As more people return to the office, curating a work wardrobe filled with made-to-measure dresses and other classic pieces is becoming a greater priority. If you are looking to make a work wardrobe that can keep up with your ambitions, read on for the ultimate guide to building a timeless work wardrobe.
1. Focus on curating the basics.
The key to any timeless wardrobe – whether for work or play – is to focus on curating an exceptional collection of basics. While it is fun (and worthwhile) to add a couple of trendy pieces to your wardrobe each season, you are going to get the most wear and value from the pieces you can reach for again and again.
Generally, when considering work-appropriate basics, you want to focus on items that can easily be mixed and matched. These pieces are going to include separates such as blazers, high-waisted trousers, pencil skirts, blouses, a trench coat, and sheath dresses. All of these pieces can be styled in various ways and accessorized to form new combinations.
Additionally, a couple of well-fitted suits are also an essential component of a timeless work wardrobe because you can wear the items together (for a very professional outfit) as well as separately for more versatility. When it comes to purchasing suits, you want to ensure you are focusing on the details, such as the buttons, as well as the overall fit.
2. Neutral colours are your best friend.
Part of curating a timeless wardrobe is having pieces that you can wear season after season, year after year. While trendy colors come and go, there are some colors that you can count on always being in style and always making you look put-together and sophisticated. These neutral colors – black, cream, navy blue, beige – have already demonstrated that they can stand the test of time.
For example, you can wear a black blazer with other black pieces for a sharp, monochromatic look, as well as with other neutrals. Moreover, black can be paired with every other color in your wardrobe, ensuring that you always have a blazer to wear with your outfits. For this reason, it is highly recommended that you start by building a collection of basics in neutral colors so that you can be assured that you always have something to wear.
From there, you can start to bring in other colors. If you would like your colored pieces also to be timeless, avoid anything too bright or loud and stick with tried-and-true hues such as jewel tones, reds, and light blues. But, of course, you don’t need to avoid all colors; having pops of greens, pinks, yellows, and oranges can be a great way to add excitement to some of your more neutral pieces.
3. Prioritise high-quality pieces.
Another essential aspect of creating a timeless wardrobe is ensuring that the pieces you have in your closet are made to stand the test of time. Of course, the most significant factor in this is whether or not they are made from high-quality materials. After all, the cheaper the garment, the lower-quality the fabrics will be. Therefore, it is highly recommended that you opt to purchase fewer higher-quality items than having lots of cheaply made unsustainable materials hanging in your wardrobe.
Not only are higher-quality fabrics better for the environment and your wallet, but they also look better when you wear them. High-quality fabrics are not only more reliable and dependable in terms of their lifecycle, but they also feel better on the skin and will flatter your figure in ways that cheaply made clothes can’t.
The best way to ensure you are purchasing high-quality pieces is to shop from independent designers who prioritize using high-quality natural fabrics and design garments with the modern woman in mind.
4. Don’t overlook the importance of accessories.
When creating a timeless wardrobe, you can’t overlook the importance of versatile accessories in styling your personalized work outfits. Not only will the right accessories complement your garments, but they will also help you to create different looks with the same basic pieces and offer you the opportunity to show your personality – even in the most corporate environments.
Gold jewelry is generally considered the most classic option as it is sophisticated, timeless, and versatile — all characteristics you want in your work wardrobe. Additionally, pearls, diamonds, and other classic stones are a fantastic choice for investment pieces that you will wear forever and can be styled in various ways.
Shoes and bags are other essential elements of any work wardrobe, as you need these pieces to be strong and comfortable enough to get you through a day of meetings, but you also don’t want them to ruin your overall outfit. For this reason, you want to look for bag and shoe styles that are practical and classic.
Diversifying your bag and shoe collection is a good idea to ensure you have something for any particular occasion. Vary the heel heights you have and the style of bags (that can still fit all your work belongings), and only buy pieces that you can see yourself wearing for more than one type of occasion.
5. Budget for some fun pieces each season.
In addition to focusing on creating timeless pieces that you can wear over and over again, the best closets also have space for a couple of trendy or fun pieces each season. By choosing a couple of more statement or colorful pieces, you can assure that you won’t get bored with the garments you have on regular rotation.
Whether you like to have a couple of colorful silk blouses to pair with your black blazers, fun earrings to style with your navy sheath dresses, or some statement trousers to wear with your classic black tops, the key to a fun but timeless wardrobe is adding a couple of these pieces each season.
A Fitting Wardrobe
Dressing for the office can be a fun process, as long as you have pieces that make you feel comfortable and confident. By following these tips and focusing on the colors, fits, and outfits that make you feel your best, you will be well on your way to having a wardrobe that supports your career goals.
What are your top tips for creating a timeless work wardrobe? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
