Akram's Ideas
Is your style resume in need of an update? Give your work wardrobe the promotion it deserves, with help from Modcloth.

Update Your Work Wardrobe with Modcloth

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After a long holiday weekend it’s hard to find the motivation to get back to work. However, I’m in the opinion that your attitude can be changed with what you wear. So, if you are looking for success, you need to dress for success.

Also, it may come to no surprise but one of my favorite places to find a perfect mix of stylish and work appropriate attire is none other than Modcloth.

Work Wardrobe Staples

This time of year there are also a lot of recent grads entering the job field who might not have a well rounded work wardrobe. Therefore I thought I’d share some basic work wardrobe staples.

Basic Skirt

First you’ll want some basic neutral colored skirts. I suggest going for black and gray tones. Especially if you are just starting in a new job, you want to get a feel for the organization culture before you burst on to the scene in loud colors. Also these neutral colors are always the best choice for interviews.

Modcloth Ready, Willing, and Staple Skirt
Modcloth Ready, Willing, and Staple Skirt
Modcloth A Trip Into Town Skirt in Charcoal
Modcloth A Trip Into Town Skirt in Charcoal

Modcloth’s Ready, Willing, and Staple Skirt is a classic A-line skirt made from a sturdy and comfy knit material. Another classic style is a pencil skirt and the A Trip Into Town Skirt, is a perfect choice. This skirt offers vintage charm with it’s decorative buttons and ruched side. The A Trip Into Town Skirt comes in black and charcoal grey.

Wide Legged Pants

When it comes to pants stick with a nice sleek pair of wide legged pants. Think about fashion icons like Katharine Hepburn, she’s known for classic suit with wide legged pants.

Modcloth Leadership Ahoy Pants in Black
Modcloth Leadership Ahoy Pants in Black
Modcloth Every Opportunity Pants in Black
Modcloth Every Opportunity Pants in Black

Create this classic style with Modcloth’s Leadership Ahoy Pants in Black or Every Opportunity Pants in black or navy. Both pants feature a high waist and wide leg, perfect for all those office meetings.

Business Blazer

A blazer can make any skirt or pant an instant suit. While not all industries require a suit per say, I’ve found that if you dress professionally you get more respect and recognition than you would if you were dressed casually.

Modcloth Fine and Sandy Blazer in Stone
Modcloth Fine and Sandy Blazer in Stone
Modcloth Academia Ahoy Blazer in Navy
Modcloth Academia Ahoy Blazer in Navy

The Fine and Sandy Blazer comes in a variety of colors, but again black and grey would be my first choices. It has a classic look that’s both chic and functional business. If you want to add a little more variety to your wardrobe there is the Academia Ahoy Blazer in Navy this jacket offers contrasting trim for a pop of color.

Colorful Blouse

Speaking of color, a smart blouse is the perfect place to add a little color. When it comes to blouses avoid anything too tight fitted.

A nice bright solid colored blouse can work with most bottoms and blazers. For example the Careerist and Dearest Top in Saffron offers a gathered-shoulder top and a playful tied neckline.

Modcloth Careerist and Dearest Top in Saffron
Modcloth Careerist and Dearest Top in Saffron
Modcloth Up, Up, and Amaze Top in Unicorns
Modcloth Up, Up, and Amaze Top in Unicorns

Then there’s the Up, Up, and Amaze Top in Unicorns with its pink hue, lighthearted print and classic bow, is feminine yet when paired with a classic blazer and professional bottoms can be a work wardrobe staple.

Day to Night Dress

When purchasing a dress I feel you can get more for your money if you choose something that can work from day to night. In other words, can be appropriate in the office and a night on the town.

One can never go wrong with a simple black dress. The Luck Be a Lady Dress in Black and Red offers a classic black dress with an A-line silhouette and a contrasting red color block at the bottom. This dress when paired with a black blazer can be business chic during the day and easily transformed to party appropriate that night.

Modcloth Luck Be a Lady Dress in Black and Red
Modcloth Luck Be a Lady Dress in Black and Red
Modcloth Profesh Fidelity Dress
Modcloth Profesh Fidelity Dress

Another great example of a day to night dress is the Profesh Fidelity Dress. This classic sheath dress is prefect for the office, while it’s cowl neckline and dolman sleeves make it a fun and flirty date night dress.

Casual Cardigan

For those more casual work days I suggest forgoing the blazer in lieu of a cardigan. A cardigan isn’t as structured as a blazer but offers a still put together look.

Modcloth Charter School Cardigan in Royal Blue
Modcloth Charter School Cardigan in Royal Blue
Modcloth Top to Blossom Cardigan
Modcloth Top to Blossom Cardigan

The Charter School Cardigan comes in a variety of colors and has a classic look with its v-neckline, ¾ sleeves and button down front.

While the Top to Blossom Cardigan in coral pink is adorned with beautiful floral embroidery, giving it a more feminine springtime look.  

Classy Shoes

When it comes to your work wardrobe your shoes are just as important as the rest of your ensemble.

Modcloth Romantic Revival Heel in Noir
Modcloth Romantic Revival Heel in Noir
Modcloth Blossoming Bouclé Flat in Black
Modcloth Blossoming Bouclé Flat in Black

You’ll get a lot of use out of a classic black heel, such as the Romantic Revival Heel. These Mary Jane style pumps have a work friendly 2.5 heel height making it easy to get around the office all day.

If your job requires a lot of walking I suggest doing yourself (and your feet) a favor and get a sensible flat. The Blossoming Bouclé Flat these vintage inspired shoes have a Mary-Jane esque style and feature boucle dots for interest.

Work Wardrobe Don’ts

While Modcloth like other major retailers have a huge selection of items under the heading “Work Appropriate” not all I would say are appropriate.

Here are a few work wardrobe don’ts:

  • Don’t wear capris or shorts – they are not pants
  • Don’t wear tight fitted pants – this means no skinny jeans or leggings, just don’t do it.
  • Don’t wear sleeveless or backless blouses – unless you plan to wear a blazer or cardigan over it all day.
  • Don’t wear a skirt that is too short – I suggest a skirt that hits just below or above the knee anything that comes up higher is a don’t.
  • Don’t wear sandals – they are meant for the beach, also many office safety protocols prohibit open-toe shoes of any kind, so be sure to check your company’s policy.  

Promote Your Wardrobe Today

So I hope I’ve given you some advice when it comes to starting or revamping your work wardrobe.

As I said before Modcloth has a great selection of Work Wardrobe items, and encourage you to check it out for more ideas and inspiration.

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Is your style resume in need of an update? Give your work wardrobe the promotion it deserves, with help from Modcloth.

2 comments

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  • Fantastic pieces and styling tips. The wide legged trousers in particular are calling my name here. Tight pants and I rarely live well together, but thankfully wide legged ones and I get along much better as a general rule. It’s a good thing, too, because I’d be all but pants-less without them.

    Big hugs & happy wishes for the new week,
    ♥ Jessica

    • Thank you Miss Jessica,
      I love wide legged trousers as well, but find it so hard to find them off the rack. That’s why I love vintage/retro inspired shops like Modcloth where you can still get wide legged pants. Eventually though I’d like to attempt to make a pair myself, but have been brave enough yet 😉

Akram Taghavi-Burris

designer, writer, educator, tech nerd, crafter, baker, sewer and vintage collector, who Brings Creative & Crazy Ides to Life.

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