The modern day working woman is constantly on the go, from juggling a full-time career to managing her personal life (which is a full-time gig in itself). With so much to balance, a well-kept professional wardrobe plays a crucial role in our daily lives. I’ve learned through the years that there are only a few fundamental categories you should stock up on to have a balanced workwear wardrobe. These pieces should easily adapt to whatever is on your schedule, whether that be an important board meeting or just for casual Fridays at the office. Below, I’m sharing the key office attire you can mix and match.

Balmain Blazer (better for budget here) | Topshop Shorts (wearing a 2P) | Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Linen Tote | Tamara Mellon Heels (run TTS) | ATM Black Bodysuit | Dior Necklace (sold out, similar here and here) | Givenchy Sunglasses

Blazers

One of the most important pieces in my professional wardrobe are definitely blazers. Although I don’t hold a traditional office job now, blazers continue to be a big part of my personal style. Throughout all these categories, I can’t preach the importance of neutrals enough. Having a few tailored blazers in cream, navy, and black will carry you a long way. Not only are blazers the epitome of professionalism, but they easily layer over a skirt, dress, or denim.

Button Down Shirts

You also can’t have a good blazer without also having a classic button down shirt in your arsenal. Even just a simple white shirt will pair well with so many other things. You could tuck it into your bottoms or wear it more relaxed on Friday’s. In addition to solid colors, simple prints and patterns are also great for building the perfect work wardrobe.

Tularosa Grey Cardigan (wearing an XS) | CamiNYC White Lace Cami (wearing an XS, budget version here) | By The Way Faux Leather Skirt (wearing an XS) | Similar Sunglasses | Givenchy Antigona Bag (medium size, smooth version) | Gianvito Rossi Grey Suede Heels (better for budget here)

Cardigans

I don’t know about you, but I feel like every office is freezing in the summer! This is why cardigans are definitely a must for any career-oriented woman. Longline cardigans are a great way to bring some style into the office – and they’re also perfect for layering over distressed jeans or denim cutoffs on the weekends

Ruffle Top & Skirt Set (just $12! wearing an S) | Badgley Mischka Heels (run TTS) | Givenchy Antigona Bag

Midi or Knee Length Skirts

Skirts are also another must have (at a professional length, of course). Traditional knee-length pencil skirts never fail to look flattering and polished. You can also jazz it up by opting for other skirts at midi length, such as pleated skirts, wrap skirts, and button front skirts. All of these are great for the warmer months, but still very much wearable at the office.

Lioness Blazer (wearing an XS) | Cami NYC Navy Cami (wearing an XS) | Topshop White Denim (wearing a 24, runs TTS) | Gianvito Rossi Gray Suede Heels (better for budget here) | Gucci Marmont Mini Bag (also here) | Cloverpost Medallion Necklace | Gorjana Crescent Pendant Necklace | Quay Sunglasses

Silk Cami

No matter what professional job you hold, a silk cami will always come in handy. The silk texture makes the product look and feel so luxurious. Plus, a camisole can easily be paired with trousers and a blazer, tucked into a pencil skirt, or with jeans for an office appropriate casual Friday look.

Christian Louboutin So Kate Heels | Blank Denim Vegan Leather Pants (runs TTS) | Gucci Marmont Velvet Bag | Gucci Double G Buckle Belt (wearing a size 70, read my ‘Gucci Belt Sizing Guide’ HERE) |  Similar Cape Blazer |

Pumps

Every career woman needs her go-to pair of pumps for the office. The key here is to keep your shoes from being too flashy. Simple nude or black heels always do the trick and manage to accentuate any office look. As always, just ensure that the pair you invest in is not only high in quality, but comfortable because you’ll oftentimes be wearing them all day! (I highly recommend this affordable pair!)

BCBG Max Azria Wide Leg Pants (similar here and here) | BCBGeneration Lace Top (similar here)

Trousers

Yet another versatile piece that is essential to have in dark neutrals are trousers. The great thing about these pants is that there are so many modern takes on them, so they don’t feel so basic and dated. I love trousers with details such as a paperbag waist, wide leg, and tapered ankle. Solids continue to work wonders here, but plaid prints and vertical stripes are also cute and fashion-forward updates on the trouser.

Nordstrom Leith Linen Dress | Saint Laurent Rive Gaunche Linen Tote | Rag & Bone Panama Hat | Topshop Embellished Heels | Madewell Earrings

Sheath Dress

Lastly, we all need a classic sheath dress for those days when we need to channel our inner girl boss. Again, you can keep it simple with a classic silhouette and solid color. However, you can jazz it up with tweed and lace textures for something a little different than the norm. Sheath dresses layer really nicely under a blazer.

All of these elements are really great starting points for creating the perfect office attire. What are your favorite workwear pieces?

xo, Maria

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