7 Wardrobe Staples For Your Professional Outfits

If you haven’t refreshed your workwear lately, now is a good time to make updates. Even if you are working from home, consider meetings, networking events, lunches, and other occasions where you will need to look professional. Here are 7 wardrobe staples that I keep in my closet to pull together professional outfits…

This post includes affiliate links, so I may receive a commission when you make a purchase after clicking on these links (at no cost to you). Thank you for supporting Fashionipa.

1. Tailored Pants

Tailored pants (trousers) are more versatile than skirts, so start with a few pairs in dark neutral colors. Black, dark gray, and navy are timeless, won’t show stains, and go with practically any other color. I prefer solid colors, as patterns can be seasonal such as plaids for fall or gingham checks for summer.

For cooler weather, look for lightweight wool (more expensive/may require dry cleaning) or polyester (cheaper/washable) blends. I’m wearing two options from Banana Republic. The Wide-Leg Pants looked gorgeous online, but the pleating made them look more like trendy barrel pants which is not the look I was going for.

I ended up with the Straight-Leg Pants which are a more classic cut.

If you are looking for machine-washable straight-leg pants, take a look at J.Crew’s Kate pants which are made in a polyester blend.

If you struggle with pants that fit both your hips and waist, you may need a curvy fit. Ann Taylor offers curvy fit styles including their classic Sophia Pants.

For warmer weather, look for Lenzing Ecovero, cotton, or linen blends, but if you are shopping online, read the reviews to see if anyone mentions wrinkling or fading with washing.

Take a look at these City Twill pants from J.Crew in eco-friendly Lenzing Ecovero.

Everlane’s Bi-Stretch Flare Pants are a cotton/elastane blend.

For an affordable cotton blend pant, take a look at LOFT’s Sutton Flare Pants.

For sizes 14W – 22W take a look at Nordstrom’s Slim Flare Pants.

1.5 Ponte Pants

Ponte pants are knit stretch pants that feel like heavy-weight leggings but look more like professional pants. They are a nice alternative to trousers especially if you are having trouble finding pants that fit or are comfortable. Buy them in black or navy, as lighter colors will highlight the fact that these are stretch pants!

I often wear my Clara Sunwoo Ponte Knit Kick Front Slit Pants with tunic tops or longer sweaters (to hide the pull-on waistband) in place of trousers.

Use my code NIPA10 for 10% off these pants (or any other Clara Sunwoo clothing).

I tried Banana Republic’s Cropped Flare Ponte too but even when I sized up, I found them to be too snug around my hips for a professional outfit. If you have a more straight figure, these may work for you.

What to avoid in your workwear closet? Jeans (unless the dress code is business casual, and your jeans are distress-free), leggings, drawstring waist bands, low-rise pants, and anything that resembles loungewear!

2. Classic Jackets

Blazers are staples for professional outfits. Mine is an unlined Ponte Blazer which has plenty of stretch for comfort. If you’ve been searching for a petite relaxed blazer, you’ll love this one! (They have regular sizes too).

I wore mine with jeans and a t-shirt for a casual day, but you can dress this up with a blouse and tailored pants for work.

For spring, consider a trench coat. If you have cool undertones like I do, the traditional tan trench coat can make you look washed out, so consider a navy one.

This Tailored Coat is another spring option. It has the look of a traditional wool coat but is made from cooler Lenzing Ecovero.

Cropped jackets are trending this year. You’ll find cropped blazers, tweed jackets, and simple collarless jackets that chic staples for your professional outfits.

Related Post | How To Style A Cropped Sweater Jacket

What not to include in your professional outfits? Denim, bomber, shirt, and puffer jackets are better for casual outfits.

3. Professional Tops

While t-shirts are appropriate in some professional settings, I prefer to have a few blouses and lightweight sweaters for my professional outfits.

In cooler weather, consider a lightweight knit like this short-sleeved wool sweater or this affordable machine-washable mock neck sweater shell to wear under your blazer. Twinsets (cardigan and matching shell) are back in style from the 90s but are now available in new fabrics like Tencel®.

If you’re looking for sizes 1X-3X, take a look at this Lace Sleeve Knit Top. I think the lace adds interest but still looks polished.

For a formal or traditional look, consider a button up shirt. I have this elevated basic in stretch cotton as well as a few silk blouses. Silk and cotton will keep you cool, but they do require some extra care to maintain.

Cropped dress shirts are currently trending but they can be tricky to wear (consider a stretch camisole and high-waist pants to stay covered!) If you work in a creative industry you may be able to wear oversized ruffles, lace, balloon sleeves, and some of the other trending details, but for traditional attire, stick with the basics.

4. Tailored Skirts

Pencil skirts are currently popular again, but can feel a little restrictive so choose one with stretch. If you want to draw attention away from your tummy or hips, consider an a-line skirt. The wider hem will make your middle look smaller.

5. Polished Dresses

There is so much variety in dresses, that it’s often tricky to find ones that look appropriate for work. I tend to find my professional dresses at Banana Republic, J.Crew, and Ann Taylor but brands like Tuckernuck, Talbots, and Boden options in bolder colors.

The sheath dress is a classic professional dress, but like the pencil skirt, it can be restrictive so choose one with stretch. This sweater dress would be a comfortable option. For a long-sleeved dress with bright color options, take a look at this Boden Ottoman Dress. Choose one of the solid colors as the stripes look more casual.

For a classic fit and flare, machine washable dress, take a look at this Pleated Crew Neck Dress. For summer, take a look at this fit-and-flare dress. It’s made from stretch linen but still looks polished and professional.

What I avoid: while wrap dresses are popular, I find that I’m always worried that the wrap will loosen revealing too much cleavage or legs. Shirt dresses can look polished, if you choose one with an even (not curved hem). And of course, anything sheer, strappy or revealing is better for parties and vacations than the office.

6. Comfortable Professional Shoes

I have no patience for standing in high heels all day, so my staples for professional outfits include block heels, kitten heels, and flats.

With your pants and suits, wear comfortable loafers. Madewell’s Vernon loafers are popular. For a luxury pair, Tory Burch’s loafers are classic investment shoes.

Ballet flats look good with dresses and slim pants. These come in many colors and patterns including metallics which are trending this year.

If you are buying pumps, consider a pair of kitten-heeled sling-backs like this classic style.

7. Work Bag

The traditional work bag is the shoulder tote, with a zippered compartment for small valuables and open pockets for other items.

Tory Burch’s Robinson tote is a classic and comes in a Medium size and a Small size. This is a zippered style so if you are afraid you’ll lose something with an open-top tote, consider one of these. Both are currently on sale at Nordstrom.

I love the shape, pleat detail, and zipper on this shoulder tote.

Nordstrom rack is a really good option for bargains, if you aren’t looking for the latest styles. This Dooney and Burke large tote is currently marked down significantly and is quite stunning.

Looking for handbags under $100? HOBO and Kate Spade are two brands that offer affordable options. This HOBO leather tote is marked down for a limited time.

What Not To Include In Your Professional Outfits

Officewear is having a fashion moment this year, so you’ll find plenty of styles, fabric options, and sizes right now. If you’re still a bit confused about what’s appropriate, here’s what to NOT buy (assuming you work in a traditional office setting):

• Anything that is too tight
• Fabrics that are sheer (unless you have another layer underneath)
• Rips, tears, distressing (whether deliberate or accidental!)
• Oversized clothing

I didn’t mention belts for work, but I have an entire post dedicated to them so you can read that next!

Related Post | Statement Belts You’ll Want To Wear In 2024

Tell me what you are looking for in your professional outfits, and I’ll look out for more options!