Office Essentials On and Off the Clock

If you are looking to start your office wardrobe or are just replacing the essentials, you may be surprised at how these basics can serve as more versatile options off the clock.

1. The Blazer

Banana Republic Black Blazer
Photo: Banana Republic

This black blazer is a staple for most office environments.  However, more people are starting to wear this jacket more casually off the clock. A simple black blazer can often be seen paired with a white tank or bustier and skinny, flare, or boot-cut jeans.  My first work blazer was from Banana Republic, and it won't be my last.  They make nice structured work pieces and are one of my go to places for office blazers.

2. The Pencil Skirt

Ann Taylor Black Pencil Skirt
Photo: Ann Taylor

Ann Taylor Navy Pencil Skirt
Photo: Ann Taylor

Blue or navy pencil skirts are an essential to many office work environments and can be easily paired with a cardigan, tunic, collared shirt, or blazer.  I have several of these skirts and I really like the fit of this brand because of the wider waistband and paneling on some of them. 

3. The Cardigan

Premise Studio Gray Shawl Collar Cardigan
Photo: Stein Mart

This gray cardigan is a great office essential for more "Casual Friday" dress days. However, this cardigan can also be worn on the weekends for a day at the beach over a sundress, or with jeans and a tank.  I happen to love the Premise Studio cardigans because of the quality of the material they use.  I also feel that the shawl collars look more modern and are more versatile than a traditional fitted button down cardigan.

4. Not Just Dress Pants, Dress Pant "Yoga" Pants 

Betabrand Dress Pant Yoga Pants
Photo: Betabrand

Perfect for the office

Or the lunch time lotus

They stretch too!

These "Dress Pant Yoga Pants" by Betabrand were designed by a woman named Sarah James and have sparked my curiosity.  I have yet to try these pants, but I see them as an office outfit essential in my near future.  These pants can take you from the boardroom to the beach (that is if you do yoga at the beach) or yoga studio.  You may even be able to bike to work in these if you work local.  These pants look stylish with their sophisticated fabrics and sound super comfortable because they are built with a soft, stretchy performance knit that moves with you.  They even have plenty of styles to choose from such as: boot-cut, straight-leg, leggings, and cropped-leg.  Thank you for designing these Sarah.  I can't wait to try these pants!  If you want to see some of Betabrand's other comfy and professional looks, Betabrand's Pants Section is the place to look.

5. The Black Sheath Dress

Banana Republic Black Sheath Dress
Photo: Banana Republic

The black sheath dress is a great alternative to separates, or can be worn on those mornings when you don't know what to wear and you are in a rush to sit in LA traffic or catch the train.  Throw on a cardigan or blazer, add a scarf, or a chunky necklace and ta da! You're ready to start your day.  This dress can also be worn for most social events when accessorized accordingly.

6. White Collared Shirt

Banana Republic White Collar Shirt
Photo: Banana Republic

The white collared shirt is a timeless classic for both men and women in an office space.  You can never have enough of these for each season because white gets dirty easily and constantly needs to be refreshed in one's working wardrobe.  A white shirt is great for job interviews and adds crispness to most day or evening looks.  The white shirt is probably one of the most versatile pieces we own because of its' layering capabilities.  On weekends, this shirt can be worn with jeans and a tank, layered over a thin turtleneck with a trench or blazer, under a vest, or under a v-neck sweater

7. Shoes

Cole Haan Black Pumps
Photo: Cole Haan

The shoes are one of the most important parts of any office wardrobe because it is the basis of how you will be feeling for the next eight hours.  Cole Haan makes excellent, comfortable, and stylish work shoes.  Basic black work heels with a closed toe is always a safe choice and can pair with many outfits.  Over the course of working for many years in an office environment, I can honestly say that if you have comfortable shoes on, you will have a good attitude on as well.  Many of you may know that in any work environment, Attitude is Everything!

Hope you enjoyed this post and see how office essentials are not only useful for the boardroom, but are also versatile for life outside the office space.

XO Joanna