Work Essentials Closet

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Making your closet more career friendly is one of the most important steps to take as an adult. It's especially true after finishing school, where sweats and team shirts are certainly the norm. And though we are looking at professional gear that will transform your closet for work, we are looking for pieces that will allow you to show individuality and personality while still being appropriate in a work setting. 


NOT YOUR TYPICAL BLAZER

1. Preen, 2. The Row, 3. alice + olivia, 4. Rag & Bone, 5. BB Dakota, 6. Topshop

The blazer is absolutely necessary in the office. It makes you look polished and works well with a dress, pants or a dress. We definitely don't have anything against a classic blazer, but look to an unexpected color or shape to infuse a bit of fun into your work wardrobe. 


SENSIBLE-ISH SHOES

1. Pierre Hardy, 2. Diane von Furstenberg, 3. Michel Vivien, 4. Jason Wu, 5. Aldo, 6. Jil Sander

By sensible, we mean something that is easy to walk around in comfortably, but we don't mean just a boring pair of neutral-colored shoes. Look for a bright color, an acrylic heel or another interesting detail. It's these little things that will take your look from standard to special.

BRIEFCASE-INSPIRED PURSE

1. Steve Mono, 2. Dooney & Bourke, 3. Ralph Lauren, 4. Forzieri, 5. Knomo, 6. Valextra

So far we have been pushing color and items that stand out, and unless you work in a very relaxed or fashion environment, you'll need to be able tone down your more bold choices. A briefcase-inspired purse is classic and brings in some menswear elements, which will also help combat pieces that are too girly or flirty for work.

THE FALLBACK DRESS

1. Diane von Furstenberg, 2. Martin Grant, 3. French Connection, 4. Marc by Marc Jacobs, 5. Marni Edition, 6. Diane von Furstenberg

This can be neutral and classic or have just a little bit of sass, but the fallback dress is the one you wear when you need to look and feel good.