How to Build the PERFECT Capsule Wardrobe for Work (So you can Get Dressed ASAP)

With talk of returning to the office in 2022 coming from major companies everywhere, you might be wondering, “what the heck am I supposed to wear?” This moment of confusion is where learning how to build a capsule wardrobe for work becomes essential. Workwear is one of those things that can feel a bit mysterious. With different industries having different dress codes, it becomes a bit of a toss-up! The good news is that no matter what the dress code is, a capsule wardrobe will always work for you.

Let’s take a trip down memory lane. We’ll be indulging in a bit of time travel, if you will. Think about the last time you had to get dressed for work or school. Do you remember the feeling of an uphill battle? Scrambling through racks of clothing only to be left with piles of clothing everywhere? I think we all know this familiar but unpleasant feeling a bit too well.

Introduction

Let’s Backtrack a bit, shall we?

I, for one, graduated from college at the onset of The Roaring 20s (2.0). I tossed up my graduation cap in front of my webcam and started my full-time job online. What I once thought would be a life spent tearing up the streets of San Francisco and weekends glamping in Tahoe turned into days on end in my high school bedroom. What I thought would be day after day of Carrie Bradshaw and Joan Clayton fashion moments turned into comfy casual and loungewear pics from Zara.

However, now that we’re getting back into the office, or at least talking about it, it’s time we join hands (sanitizer in tow, of course). Let’s huddle up and start thinking about how to prepare.

I recently read the book “Polish your Poise with Madame Chic” by Jennifer L. Scott. What I thought would be a light, comedic read turned into a few important life lessons! One of which was the concept of a “10 piece Wardrobe.” Jennifer Scott repeatedly highlights Madame Chic’s simple elegance. Without flashy logos, 5-inch heels, a walk-in wardrobe, or any form of fanfare, she managed to look effortlessly chic and straightforward at all times.

To recreate this sense of elegance and introduce the concepts of quality and ease to your life, Scott recommends investing in a few critical areas of the wardrobe. The areas of focus should best align with your lifestyle—considering things like weather, frequent activities, preferred comfort level, etc.

This activity also doesn’t have to be restricted to 10 pieces; it can be 15 or even 20! The idea is to get to the core of what matters to you and the woman you want to be. Envision her, what she dresses like, and the places that she frequents. Once you gain clarity on this, you can begin the shopping process.

What to Look for When Shopping/rebuilding your wardrobe

Say the Madame Chic, “minimalista,” Parisienne thing isn’t your cup of tea – it’s ok! Did I mention that here at Chroma, we also serve Champagne? Coffee?

When shopping for your new wardrobe to return to the office, the idea is to dress for YOU. In whatever style or aesthetic makes you comfortable. Rather than focus on the what, focus on the how. 

As in, how was this garment constructed? How will this serve me in the near future? Will I get a lot of use out of this?

How much do I need to purchase? Are there items in my wardrobe already that are well constructed that I can use?

The keyword when it comes to beginning this process is investing.

When I say invest, I don’t mean that you need to shell out thousands of dollars on the newest off-the-runway fare – I suggest that you need to know how to spot a good thing when you see one. 

Here are some key things to look out for when purchasing new items:

1. Fabrication: what materials is this piece made of
2. Stitching – Are the buttons hanging on for dear life and the threads running loose?
3. Color – does it go with the rest of your wardrobe
4. Timelessness – will it outlast the season’s trends?

Now let’s get into the nitty-gritty of returning to the office. If you need to build a new wardrobe and have no clue where to start, here are some areas that you’ll want to look into:

Tailored Jeans: the key to Dressy Casual

Suppose you enjoy feeling comfortable while looking polished and put together. In that case, I highly recommend a well-constructed, tailored pair of jeans. However, suppose you’re unsure of where to start. In that case, a Black pair will likely be your best bet. Black jeans can cover you for a wider variety of occasions and help you avoid “looking” like you’re wearing jeans if need be.

Your next pair will be up to your preference in terms of wash. I prefer light wash jeans as the lighter color tends to highlight the body better, in my opinion. In terms of cut, a pair of straight-leg jeans will do the trick.

As you’re about to begin shopping for these items, you’re probably curious about how you can test the quality of your jeans. Here are some traits to look out for in purchasing high-quality denim:

1. It’s going to be heavy!: As a benchmark, a high-quality pair of jeans will be over 12 oz. Search the website for the dimensions or ask your sales associate.
2. They’ll feel a bit stiff: You want to pay attention to the ratio of spandex or lycra to denim. If your jeans feel like leggings, well…they just might be! The more of these materials you have in your denim, the more they will stretch out over time.
3. Designers will put effort into the stitching: take a look at the seams – are the treads thick or thin? Is there a double stitch?

You might be reading this section and feeling your heart skip a beat but trust me, you do not have to spend an arm and a leg here! You can find some excellent options for under $100 from brands like Levi’s and Everlane!

Tops: Nice Blouses + Quality basic tees

I know. You may have never guessed that I would recommend you purchase a t-shirt when building a quality wardrobe, but I am HERE for the model-off-duty look. A well-constructed t-shirt, a pair of straight-leg jeans, and maybe a loafer or mule? *chefs kiss* Toss in a blazer, and you are set for Milan Fashion Week, my love!

Some of my favorite t-shirts come from Uniqlo’s “U” line. The quality is impeccable, and they wash so well! Some other honorable mentions with great prices include Everlane and Italic.

If you’d like to take things a step up, you can never go wrong with a well-thought-out blouse + button-down collection. The great thing about blouses is that they don’t have to be reserved for office or business-casual situations! If you’re looking for a way to look polished in your everyday life, a blouse or button-down goes with pants, skirts, jeans – everything! 

Blouses are an attractive option because there is so much versatility in their design. You can try a puff-sleeve or an exciting collar. The world is your oyster in this department!

If you’re looking for an excellent place to start, try grabbing a few in plain colors that are easy to match. When you are ready to take things up a notch, try experimenting with materials. Satin always looks exceptionally fancy!

Try experimenting with pattern and color when you feel like you have enough “safe” or “staple pieces!

Outerwear: the key to spicing up a simple outfit

I, for one, will talk about a blazer until the cows come home as I feel that they are the desired element of my signature style. No matter how simple your look is, a blazer will always dress it up! I love blazers because you can take them from day to night very quickly, and you can also experiment with the fit! Whether you prefer a tailored look or oversized, something longline or cropped. If Tweed is your cup of tea or even if you prefer leather, there is always an option for you!

Lastly, I think it is essential to invest your money in a well-constructed coat. Wool and Cashmere are excellent investment materials. I once saw a meme about being the girl wearing a ball gown and a north face puffer jacket and could not stop laughing. But, of course, you do not want to be that girl! Unless, of course, that is your preferred style. Otherwise, I’d say it is worth your while to purchase a nice coat in a color that you won’t get tired of that will last you a long time.

Dresses: How to make them work year round

Dresses are an area that I won’t extensively discuss because the styles you choose depend highly on your style. My approach, especially for work, is shorter-length dresses should have long sleeves or a high neckline. However, I love midi dresses and tend to wear these most with boots, sneakers, and heeled sandals. Midi dresses always look sophisticated and span the seasons. In the fall, you can pair them with boots and in the winter with tights.

Shoes: Finding the balance of casual and cute

Your choice of shoes will again be dictated by your style and preferred levels of comfort. If you’re a girl on the go, you’ll want to look for cute flats, but heels can work too if they are low or thick. When in doubt, think of your sit-to-stand ratio.

Flats

Some people are super against sneakers and claim they aren’t “elegant” or “unsophisticated’. Still, with the right pair, they can spice up a look. When it comes to areas I’m willing to spend the most on, shoes are at the top of my list. This is only because I’ve dealt with the pain that comes with wearing a poorly made shoe. Not only do your feet hurt, but your back takes a blow as well! In my opinion, it just isn’t worth it.

Also, in terms of cost-per-wear, shoes don’t fall into the same social pressures as other clothing items. Suppose you feel that you can’t wear an item because it has been seen on social media or because of society’s perception (which I hope you don’t). Most people don’t think this way about shoes. You can wear your favorite pair until you can’t anymore (I know I do!)

Some of my favorite brands for white sneakers include:

1. Common Projects (Achilles Low)
2. Margiela (Replica)
3. Veja (Campo Leather Trainer)
4. Golden Goose (Superstar)
5. Superga (Cotu Classic)

Though some of these brands are pricey, I must say that these shoes are incredibly versatile and look nice whether you dress them up or dress them down. You can pair them with ankle-length jeans, dresses, and even trousers. With good care, you will surely get your money’s worth with their durability. My tip is to find the stores that sell these brands and strike when you find a sale. Places like FarFetch are usually great to start your discount search. If you have no luck with sales, you can always use your sinking funds to help offset the cost.

Related: the beginner’s guide to building better financial habits in your 20’s

If you aren’t a sneaker fan, other great options for flat shoes include ballet flats (think brands like Sarah Flint or Rothys). You can also wear Loafers – Sam Edelman and Coach make great dupes of the Gucci Jordaan loafer. 

If you are into boots as a staple for the fall and winter, Schutz shoes have never done me wrong! The quality is excellent, and so is the price point. I also like Zara’s boot selection but when shopping here, be on the lookout for materials. It is worth paying the extra money for a genuine leather pair.

Bags: The pinnacle of functional style

Every working girl needs a good bag. Whether you are mary Poppins or not, you need something sturdy to store your laptop, toiletries, and (hopefully) your water bottle. In addition, you want something that will last through the years – this should be made of quality material such as nylon or genuine leather. 

Your bag can be an excellent place to show your personality – try experimenting with the shape and color of your leather!

If you’re looking for excellent quality at a more reasonable price point than Designer brands that make popular totes, look no further than:

1. Cuyana
2. Everlane
3. Italic

You’ll find quality materials and craftsmanship, minimal branding, and options for under $300. Once you spend here, you won’t need to purchase a new bag for quite some time.

Conclusion

Creating your capsule wardrobe for work does not need to be stressful! You can avoid the headache of getting dressed by simply building a solid foundation. Whether you are starting from scratch or looking to fill a few gaps in your wardrobe, I hope that this post will help you begin to pick out the essentials that your closet may need filling. This way, on that seemingly near but also mysterious day when we return to the office, you will be prepared!

So tell me, which area of your wardrobe will you be shopping for first?