10 Essential wardrobe staples every working woman must have

1/10
Blazer
A good outerwear can switch up the feel of an outfit entirely, and we’re going with the good-old blazer to give a more professional twist to your outfit. A cool-toned blazer is understated yet elegant, but go for subtle patterns (like stripes) if you want to dress it up a little bit.

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2/10
Comfortable shoes
While most pretty shoes come at the cost of comfort, don’t forget to get one that is easy on your feet. This is especially important if you’re going to be on your feet the entire day. Go for an open-toed look if you want a slightly more casual look, or opt for closed-toed pumps for a more sophisticated look. They transition perfectly from day-to-night, no matter how fancy your event is.

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3/10
Big bag
Sure, while smaller bags are definitely easier to match, getting one large enough to fit your laptop is an absolute godsend. After all, holding too many things with just your hands alone can get inconvenient and incredibly tiring, so having a large bag occasionally is great. We are recommending neutral coloured bags, like black and beige, so they can match the majority of your outfits.

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4/10
Oxford shirt
And, on the days where you need a little more shape and form to your outfit, an Oxford shirt will definitely impress. Having a good buttoned-up shirt (or two) will prove absolutely essential, whether you’re in the working world or not. This carefully sits between a casual look and something fancier, so match accordingly to your office’s dress code.

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5/10
Dark denim jeans
The perfect combination of a casual yet professional look, having a pair of dark denim jeans can honestly do you no wrong. Pair it with a white button-up shirt for Casual Fridays, and then throw on a nice blazer for regular working days. And, on the weekends, feel free to dress it down (or up, according to your activities), making this a versatile pick.

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6/10
Pencil skirt
Pencil skirts epitomise the traditional working woman's wardrobe, but they’re becoming stylish outside of work too. There’s something delicate yet down-to-business about it, making this an infallible pick. Sticking with classic colours like black would definitely work, but try something a bit brighter if you’re looking to give your outfit a little twist.

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7/10
Wide legged pants
For style and comfort, wide-legged pants are the way to go. Not only do they make you look incredibly put-together, they also help to give off the illusion of longer legs. If you’re seeking additional length, go for a striped pattern. Alternatively, keep it clean and crisp with a pair of white wide-legged pants.

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8/10
Watch
A good timepiece is a classic accessory that never fails. You don’t need to splurge on a luxury watch to give off a polished look, but keeping to silvers and golds will match most outfits well. Or, get one with a leather strap if you’re looking for something a bit more feminine-looking. Be careful not to get ones with too large of a watchface, as that may make it look clunky instead.

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9/10
Pant suit
Last, but certainly not the least, getting a solid-coloured pant suit will make dressing up in the morning a lot easier. Stick to the classic tones of navy blue and cool grey, or go fancy with bright colours (like red) that will truly make you stand out in a crowd. Best of all, the structured look of the outfit will keep you from looking too loud.

Photo: IMaxTree
10/10
Little Black Dress
When all else fails, grab your favourite little black dress and get ready to go to work. After all, there’s nearly one for every occasion and for every style, and there’s something for everyone. To add even more flair to it, consider a cream jacket to give off a pop of brightness, or transform the look into something edgy with a classic leather jacket.

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Whether you’re a self-proclaimed office fashionista, or someone who prefers sticking to the classics, having a work-friendly wardrobe is absolutely essential. After all, nothing screams professionalism better than an outfit that highlights your sophistication while also making you look incredibly stylish as well. But, if you are starting your first job, or are just looking for a little something to jazz up your closet, here are 10 wardrobe staples you should have that will make dressing in the morning way easier.

In general, we are recommending a neutral colour scheme or ‘earthy tones’ — so go for beiges and greys. Of course, you can never go wrong with the classic black and white either. Sticking to these colours will create buildability in your wardrobe, presenting a more polished and subtle take on your louder pieces. But, other than that, don’t be afraid to take these suggestions and go wild with it, in accordance with your personal taste. After all, a good wardrobe isn’t one that only keeps you looking elegant and neat, but it also represents who you are as an individual.

Lee Hui Bing

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