The Capsule Wardrobe - Work Wear

Dressing for work can be challenging. Either youDresses
find yourself wearing the same skirt or trouserYou could wear a smart dress instead of a skirt
suit every day or you struggle to chooseand top and team it with a jacket.
appropriate clothing each morning. Depending onCoat
your line of work, the formal dress code will varyYou will need a smart overcoat and/or raincoat
but once you have established a basic "workthat will fit over your suit. This should be in one of
wardrobe", mornings will be stress free and youyour neutrals so it tones with everything you
will confident that you always look appropriatelywear. Again black is not always the most
dressed and well groomed.flattering colour.
The BasicsShoes
You will need four suits or skirt/jacket, trouserYou will need two or three pairs of heeled shoes
jacket combinations. For these items choosethat match your suits and are not too high. These
neutral colours that really flatter your colouring.need to be kept clean and polished and should be
Black is a "safe" option but doesn't suitreplaced as soon as they start to look worn.
everybody, so try to find an alternative; navy,Remember to have matching hosiery and never
brown or pewter.wear a suit with bare legs, even in the summer.
TopsBags
You will need six to eight different tops. Buy aIt is optimal to have two good quality handbags in
variety of colours and styles. If you choose onlyneutral colours that coordinate with your clothes.
white blouses you will look as though you wear aIf you need to carry lots of documents and a
uniform. Buttoned shirts or blouses sometimeslaptop, a small wheeled suitcase will look smarter
gape on large busted women so jersey tops areand be better for your back and shoulders.
a better option. If you have chosen colours thatFinishing Touches
suit you, they will all coordinate with the suits,Wear some make-up. It completes the look and is
jackets, trousers and skirts you have in yourexpected in business. Ensure that your jewellery is
best neutral colours. Avoid revealing tops;discreet and coordinating; hair must be tidy and
cleavage is not appropriate in formal or businesswell cut. Hands clean and nails cared for but not
settings.too long.