Dear Classy Career Girl, I am hoping you can help me with a problem. I am returning to work after being on maternity leave for 4 months and realize I don't have a thing that fits and haven't bought any non-maternity sized work clothes in a year. I am essentially starting over with my wardrobe and out of tune with what is in fashion. Can you recommend some staple pieces I should buy to help start a new work wardrobe and how to accessorize them so it doesn't look like I'm wearing the same 5 - 10 outfits over and over? - Out of Tune Working Mom
Dear Out of Tune Working Mom,
Congratulations new mom! The thing that most people don't realize is that you really don't need much to have a great working wardrobe. Just a few staples to mix and match and you are good to go! I realized this after getting rid of half of my closet. The best part about storing less in your closet is that it is so much quicker to get ready in the morning!!
Here are the 8 staples that you need for a great working wardrobe. These staples you can mix and match for an entire month without looking like you are wearing the same thing over and over:
1) The Black Blouse
D&G
2) The White blouse
HeartSOUL at Sears
3) The Simple Tee
h&m
4) The Trouser Pant
Express
5) The Black Blazer
H&M
6) The Pencil skirt
Zara
7) The Tailored dress
Paul Smith
8) The Cardigan
I try not to accessorize too much at work because I have heard that men find it distracting when women are wearing big earings and chunky necklaces (and I work with all men..) But, I do think there are simple things you can do to make these outfits look very different every day. To change things up - try wearing a scarf or a blazer over your favorite weekend shirt. Wear open toed shoes (if appropriate in your office), different color necklaces or different purses to give your outfits different looks.
