How to Build a Career Wardrobe

Building a career wardrobe can be a daunting task, and mistakes can be expensive. How do you know what pieces to select so you don’t up end with a closet full of clothes and nothing to wear? Doing some prep work before you go shopping is the key to success.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Take a look around at work. Specifically, look at what the people at your level or a level above you are wearing, and emulate that.

2. Make a shopping trip to look for work clothes. It’s tempting to save money by trying to incorporate casual or after-work clothes into your career look. But T-shirts and sparkly tops, for example, are inappropriate for most offices. Solve this problem by going only to stores that carry career clothing.

3. Decide whether you need outfits or mix-and-match options. Some women are great at mixing and matching clothes, while others simply don’t have those skills and need the security of a complete outfit. Knowing this about yourself can save you time and money when shopping.

4. Determine your comfort level. Are you more comfortable in skirts or pants? If you have a definite preference, stick to it. If you know you won’t wear them, don’t buy skirts because you think you should. Dressy trousers are perfectly acceptable in an office.

5. Shoes make the woman. Too many women look great from the ankles up, but then stop short of completing a professional look by wearing shoes that are either wrong for the outfit or wrong for an office. Make sure the shoes you select are professional, conservative and right for your outfit.

Tips & Warnings

• Take a friend shopping with you whose professional style you admire. She can help steer you toward choices that are right for your body and your office.