10 Wardrobe Staples That Will Make You Look and Feel Like a Boss
Easy ways to streamline your morning routine.
By now you've probably read about the 30 items every woman should own by the time they're 30 years old, but this tight edit is specifically tailored to looking polished at the office. Our picks can and should be worn together, so getting dressed in the morning will easy, formulaic—but never boring. Translation: You'll never feel guilty for hitting the snooze button four times in a row again (maybe). Read on for ten key items to own that will make you look, and more importantly, feel like a boss.
A Perfectly Tailored Skirt
Whether you pair it with a plain t-shirt or a sharp blouse, a skirt that actually fits and flatters your body will become your favorite item in your closet.
Diane von Furstenberg Flute Knit Skirt, $298; Nordstrom.com
The Power Shoe
It doesn't matter if you’re a single sole pump kind of girl or someone who never wears heels—everyone needs a pair of shoes that puts you in a takes-no-shit sort of mood.
Vince Camuto Savilla Pumps, $88; zappos.com
Day-to-Night Dress
Find a dress that can easily transition from the office to your favorite bar, because you'll never forgive yourself for missing $1 oysters at happy hour because you had to rush home after work to change.
Zara Striped Tunic Knot, $40; zara.com
PullsEverything-Together Blazer
Wear this as a part of a two-piece suit or stash it on the back of your office chair to combat the office AC blast. A crisp blazer like one in this transitional camel color pulls together any kind of outfit.
J. Crew Dover Blazer, $198; jcrew.com
A Structured Bag
Nothing says "I got this" like a bag that sits by itself on the board room table (and is big enough to hold your laptop).
Cambridge Satchel Folio Bag, $240; cambridgesatchel.com
An About-Business Topcoat
For wintry months, you'll need a coat that shows you're in charge. Toss this over a statement suit or a work-appropriate LBD for a power lunch or a much-needed coffee break.
Pixie Market Plaid Long Blazer Coat, $284; pixiemarket.com
Ankle-Length Cigarette Pants
Not only does this flattering cut work on most body types, it's super versatile. We love this option from Uniqlo, which is literally called "smart."
Uniqlo Smart Style Ankle Length Pants, $40; uniqlo.com
Fuss-Free Jewelry
Own jewelry you can wear everyday in a classic style that looks neither overdone or simplistic.
Bagatiba 14k 2m Hoops, $160; bagatiba.com
Casual Friday Denim
Distressed boyfriend jeans are fine for the weekend, but opt for darker denim at work. The true blue hue reads more professional than its faded cousin and won't look out of place in a meeting.
Attico Cropped High-Rise Flared Jeans, $122; net-a-porter.com
An Easy Button Down
You can never have too many white button-down shirts, but to avoid looking like a cater waiter, find one with minor details like this pajama top cut with contrast piping.
Everlane Piped Silk Notch Collar Shirt, $98; everlane.com
Justine Carreon is the market editor at ELLE.com covering fashion, Dutch ovens, and fashion again. When she isn’t approaching style through a modern, accessible lens, she’s scouring eBay for vintage Levi’s and pretending she knows how to surf. Before joining ELLE.com in 2015 she worked as a freelance writer and stylist in New York City.
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