7 pieces that will make your workwear wardrobe more professional

The phrase “dress for success” might sound cliche, but there’s truth behind it. What you decide to wear in the morning can change how you feel and perform all day long. Us hustlers have a lot penciled into our planners every day, and smart—plus stylish—work outfits help motivate us to cross those items off our list. Who wouldn’t feel more powerful in a killer blazer?

We know you’re a badass on the inside, so look the part when you’re on the job.

Making your work outfits more professional doesn’t have to mean giving your entire wardrobe a makeover. Simple tweaks and additions can have a huge impact on the overall look of your workwear wardrobe. Staple pieces like a tailored blazer, a sleek and practical tote, or a versatile button-down can go a long way when it comes to giving your workwear wardrobe the professional edge it needs. Shop our seven essential workwear wardrobe pieces below.

Badass blazer

Every working woman needs a blazer that makes her feel like the boss she is. The best part about blazers (aside from the extra pocket space) is that they can easily be dressed up or down. Paired with nice pants or a pencil skirt, you’ll look super polished. Paired with jeans and booties, you’re a little more casual, but still taking the day head on. There are tons of blazer options to suit your style, from patterned to solid, cropped to long, and fitted to boxy. Check out our faves below.

1Double Breasted Plaid Blazer

workwear wardrobe

$99
Shop it Nordstrom

This classic cut plaid blazer never goes out of style.

2Crop Blazer

workwear wardrobe

$79
Shop it Nordstrom

With a black blazer in your workwear wardrobe, the outfit options are endless. This cropped one is more playful, making it perfect for strutting straight from the office to happy hour.

3Levirie Jacket

workwear wardrobe

$95
Shop it Nordstrom

We’re drooling over this blazer. The rich burgundy color and soft corduroy are practically begging us to make this our essential fall piece.

Powerful pumps

Although we do prioritize comfort when it comes to work shoes—most of us are commuters—every boss babe needs one pair of pumps that say “I mean business.” This is the pair you whip out when you have an important presentation, or on days where you need a little something extra to feel like the powerful professional you are.

1Steve Madden Daisy Pointy-Toe Pump

workwear wardrobe

$53.96 (orig. $89.95)
Shop it Nordstrom

You can never go wrong with classic black pumps. This is your go-to pair for dressing up distressed jeans or complementing silky joggers.

2Jessica Simpson Pheona Pump

workwear wardrobe

$78.95
Shop it Nordstrom

This splashy printed pump perfectly combines class and sass.

3Chinese Laundry Nadia Platform Pump

workwear wardrobe

$79.95
Shop it Nordstrom

With a thicker heel, bold platform, and retro ankle strap, you can wear this pair all fall long.

Basic button-ups

Every workwear wardrobe needs its staple shirts. Button-ups are those tried-and-true tops that never fail to make you look put together. Layer them under a sleek jacket or wear one solo for simple sophistication. Prints and bold colors make this OG workwear essential feel fresh.

1Alex Mill Texture Dot Oversize Shirt

white

$58.80 (orig. $98)
Shop it Nordstrom

Everyone needs a classic white button-up, and the subtle texture on this one makes it stand out.

2Rachel Roy Collection Leopard Print Blouse

workwear wardrobe

$89
Shop it Nordstrom

Unleash your inner beast at the office in this leopard print button-up.

3TopShop Button Front Satin Peplum Top

blouse

$55
Shop it Nordstrom

Oo-la-la. With its puff sleeves, satin fabric, and peplum fit, this top puts a fresh twist on the basic button-up.

Take-everywhere tote

When you’re on the grind, you need a bag to hold all of the essentials that get you through the day. Finding a purse that’s big enough to fit your trusty laptop and planner but small enough to easily lug around town can be tricky, so we rounded up a few bags that do the trick. These totes look polished on the outside, no matter how much of a mess it’s carrying around inside. A nice tote can be pricey, but this big ticket item is worth the investment.

1Sole Society Elhyn Studded Faux Leather Satchel

toteee

$79.95
Shop it Nordstrom

The long strap on this tan tote makes for a hands-free, on-the-go bag.

2Botkier Highline Leather Tote

workwear wardrobe

$198
Shop it Nordstrom

Super spacious and stylish, this tote is up for any task.

3Finn Pebbled Leather Tote

workwear wardrobe

$199
Shop it Nordstrom


This boxier tote has compartments galore, so everything has its place.

Not-so-typical trousers

A killer pair of pants puts a little extra pep in our step. When we slip into stylish and sleek trousers, we strut around like the badasses we are. But professional pants don’t have to be the typical slacks that might come to mind. From flare fits to corduroy fabrics, there are endless pairs of stylish work pants to choose from.

1Chelsea28 Stripe Track Pants

workwear wardrobe

$47.40 (orig. $79)
Shop it Nordstrom

Wide white stripes running down the sides of these pants give them a retro vibe that we’re all about.

2Leith High Waist Belted Pants

workwear wardrobe

$59
Shop it Nordstrom

A belted bow gives these high-waisted pants a feminine touch.

3WAYF Fremont Jogger Pants

joggers

$88
Shop it Nordstrom

Joggers at the office? We’re in. The satin fabric of this pair makes them suitable and stylish workwear.

Pretty pencil skirts

Pencil skirts are the perfect combination of feminine and professional. The classic silhouette never goes out of style, but swapping the typical polyester skirt for updated fabrics like faux leather or knits puts a fresh twist on the predictable piece. We found some unexpected pencil skirts that will wow inside and outside of the office.

1Chelsea28 Knit Pencil Skirt

workwear wardrobe

$69
Shop it Nordstrom

Olive green is one of our favorite fall colors, and the knit fabric of this fitted skirt makes it extra comfortable.

21.STATE Steamed Faux Leather Midi Skirt

workwear wardrobe

$89
Shop it Nordstrom

The classic pencil silhouette is elevated by the sleek faux leather fabric of this skirt.

2BLANKNYC Snakeskin Print Pencil Skirt

workwear wardrobe

$88
Shop it Nordstrom

This glossy printed pencil skirt instantly elevates your work outfit game.

Professional pantsuit

A pantsuit is the ultimate work outfit: When wearing a pantsuit, there’s nothing we can’t do. These smart and stylish outfits are having a major fashion moment right now, so if you’ve ever thought of taking the dive and investing in a nice pantsuit, the time is now. Mixing it up and wearing the top with jeans or the bottoms with a blouse is always an option too, so you really get the most bang for your buck. Shop our picks below.

1Velvet Slim Flare Suit Pants

velvet

$32 (orig. $64)
Shop it ASOS

This rust velvet suit is perfect for fall weather, and the flare pants make for a super flattering fit.

Suit Blazer in Velvet

workwear wardrobe

$46 (orig. $92)
Shop it ASOS

Check out the major sale on this beauty.

2Camel Stripe Suit

workwear wardrobe

$148
Shop it ASOS

It’s impossible not to feel powerful in this pantsuit.

Add these pieces to your workwear wardrobe and go be the boss that you are.

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