Wardrobe Tips for the Office

I recently returned to the office five days a week. I have worked some remote and some on-site the past few years so this has been a transition. I realized my wardrobe isn’t what it used to be when I was on-site fully time years ago. My current wardrobe has some office appropriate gear and a whole lot of lounge wear.

I feel energized being back in the office and one thing that has been really fun is re-vamping my office wear. You don’t need an endless selection. A few key pieces will ensure you look professional and feel confident without totally breaking the bank.

If you are struggling with in-office attire, here are some tips that could help:

Trench Coat Particularly for the fall/winter months, this is an awesome addition to your wardrobe because it really pulls any outfit together. I opted for this one with a hood this year so I can go straight from the office to the rainy soccer field.

Multiple colors of the same top I found this top for $20 on Amazon and I absolutely love it. I bought it in a couple of colors. You don’t have to get super creative or spend a ton. If you find something you like, consider buying in varying colors or prints.

Trendy flat shoe I have these in black and brown. A cute pair of flats is great with jeans on a Friday while still looking stylish. They also help you stay comfortable when you go from work to chasing kids around.

Re-wearable pants Having a few pairs of classic slack style pants will ensure you are looking sharp because they go with whatever top you manage to yank out of your closet in the morning. Nobody will even notice you just wore the same pair yesterday. I recently went to TJ Maxx and got two pairs for under $30 each which I plan to wear a ton. Old Navy often has their Pixie pants on sale and they are another great staple item to have.

Blazer I have a handful of blazers because they are so easy to throw over virtually anything and automatically look stylish. I recommend having one or two in black, one in gray and then one you wear less often that is a more bold color like red.

Office/kid friendly bag Invest in a purse that can carry your laptop during a workday just as easily as it can tote around snacks, extra socks, homework…you get the idea. I have gone through a few in my years as a working mom and this one is by far my favorite yet. It can be a backpack, tote, has a laptop sleeve and a trolly strap to put onto rolling luggage.

Lashes Ok so this one is entirely un-necessary, but I have become a bit obsessed so had to share. These lashes that I have found at both Target and Amazon require no fussing with glue because they come with adhesive already on. I put one just at the corner of each eye; I don’t do a whole row of them. There is something about it that makes me feel confident and like I look a little more awake in those early morning meetings. They take me less than a minute to put on too so it totally works within my morning routine!

Get them in your size I struggled with the fact that I have gained weight the past few years so many of my staple items are too small. I made the decision to buy a few new things that were my new size and honestly it has really helped my self-confidence. When I wear my pants that are too small, I am reminded with every breath that they don’t fit. Now having pants that fit actually make me feel good about myself and my new size. Embrace it!

My biggest tip is that I often get really lucky with the clearance section when looking for work clothes. I am a big believer in not being afraid to dig through those clearance racks! Looking put together really doesn’t have to be a bank breaker.

What are your office wardrobe must-haves? We’d love to hear!

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