The 15 Item Work Wardrobe – Autumn/Winter Edition

Around this time last year, I posted my edit on the 12 items I felt you needed for a cohesive and professional work wardrobe. A year later, I wanted to expand on the concept a little bit and build a mini capsule wardrobe focusing on essential work items that you can mix and match to build a number of different outfits. From my own experience in the corporate world, it can sometimes feel a little difficult to inject a bit of your personal style into your office outfits from week to week. And, there’s not a lot of inspiration out there which is still suitable for a professional setting, which steps outside the boundaries of a stereotypical combination of a white shirt and tailored suit or your classic pencil dress. So I’ve picked out 15 basic work wardrobe staples that can be effortlessly mixed and matched for over 25 different looks, and what I love about these pieces, is that many of them have a subtle detail that elevates the item a notch and bring an element of personality to an outfit.

Given my own inclination to try to gear my wardrobe towards something that will be more sustainable in the long-run, I wanted to highlight how you can do a lot with a minimal work wardrobe. Like with my previous post, I’m going to briefly run through why I’ve selected each item, and share five simple outfit combinations as a kick off point for this mini work capsule wardrobe. This particular edit is a little more geared towards autumn/winter (many of these looks would also work with opaque stockings), and I’m hoping to share a spring/summer edit in the coming weeks. If you’d like to see more, I’ve included about 25 different looks using these 15 items in the video at the bottom of this post (which you can also check out here). Finally, all items are shoppable via the image below. So, let’s jump into it!

THE 15 ITEM WORK WARDROBE 

THE SHORT-SLEEVED TOP; It took me a long time to come around to this particular style of top, but I’ve come to recognise just how versatile it is, not only as a work wardrobe staple, but as a styling piece for the weekend too. Warm brown-toned hues are a major trend for the seasons ahead, and I love the rich caramel colour of this top from Incu. Not only can this be worn as the hero piece of an outfit, it’s also a good layering option for under v-neck sweaters or even a dress.

THE SILK SHIRT; A great white shirt is a bit of a no-brainer if you work in a corporate environment. They aren’t called classics for nothing, right? Personally, I prefer silk over cotton, as it’s a lot softer and has a beautiful drape to it, though it is more high maintenance so I’d be across all the care instructions before splurging on one of these. I love how these look worn with the first couple of buttons undone for something a little more relaxed, though you can change up the feel of your outfit and make it a little more modest by having the buttons done all the way up.

THE COLLARLESS SHIRT; I feel like a collarless shirt is just as timeless as its collared counterpart, and I opted for a striped silk version for this mini-capsule. Mine has a beautiful charcoal and ivory pinstripe and slight blouson-style sleeves, the latter of which adds a subtle touch of drama. I love this cotton option, which has a boxy silhouette, for something a little more casual. If you love patterns but your workplace is quite conservative, stripes are a wonderful way to play with a bit of print, while still keeping within those professional boundaries.

THE CREW NECK SWEATER; The quintessential layering piece for any work wardrobe, a crew neck sweater is a must in my books. You can wear it over short-sleeved tops or shirts with the collar peeking through, or on its own with the sleeves rolled up for a more undone look. I really love this style from Everlane, which is a slightly shrunken cashmere sweater, in a charcoal donegal. It’s got this beautiful slub knit throughout with little ivory flecks, which is a nice contrast to the dark yarn.

THE TURTLENECK SWEATER; During the colder months, a great fitted turtleneck sweater is a go-to for me; it helps me to extend the life of my spring/summer wardrobe, but also looks effortlessly chic with a skirt or tailored trousers. I bought mine a few years ago during the Myer sale, and it’s been indispensable. I’d recommend a fine merino knit that isn’t sheer, so that it gives you coverage and warmth.

THE OVERSIZED SWEATER; Of all the items featured, this might be a little too relaxed for some corporate workplaces, but I wanted to include it as it was one of my most reached for pieces over the autumn/winter months. I snapped mine up from Joseph, and what really caught my eye was the ribbed detail down the centre back and the sleeves. It’s subtle but makes this sweater something really special, and being a neutral colour, it goes with everything.

THE BLAZER; Every work wardrobe needs a good blazer, and it’s something I’d recommend spending a little more money on, so that you can get something that’s high quality and will last you years. I’ve had my Helmut Lang blazer almost 7 years now, and it’s still going strong. Something in black will be timeless, though I think a charcoal grey blazer would be just as versatile for the colder months.

THE WOOL DRESS; I love a dress because it’s an outfit in itself, and for this work wardrobe edit, I wanted to include something that was versatile enough to wear in a few different outfit combinations. I opted for a v-neck short sleeved style with a contrasting white stitch detail; a statement in itself. I love how this pairs over sweaters, under jackets, or with a sweater thrown over top and belted at the waist.

THE PENCIL SKIRT; My first foray into workwear involved a fitted pencil skirt, and years later, I still think it’s a great option for the office. I really love this one from SABA because it has some unexpected details to it: the gunmetal buttons at the waist, the zip across the thigh, and the front split.

THE SKIRT WITH PERSONALITY; I play things safe 99% of the time, but life’s short, and sometimes you just want to have a bit of fun with your wardrobe. Given what a big trend leopard print is at the moment, I wanted to incorporate it into this work wardrobe edit and share some ideas for wearing this really loud skirt, but in a pared back and professional way. Naturally I went for a silhouette that comes well past the knee, and I opted for a style that was cut on the bias to give me a bit of shape.

THE TAILORED TROUSER; Good trousers can be hard to find, though experience tells me you don’t have to break the bank to get something that flatters your figure. Black pants are again, a no-brainer; they go with everything. For something affordable but still good quality, I swear by this style from Uniqlo.

THE WINTER COAT; Your coat is going to be the first thing that your colleagues see when you enter the office, and unless you’re a fashion blogger, I suspect you’ll be wearing the same one day in and day out. This is one place I think it’s worth spending a little more to get something made from wool, that’s lined, and is in a classic design. A black, camel or grey coat are usually a safe bet, but I decided to include my houndstooth coat from Boden, which I’ve been trying to make the most of while winter drags its feet in Sydney.

THE TOTE BAG; When it comes to bags, nothing is more classic that a good tote bag. It’s practical, and if you go for something with a little structure in a neutral colour, it’ll last you the distance while still looking professional. My go-to has been this tote bag from Cuyana, and I also love Linjer’s Soft Tote for its structured design and magnetic closure, which gives you a little bit of additional security.

THE HIGH HEEL; A must in any corporate work wardrobe. Classic black is perfect for winter, and they look good worn with opaque tights too.

THE POINTED TOE PUMP; Finally, I like to have a couple options when it comes to shoes. I don’t think it’s great to be wearing the same style day-in-day-out, so something with a low block heel and a pointed toe will take a bit of pressure of your feet but still make your outfit look put together. My favourite pair have a gold heel, which makes them a jazzier option and a great talking point.

FIVE CLASSIC OUTFIT COMBINATIONS

Having run through all the items, I wanted to highlight five of my favourite classic outfit combinations from these 15 pieces.

OPTION #1 – Short-Sleeved Top + Tailored Trousers + Blazer + High Heels
I love this little pairing, mostly because it’s an all black look, that’s juxtaposed with the rich caramel top. This is the sort of outfit that I’d pair with a little pendant necklace too, for some added personality.

OPTION #2 – Oversized Sweater + Leopard Skirt + High Heels
This outfit is all about balance. The oversized sweater is a little more relaxed, while the skirt has personality in spades. The proportions really work as the skirt skims over your figure, plus when paired with some high heels, this whole look is elevated up a notch.

OPTION #3 – Crew-neck Sweater + Pencil Skirt + Coat + Pointed Toe Pumps
The speckled crew neck sweater is such a little wardrobe hero, and I think that the speckled donegal looks great paired with anything black. Then you have that incredible coat which adds a wow factor with the houndstooth print.

OPTION #4 – Turtleneck Sweater + Tailored Trousers + Coat + Pointed Toe Pumps
A little inspired by Audrey Hepburn, this outfit is chic, but still comfortable with those low heeled pumps. A monochrome outfit is a no-brainer on those days when you’re having trouble deciding on a look.

OPTION #5 – Oversized Sweater + Wool Dress + Pointed Toe Pumps
For a look I didn’t feature in my YT video, I love the idea of wearing that huge oversized sweater over the top of the wool dress from Boden. Cinched in at the waist with a belt, and with some high heels, this is a way to really get some additional mileage out of your winter dresses.

And that’s my 15 Item Work Wardrobe! I hope you all enjoyed this one, and I’d love to know what your work wardrobe essentials are – let me know in the comments below. x