Corporate Wardrobe Basics/Not-A-Cent-in-Lent Update
I am not an expert on corporate attire, but I thought that with either a great pair of slacks or skirt (depending on her style) in a neutral color, a blazer and a few beautiful blouses with classic pumps and accessories could work. To get away from all dark colors and add a splash of spring, she could look at a really pretty blouse. This is new in Target stores and online this week from its guest appearnace of the Liberty of London line*.
This blouse might be a subtle way to add spring and color to a corporate wardrobe. It is feminine and springlike but not too flowery. It would look great with black or gray.
This scarf would definitely bring a breath of spring time to any corporate outfit:
*I made Easter items exempt from my Not-A-Cent-in-Lent pledge because my kids need Easter this year. So I didn’t feel like I was breaking my promise by buying them these dresses to wear on Easter:
But I know I definitely fell of the wagon buying these:
They do NEED swimsuits, but it could have waited until after Easter.
This was my one big purposeful slip. I say purposeful because I actually marked on my calendar the day the Liberty of London line was debuting in Target so I could buy their Easter dresses. My big slip up was buying the suits as well. I’m going to make sure it doesn’t happen again.
** PS Please help give Jeanne some advice on the bare basics corporate wardrobe she needs starting her new promotion so she isn’t spending a lot of money during Lent!!!! Also, she wants to add a touch of spring to her clothes instead of all black.
I think Euro Chic has a great corporate wardrobe appropriate for any business situation. I would advise she look at her blog for some ideas. The lent challenge is getting harder for me. I need to post on it soon.
As someone who works in the corporate world I find that I struggle with my wardrobe every day. However, my struggles usually arise because I want to wear more fun items than a corporate setting really allows. For a basic corporate wardrobe I would suggest:
-Black Pants
-Black Skirt
-Black blazer to match skirt and pants and create a suit
-Tan/Grey skirt or pants (depending on your style and color preferences)
-Plain black sheath dress
-Button down shirts or blouses (should have at least one white and others can be colored. I really like silky or chiffon-y tops with fun ruffly necklines)
-Black Pumps
-Black Flats
-V Neck/Crew Neck Sweaters/Cardigans
I think if you have those basics you can create an appropriate outfit for any corporate office. However, this is where I get stuck thinking I look boring. To add some pizazz to your outfit you could get creative with:
Colored scarves
Statement necklace/earrings
Belts
Shoes
I hope this helps! I would really stress “separates” as you can mix and match pants and skirts and sweaters and shirts, etc. Basically any kind of top will go with plain Black or Tan bottoms. If you have to stick with a plain wardrobe for a while, let your accessories shine!
I second what Tine says….
Also check out Ann Taylor’s Website…their sections on “Must-Have Outfits” and “Interview Looks” give great examples full of professional outfits. You don’t have to purchase from them but at least you get good examples.
Bobbi, Stephanie and Tine,
Thanks so much for the ideas. I think Jeanne’s main difficulty right now is buying enough clothing to look professional while she is still participating in the Not-a-Cent-in-Lent. I think she wants to buy the bare minimum to get by until after Easter … I’ll know she’ll have some great ideas after reading your comments.
Kristi! Thank you so much for this post. I am inspired now! I love the blouse and scarf – they will indeed get me through until Easter. Many options for these two items are ringing through my mind. You’re brilliant!
Bobbi, Stephanie and Tina, thank you too for your great suggestions. After 5 years dressing “business casual” with comfortable shoes that my friend affectionately has dubbed “Granny’s Best” – and the whole outfit hidden away under a lab coat, I was quite at a loss!
The swimsuits you bought are adorable, Kristi! I don’t think that you fell off the wagon…sometimes one has to snatch up the seasonal stuff before it’s gone, and you know that they will use them often this summer. Practical and sensible and quite pretty, you can’t lose!
Will update you on what I purchase – hmmm, perhaps I should try a $20 challenge…?
A bientot,
Jeanne
P.S. Easter dresses don’t count either, as they are for a very special occasion!
P.S. 2 – what a beautiful dress!
I think you exercised incredible restraint. The Liberty stuff for girls was so adorable. If I had little girls, I would have bought up everything.