Calling all recent college graduates! Now that 4th of July has passed and graduation season is over it’s time to begin thinking about your wardrobe post university. Look seriously at your closet if a piece is too tight, too short or has too many bows toss it out or reserve it for a girls’ night out. Transitioning from college to the real world requires a few wardrobe adjustments. While yoga pants and Ugg boots are perfectly acceptable daily wear for the classroom, most offices call for put together work clothing. A professional wardrobe isn’t built overnight, nor do you need to abandon your personal sense of style to elevate your look.
Whether you’ve already accepted a new position or you’re spending the summer job hunting from the comfort of your parent’s living room there are several pieces you should invest in to help give your wardrobe post graduate maturity.
5 Pieces to Establish your Post Graduate Work Clothing Wardrobe:
Jessye from the blog City Tonic perfectly styles a wrap dress for a young professional.
Solid Wrap Dress
A wrap dress easily moves from a 9-5 to happy hour by throwing on a leather jacket or adding a pair of statement earrings. Find a well fitting wrap dress that accentuates the smallest part of your natural waist and doesn’t ride up too high. With a wrap dress, you have mastered work clothing 101.
Topshop Crepe Wrap | Anne Klein Faux Wrap Dress | Banana Republic Pleated Wrap Dress | Diane von Furstenburg Jersey Wrap Dress
Throw on a trendy pair of heels to transition a LBD from the office to a night on the town. Photo via Cupcakes & Cashmere.
Tailored Little Black Dress
For important meetings, networking events and cocktail parties a chic little black dress is an essential for every woman to add to her work clothing wardrobe. The black body con you wore to your bestie’s birthday in Las Vegas won’t cut it, opt for an a-line that skims your body, a sheath dress or even a fit and flare. Dress up your look with a great pair of heels or tone it down with flats and a cardigan.
Karen Kane 3/4 Sleeve Dress | Banana Republic Flutter Sleeve Dress | Eliza J Pintucked Waist Knit Dress | Chelsea28 Tiered Ruffle Hem Dress | Ted Baker Ottoman Midi Dress
Sarah Vickers, blogger at Classy Girls Wear Pearls, dresses up a casual look with a chic blazer.
Well Made Blazer
A solid black, gray or navy blazer can dress up a dress, silk blouse or jumpsuit. A patterned statement blazer keeps professional attire young and fresh. First invest in a solid color blazer then adopt a bright color or fun print to have fun with your daily work clothing.
Vince Camuto One-Button Blazer | Topshop Premium Suit Blazer | J.Crew Regent Blazer | Express Pique Knit Blazer
A leather tote matches casual and formal workwear as demonstrated by Poor Little It Girl.
Leather Tote
Upgrade your backpack with a sophisticated tote bag to carry your belongings to and from the office each day. Choose a handbag large enough for the essentials you need for your workday. Brown or black are versatile bag choices while a bold color like red pops in casual office environments. Take good care of your leather tote and it will last you until you earn a promotion!
Madewell Transport Tote | Rebecca Minkoff Blair Tote | Kate Spade Orchard Street Hallie | Tory Burch Block-t Tote | Lodis Jessica Leather Tote
Julia from Gal Meets Glam pairs Chloe scalloped flats with a feminine look.
Wear All Day Flats
Even if you work at a desk job you should be prepared to be on your feet if occasion calls. Heels look chic but flats offer practicality, you’ll want a great pair even if you keep them stashed away in your bag for commuting and switch to your heels in the office. Test out a few styles while shoe shopping to determine the shapes and materials that are most comfortable on your foot shape.
Sam Edelman Felicia Ballet Flat | J. Crew Kiki Ballet Flats | Tory Burch Caroline Flats | Repetto Cendrillion Patent Ballerina Flat | Chloe Scalloped Ballerina Flats
Choose wisely when curating the first few pieces of your adult wardrobe. Though the basics may seem boring these staples remain stylish as trends come and go. By investing in the basics you can build a wardrobe foundation for the beginning of your career.
