A Woman's Guide to Shopping for a Professional Wardrobe

Whether it's your first job or your fifth job, your places of employment all have something in common. They all have certain guidelines about their employees' appearance and they expect everyone to adhere to them.

This doesn't have to be a challenge, though. If you know what your employer expects in terms of dress, shopping for work can be very easy. In fact, after awhile, you could handle this process in your sleep! So, without further ado, are you ready to go shopping?

After you find out the dress code for your company, you should get a sense of what basics you need. If you don't understand, you can ask either the supervisor you spoke to or get advice from a fashion savvy friend or relative. You can even take a shopping buddy with you.

Now that you have the trust of someone you love, let's see what you should be looking for in the department stores:

Shirts/tops: A button down shirt is always a classic, professional option. They come in almost every solid color imaginable or patterns such as vertical stripes. No matter what you choose, make sure the top is flattering to your body type and your skin tones. If you feel like the top is adding pounds, don't buy it.

Your tops should also not show too much skin. A V-neck is acceptable, but one so low that your breasts are starting to peek out is not. Try to stick to regular crew or turtleneck collars. A polo shirt is another can't go wrong choice and you can even leave one button undone for added comfort.

Other flattering choices: Long sleeved Henley tops, babydoll tops, and long length shirts.

Avoid: tank tops (especially spaghetti straps), halter tops, and strapless tops. If you must have one or all of these, make sure you have a jacket or cardigan to cover it up with. The best options for jackets and cardigans are those that exactly match your top or compliment the color.

Pants: You should pay close attention to the fit of your pants. The rise should be at least just below your waist and should not come down too low. You need to leave enough room between your top and the waist on your pants. The length should be appropriate to your height and leg length. This will keep your pants from dragging on the ground and leave you enough room to walk comfortably in whatever shoes you are wearing.

Acceptable colors are usually black, navy, brown, or gray. These colors go with almost any top you own. Pinstripes always present a professional image and even make your leg look slimmer.

Avoid: low rise pants, any outrageous colors.

Other flattering choices: a Capri pant that's at least mid length

Skirts: The basic rule of thumb for skirts is that they should be knee length or longer. Every woman should have at least one black skirt in her professional wardrobe. Some skirts are available in different patterns, such as polka dots, paisley, or flowers. When choosing these, select a top of the same color and pattern (which usually comes in a set with the skirt) or a color top that will compliment the pattern. An A-line skirt looks good on everyone.

Avoid: mini skirts and denim cut off skirts

Other flattering choices: pencil skirts, bohemian skirts if you can pull them off (the long, flowy type)

Shoes: Even your shoes must be tasteful enough for the business world. You should always make sure to match them to the outfit you are wearing. Try to avoid patterns and stick to solid colors. Professional shoes can come in all types such as ballet flats, high heels, and even some clogs. Whatever your choice, pick something that you can be comfortable in yet use to compliment most outfits in your wardrobe. Unlike the rest of your clothing, you can wear shoes more than once a week and it's perfectly acceptable.

Avoid: Anything with way too high of a heel.

When in doubt, always remember: Call your company again with questions, bring a friend, and even look at models in catalogs or display mannequins. Of course, common sense should also be exercised here. If you would wear something to a nightclub, don't wear it to the office. You need to take care in shopping for work, but all it takes is some patience and basic understanding for you to look like a put together professional in no time.