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With more time at home, it’s about time that we all go through what we have. Rediscover old treasures long thought lost at the back of your closet or declutter items you just don’t like. You don’t just have the opportunity to de-clutter, however. You can go in with intent. If you have just started a new job or want a great new professional wardrobe for when we all finally go back to work, follow this guide to curate and build the ultimate professional wardrobe:
Stick with Neutrals
You don’t need a big wardrobe for your professional wardrobe, but you do need everything to mix and match. Menswear is practically designed for this while womenswear is more flexible. A good way to ensure that everything matches is to rely on neutrals. You don’t have to solely use neutrals but use them as the bones of your wardrobe. Neutral trousers, neutral tops – have a good collection of everyday basics you can wear to work.
From there you can add a rotating set of non-neutrals. Patterns, bright colours, and so on can be a great way to add oomph to your professional wardrobe.
Materials Matter
When selecting what should go into your professional wardrobe it’s more than just the cut and style, it’s the material and how well it is made. For winter try to focus on wools, especially for your tops. Not all wool is fuzzy. You can get flat-woven wool for trousers and coats as well that will help keep you warm and dry.
Focus on breathable fabrics that are well made for the best results. You don’t want those sweat patches to show!
Get Things Tailored
Even budget items can look great when they are tailored to your body. If you have a dress that is almost right – but not quite – take it into a tailor to have it fitted to your exact dimensions. Do this, and you’ll look like a million bucks.
Mix and Match to Prepare Outfits
Spend the time now to experiment with your wardrobe so that you can become more familiar with it. You can know what works and what doesn’t in advance, and thus save yourself time in the mornings.
Accessorise
No outfit is complete without accessories. In fact, as Michael Kors once said, accessories are like the exclamation point of an outfit.
For business attire you are going to want to focus on practicality as much as you are aesthetically. In terms of practicality a business backpack or messenger bag is one of the most important. This should always have a notebook, pen, pencil, charger, and, of course, your own professional customised business cards.
You need to always have everything you need to network, otherwise you might miss opportunities in a flash. Have what you need to make a connection or to showcase your work. If you want to look for a new job sometime soon, even consider having a printout of your resume in your bag with you.
Accessories help us look good, but they need to help you do your job best. With the right professional gear on hand your outfit won’t just look on point, you will too.