Now that I am beginning to tip toe back into the business world, I wanted to learn the wardrobe basics every woman needs to own. I want to put my most professional foot forward while staying on budget. If I can find some solid anchor pieces, I can build around them and therefore getting more bang for my buck. I know that styles and trends have changed since I was in the business world, so I was eager to see if the rules of business clothing had changed in those years. Here is what I found:
Five Wardrobe Basics Every Woman Needs To Own
- Jeans: I was surprised to see jeans on the list, but when I thought about it, I know many offices are more casual than before, so it made sense. It is recommended the jeans be a dark wash, which is more professional and that they have a boot cut, which is more flattering. Wear with a boot, heel or wedge if you are wearing them in the office.
- Shoes: There are two shoes that are recommended you have in your closet. The first is a classic black pump in a medium to high heel, as this shoe will go with everything in your closet, making it very versatile. The second shoe was a surprise to me and that is a snakeskin print in any color. Again, once I thought about it, this made sense as well. It gives texture and a level of fashion many women may not think to have.
- Jacket: Every woman should have a classically constructed jacket in a neutral color. The top colors that are recommended are navy, black or brown. Stay away from a trendy cut, style or color, as they will go in and out of style, while a classic blazer will always be in fashion. You can wear this to the office with a skirt or slacks and a classic top or a dress. For a more casual look, you can pair it with those dark washed jeans you just bought!
- Little Black Skirt? It seems the experts are split on this decision! Literally half of the fashion advisors recommend a black pencil skirt and half say you should have the classic little black dress. Honestly, either choice will be an asset to your wardrobe and can be worn with a variety of accessories.
- Shirt: Every woman needs to have the classic white button down shirt in their closet. This very adaptable piece will work with your pencil skirt, your dark jeans as well as that blazer you need to get. When I am looking for a well-made and professional look, my favorite place to shop online is Alight. This plus size clothing company has its competitors trying to re-create what they perfected years ago, all of course, falling short of the mark!
Classic Women’s Clothing
When I think of classic women’s clothing, I always think of Alight. This wonderful women’s clothier got its start in 1999 and quickly became a force to be reckoned with in the plus size clothing arena. The clothing from Alight is always made of quality fabric, is constructed to fit a women’s size 14W to 30W body perfectly and is always affordable. You can find just about any piece you need for every occasion, including clothing for the office, the PTA or a picnic in the park. I did not have the classic white button down shirt in my closet and I knew I needed one. Norman Weiss, who steers the Alight ship, always seems to know what to send and he did not disappoint this time either! I love the classic look of my white button down shirt ($32.00) with the touch of edge with the patent belt. For the plus size junior, you can find clothing from such designers as Blue Plate, Revolt and Last Kiss. I think it is a safe bet that regardless the need, Alight can fill it.
One reader will win a piece of women’s or junior clothing of Alight’s choice, in the winner’s size.
The Bold Floral Print Dress by Night Moves by Allure looks very nice!
Black Sassy Jacket
by Fashion Love
i like the black all night skirt
Green Stylish Slashed Knit Tee
Black jacket!
I like the Black Justify Jacket
sibabe64 at ptd dot net
I LIKE THE floral Marvelous Maxi Dress
I like the Black Lucky Lace Cardigan
I like the Paris, France top.
I like the Shiny Stone Dress by Fashion Love
The yoga pants
I love the Space Race Print Dress.
My favorite is the Green Garden Dress.
I like the Black Tunic Sweater
by Extra Touch
My fave is the Grey Fun Floral top 🙂
Eggcelent Eggplant Evening Dress!
i love the green garden dress
i like the Orange Maxi Dress 🙂
Yoga Pants
The Dove Nights Evening Dress by Alex Evenings is stunning!
I love the Black Lace Up Maxi Dress
Black Selection Top
Blue Ocean Dress
Love the Black Graphic Pants and the Yoga pants too
I love the yoga pants.
I really like that orange maxi dress!!
I really like the Wine Lesson Dress
by Blue Plate
.
Turqouise Tie Dye Maxi Dress
by Pink Apple
i really like the yoga pants
i like the Camel Faux Suede Jacket by Last Kiss
thanks
I love the leggings and casual shoes.
I love the green garden dress!
the yoga pants
i like the tunic sweaters!
love the yoga pants
I like the Green Fringe Top by Miss Majesty.
I love the Let It Lace Dress
Thank you
Red Necklace Strap Dress
by Faviana
I like the blue ocean dress!
i like the http://www.alight.com/extra-touch-black-sweater-coat.html
print please dress
iliek the maxi dress i have the problem with weigh and then i go to place just in sweat and shirt
Lights Out Top
Turquoise tiedie maxi dress
I like the Blue Ocean Dress
I’m loving the Silver Metallic V-Neck Sweater!
I love the pasadena dress! Thank you so much for the awesome giveaway!
Teal Belted Sweater.
i like the Slashed Orange Knit Top
Like the Navy Wrap Top, SKU # 14073142.
I like the solid black yoga pants 🙂
I like this purple top http://www.alight.com/extra-touch-purple-road-top.html
Loving the tunic sweaters!
Love the purple road jacket
Teal Seattle Sweater
Teal Seattle Sweater
I like The Karrie Dress In Creamy Rose Lace
Red Metallic Tunic Sweater
Red Tunic Sweater
I like the Pasadena dress
I like the Lights Out Top.
seattle sweater
Hi Low Pleated Skirt
I like the lace Black Selection Top
White Lace Up Maxi Dress
The Kara Blouse Brown is beautiful!
Floral Print Dress
Yellow Earth Angel Dress
by Night Moves by Allure
love the Turqouise Tie Dye Maxi Dress
by Pink Apple
Teal Seattle Sweater
My favorite is the Dance Night Multi Color Print Dress
The Kara Blouse Yellow
Master Mind Top by Blue Plate
I like the Teal Belted Sweater
I like the teal seattle sweater
i like the Silver Metallic V-Neck Sweater
The Sweetheart Short Sleeve Dress is lovely!
misusedinnocence@aol.com
I like the orange ripple top!
Marvelous Maxi Dress
Teal Seattle Sweater is my fav.
I like the Floral Print Dress
I like the Purple Road Top by Extra Touch
Cellulite Smoother Legging in black would be my choice
I like the Teal Seattle Sweater
I like the Seattle sweater in teal,also.Great color!
I like the red v-neck cable sweater.
Dallas Denim Capris
I like the Toronto Top.
My fav is the Marvelous Maxi Dress.
I love the bold design dress!
ABA yoga pants
Black Vermont V-Neck Dress
tdlsfm(at)yahoo(dot)com
Fuchsia the dye maxi dress
I like The Black Jean Skirt by Kiss Therapy. Hard to pick just one!
I’d love the marvelous maxi dress
Happy Times Maxi Dress
by Pink Apple
I liked the lace maganta dress
i like the red shawl collar sweater
Carefree Dress
Turquoise Lace Up Maxi Dress
Lace Magenta Dress is my favorite.
I like the Blue Baltimore Dress.
There are so many that I would love to have, to hard to just pick one.
I love the Stone Beauty set by Alex Evenings, as well as the Wine Country Coat.
I like the Red V-Neck Cable Sweater
The Black Jean Skirt by Kiss Therapy
I quite like the Brown Faux Suede Jacket.
None.
Black Flare Top
I like the Marvelous Maxi Dress
by Pink Apple
The Grey Tie Dye Maxi
Graphic Design Dress
by Meetu Magic
I really like the Black Pure Party Dress.
I like the Black V Neck Top
by Fashion Love
I like the Violet Romance Necklace
Sunday Scarf Maxi Dress
my fave :o)
I like the berry wrap top
Great clothes! I would pick Sexy Sequins Top.
I love the Royal Sassy Jacket~
I like the fun floral top
i like the Blue Lagoon Jean
by Revolt Jeans
Love the silver meetallic v-neck sweater.
Love the silver meetallic v-neck sweater.
I like the Green Metallic Tunic Sweater
by Derek Heart
i like the Moon Maxi Dress
I like the leopard dress.
I like the Navy Native Neckline Top
by alight
My favorite is the Let it Lace dress.
I like the Grey Road top.
Dark Grey XOXO French Terry Pant
im lovin the Black Boston Dress
by alight
the high low dress
Heather Grey XOXO French Terry Pant
Totally impractical, but I like the click here for larger image Electric Avenue Evening Dress. It is nice to dream of such a dress and a place to wear it.
Festival Dress by Blue Plate
I like the Teal Seattle Sweater
High Low Dress
by Pink Apple
Maybe the “Red V Neck Top
by Fashion Love” for my mother-in-law.
Leopard Dress
I like the black fringe knit top.
Pink proper plaid top
I love the Island Trip Dress
by Blue Plate. Perfect for a trip to Hawaii!
I like the Black Sands Top. super cute!
I really need a new summer dress and this one is beautiful: http://www.alight.com/alight-patterned-green-maxi-dress.html
Love the Going Olive Top by alight.
i like that teal belted sweater
I love the black metallic cardigan by French Laundry!