of having to actually buy some work-friendly clothing pieces can be totally daunting. But don’t worry, you only need to focus on a few key pieces to establish this working woman look.
Here are 6 key staples that will help you look professional at all times and won’t kill your budget.
Purse
People automatically assume to look established, you need to have the highest end purse but that simply isn’t true; it just needs to look new. There’s something unprofessional and slightly immature about someone who has a worn out purse that’s falling apart or extremely dated in style. You don’t have to get a name brand purse, but it should look modern and professional. Even if it’s just for you to use on work days, that one purse will last you years, especially if you have one really nice purse for each season so you can alternate throughout the year.
Shoes
When wearing shoes you want them to look nice but you want them to be functional as well, and as we all know, shoes can help tie together a look. There is no sense buying heels you’ll hate wearing especially if you are on your feet a lot through the day. Buying a pair of dressy sandals or flats work wonders in the spring and summer. And you can find some great dress shoes for the winter months to help keep your feet warm as well.
Jacket
It doesn’t matter if it’s a winter coat, a fall/spring jacket or a jean jacket. Jackets always leave impressions on people, especially if you’re in a profession where you travel a lot or meet with people quickly. A great way to buy a dressier coat is to buy at the end of the season for the following year (for example, buy a peacoat in February/March for the next fall/winter). The trends won’t change that much and you’ll save a lot of money.
Blazer
Blazer’s are no longer what old, frumpy ladies wear. Instead, they’re for the go-getter girl who means business. From short bodice, bright colours to oversized and casual, there’s a style out there for everyone. They just pull that indoor professional look together in a super chic way.
Blouse
Again, blouses have a reputation for older women, but they are totally meant for the millennial woman right now. It’s all about finding one that suits your body type and has a modern print that fits your age range. You can also wear blouses with any bottom and they’ll always be work appropriate and fashion forward to give you a reputable reputation.
Jewelry
This may sound shocking but minimal jewelry can help tie together a look. You don’t need gaudy jewels. You can wear a simple chain and a cheap ring. Or you could opt for costume jewelry that doesn’t cost a fortune but still looks nice. It’s a subtle buy super effective way to look professional in the workplace.
By no means am I saying to spend a lot of money on these products, you can find some really great deals on expensive things or find some identical pieces to expensive ones. But you do have to be mindful that sometimes investing a little bit more money will help you in the long run, especially when it comes to longevity.
Featured Photo by Riki Ramdani on Unsplash
