Putting Together a Basic Work Wardrobe

There are a few basic pieces that can act as the foundation for a business-casual work wardrobe. In my opinion, you need two pencil skirts, two pairs of trousers, two or three dresses, a few cardigans (or blazers), and two pairs of high heels. (As an aside, I actually don't own a blazer yet--its the only thing currently in my "big purchases to save up for" list--and that's partly because I live and work in Southern California. I hate to play to the stereotype, but we really are more casual out here, and I'd feel pretty comfortable going to (most) interviews or office jobs wearing a cardigan instead of a blazer. This might be different for you, depending on where you live/work.)

In with these foundation pieces you can mix blouses, collared shirts, tee shirts, and accessories to add variety to your daily outfit, but you probably have most of these things in your closet already!

The Basics:

Pencil Skirts: I have two pencil skirts, one black and one navy blue, both from Ann Taylor. I paid full price for these, which I was ok with because I knew they'd last me forever (I've been the same size for about 5 years and I'm guessing that wont change until I have kids? Sure would be easier on my wallet!) My black pencil skirt (sz 0p + slight slimming alterations) definitely makes the heaviest rotation in my work wardrobe, but can be endlessly varied with different tops and accessories. I like that my navy skirt (sz 00p) has a bit of visual interest, with this side-tie/belt detail.

Ann Taylor Pencil Skirt

Trousers: I also have two pairs of trousers, one black and one chocolate brown. It just so happened that one is fully lined and one isn't, which actually works out great for when I need more or less warmth, depending on the weather. I've also been known to wear tights under my pants when it's extra cold outside (i.e., mostly for the 5-month period in which I was living in England and not SoCal). No one has to know!

Ann Taylor Trousers

Dresses: I've only ever bought one specifically "for work" dress (below) so I like to keep an eye out for dresses that can do double (or triple) duty. I have a few that I wear to work with cardigans and high heels, and then change into flats and a motorcycle jacket to wear to class or to run errands. Looking for dresses like this is the best--they'll be worth the price as they can make heavy rotation throughout your work, casual, and even date night or dressy wardrobe. And, you can often get these dresses on the cheap. One of my favorites is from Target (second, below)!

Ann Taylor LOFT Dress / Target belt

Target dress  / Gap cardigan

Shirts: Nice solid colored tee's are my favorite thing to wear to work. I tuck them into skirts and pants, layer them under cardigans, and feel good to go. Nicer blouses or collared shirts are also definitely good staples of a work wardrobe. I have two collared shirts (from Gap) and about 4 nicer blouses (from Ann Taylor) that I rotate in amongst the tee's.

Ann Taylor blouse

Ann Taylor blouse
This blouse reminds me of Starry Night :)
Ann Taylor blouse

Cardigans: I actually went through this whole past year of work (while I was still in college, but working part-time at a business-casual office on campus) with 1 and 1/2 cardigans that I wore. My black one went with everything, and every once in a while I'd wear a bright green one which went with about 2 casual-Friday-appropriate outfits. I'm now actively trying to add a few more cardigans into my wardrobe as I've realized how versatile they are and how quickly they improve a simple outfit.

Target Mossimo Cardigan ($15.00 buy here)

Blazers: So far, I haven't been able to buy any blazers, simply because they're a bit cost-prohibitive at the moment. I know that, like the pencil skirts and trousers, they're definitely timeless pieces that I can wear for a long time, but I guess I haven't mustered up the courage to just buy one already! Again, depending on where you live, or if you're applying to and/or working at a business-formal office, blazers will be more of a must. One grey and one black should do the trick (ideally your blazers match either a pencil skirt or pair of trousers for optimum mix-and-match potential).

Shoes: I also spent this past year with just 2 pairs of high heels that I wore to work: the low suede heels from this post, and these adorable ones from DSW:

DSW shoes sz 7 (old)
I love how they look like they're made from men's suiting material,
but with the nice feminine bow.

A pair of black flats that I wear practically every day also made a very heavy rotation. I've now added a pair of Target Pearce Pumps which have filled an obvious gap in my closet. Black pumps (at whatever heel height you prefer) are probably the #1 work shoe any woman should buy.

Target Versie Pump ($29.99) / Target Pearce Pump ($29.99)

The Stores:

The tried-and-true office-wear stores for Petites are, without a doubt:
-Ann Taylor for suiting, pretty blouses, pencil skirts, trousers.
-Ann Taylor LOFT for pretty blouses, pencil skirts, trousers, simple tops.
-Banana Republic (a bit hit or miss right now).
-J. Crew (can be a bit pricey, find the sales!)
-Theory for suiting (above my price-range but I've heard so many good things!)

However, if you're on a bit more of a budget at this moment, or perhaps are just starting out in the work world, try:
-H&M for suiting and accessories
-Target for tops, skirts, accessories, cardigans, shoes.
--Gap for simple tops, cardigans


The Extras:

Accessories: Jewelry, scarves, and belts can be switched in to vary the appearance of any particular outfit. The fact that you'll wear these items everywhere--not just to work--makes them a bit easier to shell out some money for. For cheap (but not necessarily cheap looking!) accessories, try the good ol' staples of Target, F21, and H&M. I especially love Target scarves, which are great all year 'round.

Belts, from top to bottom: Target / Given to me as a gift /
F21 (just $2.75! buy here) / Bought in England
Scarves: One bought in Egypt, one bought in Dubai, and one bought at Target!
Bet you can't guess which is which ;-)

One great bag/purse/briefcase: This piece should ideally be able to take you from classes to shopping to work, but I know it's often really hard to find a bag that does triple-duty like that. I lucked into finding the bag that works perfectly for me, a Fossil messenger/laptop bag; I've probably taken it out 350 of the past 365 days. Getting so much use out of one bag justified the price to me, which wasn't outrageous in the first place for a sturdy leather bag. I'd definitely recommend Fossil for someone who wants luxe looking leather but can't pay designer prices. Their sizes also don't often overwhelm petites. This bag and this one recently caught me eye. If you really want designer goods but don't have it in your budget, scope out eBay. But first, do a little research into how to avoid knockoffs: I'd recommend starting with this video by the lovely Wendy of Wendy's Lookbook.

Fossil Leather Messenger Bag (old)

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These pieces got me through almost a year's worth of work without feeling too bored or constrained. It also helps to be at peace with repeating outfits...I promise, your coworkers won't be keeping a daily diary of what you're wearing, and working within a small wardrobe does force you to be more creative.

Without buying much more then this, I think my next challenge is going to be styling my basic work outfits a little more. I want to find some good accessories (right now I'm on the hunt for skinny, shiny belts and statement necklaces) to start me off.

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A few last tips:
-Try everything on and double-check return policies. If you're buying an "investment piece" you want it to be perfect. Don't settle for second best (I've made this mistake a few too many times).

-Having a good tailor is a lifesaver for Petites.

-Don't buy too much right now if you're just trying to get through a summer internship or short-term job. Saving money now means saving up to better purchases in the future.


Happy shopping, and congrats on your new job!