The most-requested topic of late has been this: What to wear to the office?  You, dear readers, are looking for a few pieces that can easily be added into your existing wardrobes, and pieces that can do double duty – office then date night, or office and school pick-up.  In short, you’re looking for something fresh, versatile, but not overly precious.

So.  I pulled together a capsule wardrobe of pieces that not only go together, but can also be integrated into what you already have.  I’m targeting an office that’s business casual:   no jeans, per se, no open-toed shoes, but doesn’t necessarily require a suit everyday.

Here’s what I came up with:

Keep reading to see why I chose these specific pieces, how I’d integrate them into your existing wardrobe, and, of course, an edited selection of similar items.

A Bow Blouse

featured: Tuxe Bodywear The Boss

This top is so spot-on for of the fabulous 70’s flare happening right now.  Use it to jazz up a basic black suit, or wear it with sky-high heels and sexy, high-rise flares for date night.  You won’t go wrong.  I especially love how these blouses make basic sweaters more interesting – slip one under a crew or v-neck sweater (or heck – a buttoned cardigan) and give yourself a high-five.  (See a few examples of styling bow blouses here.)

A Classic Watch

featured: Timex Easy Reader

A large, menswear-inspired watch looks cool with everything.  It’s the office-friendly equivalent of wearing your husband’s shirt.

A Victorian (or Romantic) Blouse

featured: Joe Fresh Lace Trim Blouse

Romantic blouses are the best possible way to wear pinstriped trousers, and they’re pretty genius with faded denim, too.  Look for one with a bit of lace, a ruffle around the neck.  If the one you love is too sheer, layer it over a turtleneck.  (I did this here.)

Leather (or Faux) Pencil Skirt

featured: Ann Taylor Faux Leather Pencil Skirt (currently 50% off!!)

So demure, yet so badass.  I’m stealing this idea from my friend Anna G, who was featured in Glamour magazine (for realz!) wearing a leather pencil skirt with a pinstriped button-down.  GENIUS.  Add a blazer if you need to make it more conservative.

A Long Vest

featured: Helene Birman Wool Blend Waistcoat

A long, wool vest adds a chic, lux touch to many outfits.  (And elevates a simple white shirt – black pant combo from waitstaff to office exec.)

Plaid Trousers

featured: LLBean Signature Italian Wool Trousers

Just SO much more interesting than the standard black pant.  Use these to invigorate boring office basics.  Then, when the holidays come by, pair these pants with a silky, sexy little tank and faux-fur jacket.

Statement Pumps

featured: Sole Society Jenn

I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again:  Get. Patterned. Pumps.  They drastically elevate the most boring of outfits, and work in even the most conservative office environments (just look for patterned pumps in a classic shape).

A Slightly Edgy Bag

featured: Coach Swagger With Chain in Pebble Leather

Finding the right bag – one that’s big enough to hold a laptop, notebook, etc. is important. Instead of going the typical briefcase route, I love a large, structured bag with a little edge. It’ll elevate everything you wear (especially when outside the office).

A Week’s Worth of Outfits

Here are a few ideas of how to mix/match this capsule wardrobe to get a week’s worth of outfits.

Mix It Up With Your Existing Closet

The best part (the most fun for me, anyway) is trying to figure out how to best integrate these pieces into an existing office wardrobe.  Here are a few ideas:

Shop The Fall Office Edit

Did you think The Shopping Enabler would stop at just a few recommendations?  Oh, no no non non.  Here are a few additional items that would fit into this overall strategy quite nicely.

Hope this helps!!!  I’ve been SO excited to publish this article – it’s been in the works for quite some time.  *cough*July*cough*

xo,

S