GUIDE :: OFFICE WARDROBE BASICS, JACKETS

Indoors, outdoors, it's always nice to have a jacket. In the office, a blazer provides warmth and sharp resolve. Outside, a trench coat keeps things professional when you've got to pop out for a meeting or lunch. 

BLAZERS :: 

A blazer is the sriracha of the office wardrobe; it's not always necessary but it is most definitely, always a good addition. Much like with the condiment, I go through phases of relying on blazers far too much and bouts of forgetting they exist. Whatever the phase, there is no better piece to pull together an already professional look or dress up one on the edge of business casual. Plus, blazers always offer the added warmth I so desperately need on an ongoing basis. Once you've got a killer, classic black blazer branch out!

essential :: H&M, other option here & here | invest :: J.Crew, other option here | indulge :: Helmut Lang, other option here
{fun} essential :: Romwe, other option here | invest :: DVF, other option here | indulge :: Rag & Bone, other option here

OUTERWEAR :: 

I have rarely felt more awkward than when I have to layer a killer ski jacket, over my chic office-wear to attend a lunch meeting. There's just something about it that makes me feel like a kid playing at being a grownup. Honestly, having a nice trench coat (or pea coat in the winter) to toss on when heading out with coworkers or to a client meeting makes a difference in my confidence which has an effect on how I approach the day. Good thing trench coats are just so darn stylish.

essential :: Mango, other option here | invest :: Banana Republic | indulge :: Burberry, other option here

GUIDE :: OFFICE WARDROBE BASICS, DRESSES!

The possibilities for office appropriate dresses are near-endless! Fitted, flared, sheath, shift, wrap - as long as they are of a sensible length and neckline you'll have your pick.

CLASSIC BLACK SHEATH ::

The most versatile dress in my closet is a classic black sheath. It's sharp, professional and flexible moving from day to night effortlessly. It also holds it's own in a pair of flats making it a great option for day's when you must look your best but feel a little less than. If building your first office wardrobe, feel free to stop with this dress - it'll take you far.

essential :: H&M | invest :: Nic+Zoe | indulge :: Ted Baker

STAPLE SHIRT DRESS ::

If you've got a little more spending money, or are building on a current office wardrobe the next frock to set your sights on is the staple shirt dress. Much like a cozy cardigan, a shirt dress bridges the gap between relaxed and professional. It easily exists as an outfit in itself and is a great go-to for those late mornings where you need to bolt and still look sharp.

essential :: H&M | invest :: Michael by Michael Kors | indulge :: Burberry

CAREER FROCKS GALORE ::

As I mentioned, dress options are near infinite - it's truly in how you wear a dress that can tip it from casual to office. I, myself, retire a couple dresses from my workday rotation come spring - as much as I love them, I just can't swing it without the tights. These dresses I stumbled upon were just too lovely not to share and are likely all fairly safe bets. I don't know what it is, or how she does it, but Diane Von Furstenberg just gets the career dress. If you've got birthday money on hand, I truly recommend investing in one of hers - they are all swoon-worthy.

essential :: H&M, other option Topshop | invest :: French Connection, other option Nic + Zoe | indulge :: Diane Von Furstenburg, other DVF option

GUIDE :: OFFICE WARDROBE BASICS, TOPS!

I took a bit of an unintentional Office Guide hiatus last week. Truth be told, I went down a rabbit hole in search of the perfect blouse options to share. Hours were spent scouring the web, saving, deleting and re-saving different choices. I've since pulled myself back into reality... just in time for an incredible snow storm (the perfect time to head down an inter-web rabbit hole). I digress; let's dive in!

DRESS SHIRTS & BLOUSES :: 

Every professional should have a crisp, white dress shirt hanging in their closet. It's a key piece that dresses up and down easily, always adding a chic, pulled-together feel. Blouses are a great way to add fun and personality to a professional wardrobe. When I first began working I stayed far away from blouses, worrying the femininity would diminish my corporate look - that's just not true. I still gravitate to more simple patterns and styles, and this area still needs a bit of development in my wardrobe, but I'm not afraid to go beyond the classic button up and that counts as progress... right? 

essential :: Joe Fresh, other option here and here | invest :: Hugo Boss, other option here and here | indulge :: Burberry, other option here
{fun} essential :: Vero Moda, other option here | invest :: Laurence Dolige, other option here | indulge :: Tory Burch, other option here and here 

CARDIGANS & SWEATERS :: 

If you're like me, the opportunity to get down and comfy is always appealing. Obviously, not every environment is informal, or fashion-forward, enough to allow for dress sweats but there are other ways to keep it laid back when all you can muster is the casual corner of dressy-casual. Cardigans and sweaters, fitted or relaxed easily layer with dress shirts and blouses. Make sure you own one black cardigan but then take the opportunity to play with colours, textures, fit and ribbing. 

essential :: Joe Fresh, other option here | invest :: Splendid, other option here | indulge :: Moschino, other option here and here
{fun} essential :: H&M, other option here | invest :: Max Mara | indulge :: Tory Burch

THE REST ::

Here's the deal. Basically, it boils down to the fact that I love tees. love. them. I dress 'em up, dress em' down and everything in-between. "The rest" is dedicated to tee shirts of all styles, sizes, fits and colours. I couldn't bring myself to title this tees as when you dress them up, they are so. much. more.

essential :: JCrew, other option here and here | invest :: James Perse, other option here | indulge :: Rag&Bone, other option here 
{fun} essential :: Joe Fresh | invest :: Splendid | indulge :: Vince, other option here and here 

GUIDE :: OFFICE WARDROBE BASICS, FOOTWEAR!

Can you ever really have too many? The answer, of course is, no BUT that doesn't mean you shouldn't be picky. I have shoes I haven't worn for ages but I keep them around because one day, they may just be the perfect option. A better strategy could be to go for a pair that I won't ever want to take off. Shoes can be a great way to pull together an outfit and a great piece to be adventurous with.

CLASSIC PUMPS :: 

Whether you choose pumps, wedges or stilettos begin with a classic black pair that are appropriate and comfortable enough to wear on repeat. I'd also begin with closed-toe so you can transition them from summer to winter well. Already have black? Pick up a  pair of nude pumps, the other classic must.

essential :: ModCloth, other options here & here | invest :: Sam Edelman, other options here | indulge :: Jimmy Choo, other option here & here
 {nude} essential :: ModCloth, other options here & here | invest :: Michael Kors, other option here | indulge :: Prada, other option here & here

SHARP FLATS :: 

oh flats; my hearts' song. Heels of all kinds cause me to bat my eyes but flats keep it real, sticking it out in the best and worst of times. Although my day may begin wearing pumps I tend to reach for my emergency flats once the busy sets in. A structured, classic black, brown or nude flat are the perfect go-tos when searching for footwear to keep it professional and comfortable.

essential :: Steve Madden, other options here | invest :: Marc Jacobs, other options here & here | indulge :: Kate Spade, other option here & here
{nude} essential :: Loft, other option here | invest :: Vince Camuto, other option here & here | invest :: Michael Kors, other option here

GUIDE :: OFFICE WARDROBE BASICS, BOTTOMS!

Bottoms are an essential part of every outfit (I mean, no pants no job, right?). As the eye isn't traditionally drawn downwards when meeting someone new these pieces tend to offer the most flexibility and wear-a-bility when building an office wardrobe. If you favour cooler neutrals, stick to blacks and dark greys. If you tend to gravitate towards the warm neutrals choose a dark chocolate brown or camel option, as these colours will offer the most flexibility. Let your blouses and shirts do the wowing and just make sure your bottoms fit well and have flexibility.

TROUSERS ::

Everyone who works in an office needs dress pants. I now have a couple but I started with just one pair - a black straight leg. I would suggest keeping with the neutral pallet you've chosen to build on. If you will likely require a suit, choose a pair that either come with a blazer or match so well they look like they do.

essential :: Joe Fresh, other option here | indulge :: J.Crew, other options here & here | invest :: MSGM, other options here & here

PENCIL SKIRT ::

As with trousers, choose a pencil skirt in a neutral colour to begin. Black, dark grey, light grey, brown, camel are all good choices. Try to choose a different colour than what you've chosen for dress pants. This is the perfect way to add a little something extra while maintaining flexibility.

essential :: Dorothy Perkins, other option here | indulge :: J.Crew, other options here, here & here | invest :: Burberry, other options here & here

DARK WASH DENIM ::

These. Are. Key. Whether you have a casual office which allows you to wear these throughout the week, casual Friday or a formal office with post-work semi-informal meet ups, a great dark pair of jeans allow you to relax while still remaining professional. Boot cut or skinny will work best while flare automatically add an aura of informality.

essential :: H&M, other options here & here | indulge :: Joe's Jeans, other option here | invest :: Frame Denim, other options here & here

GUIDE :: OFFICE WARDROBE BASICS

Perhaps it's the new year, perhaps it's the unseasonably cold weather and my inability to brave the elements for outfit photos but I've decided to do something a little different.  

Over the years I've had the opportunity to work in a few offices and have picked up a couple things style-wise. Even still, dressing for a new job can be tough. It's not as though the corporate dress code provides any insight beyond the basics - no shorts, no tees with swears, no flip flops. Once in your new workplace picking up what goes and what doesn't will be easy. In the meantime, consider how you can build a collection of pieces to choose from day to day, pieces you'll be happy wearing on repeat and that won't break your budget.

My philosophy for dressing for an office environment is: dress professionally, look like yourself while doing it. This approach has developed after 4 years in varying office environments - charity, financial, defence & agency; all women, all men, all scientists and all millennials. We must all walk before we run, so let's start with the basics shall we?

Make a list, cross off the items you already have. Keep your pieces fairly basic initially, sticking to neutrals that will mix and match easily. This will allow you to stretch your wardrobe further. Use jewelry, accessories and a few pieces of clothing you give you pops of colour and personality. I tend to gravitate towards minimalism and monochromatics however if your basics include patterns, feel free to sub them in along the way.

Next week we'll take a closer look at some options for bottoms to choose from - hope you'll follow along.