Basic Wardrobe Essentials for the Working Woman

The working woman needs a lot of versatility in her wardrobe. This can be accomplished by choosing neutral colors, versatile pieces and a variety of accessories that allow you to change things up for the office in the daytime as well as a more sophisticated look for an evening out.

The Little Black Dress
Every woman must have a simple little black dress in her wardrobe. The versatility of this piece will depend upon its structure, shape and fabric. By choosing a very simple short sleeved or sleeveless black dress, you can more easily accessorize to change from daytime to nighttime. For instance, a black dress can be worn casually by pairing it with a sporty jacket and a pair of casual shoes. By removing the jacket and changing the style of shoes and jewelry, the dress goes from proper office apparel to a very stylish evening out. Pairing the black dress with a beaded jacket in black or gold will add even more glamour to the basic black dress. The little black dress is one piece of wardrobe that can change in a flash to suit whatever occasion you might have.

Neutral Colored Trousers, Khakis and Jeans
Just as the little black dress goes anywhere, so do neutral colored pants or trousers. The trouser is just a little more sophisticated in its style than a pair of khakis or jeans, but it can be dressed down and worn anywhere you would wear a casual pair of jeans or khakis. The neutral colored trouser can also be dressed up, again by your choice of tops, shoes and jewelry. Neutral colors are black, grey, brown, beige and navy. By mixing and matching tops, jackets, shoes and jewelry this pair of trousers can travel with you anywhere you wish to be in style.

Jeans are a very important part of everyone's wardrobe. The only thing you need to know about jeans is that they must fit you properly. Choose a style that helps hide the less attractive features of your body and accentuates the better features. Flat front, and no-pocket style jeans work better on women who have too much abdominal, thigh and hip area. For those who are thin in these areas, you can choose jeans with all the embellishments you like, just be sure they fit properly. One or two pair of jeans with a great fit that cost more money is better than a closet full of ill-fitting jeans.

An A-Line Skirt
The A-Line skirt is a very versatile piece as well, and it is flattering to almost any body type or size. Purchasing an A-line skirt in a neutral color is much easier for mix and match wearing. Choosing a basic black, brown, grey, navy, or even a tweed can expand the wardrobe. In colder climates, a nice wool A-line skirt is a great wardrobe piece and it works well with boots. The A- line skirt can be paired with sweaters, blouses, camisoles and jackets in the same color or a contrasting or complementary color. The skirt can be dressed up or dressed down simply by the style of top that is worn with it as well as the style of shoes and jewelry. This is truly a "go anywhere" skirt and is a wonderful basic wardrobe selection.

A Two-Piece Dress
Finding a two-piece skirt and top that looks like a dress is another welcome addition to the basic wardrobe. By mixing and matching these two pieces you have much more versatility than you would have with a single dress. Just as you would mix blouses, sweaters and jackets with trousers and jeans, you can also mix it up with your two-piece "dress", greatly extending this wardrobe basic.

Once you have the basic wardrobe pieces in your closet, you can accessorize them in any way you like. This is the time to let your own distinct personality shine through. Play up your best features with scarves, jewelry, and colorful accent pieces. Above everything else, however, be sure your basic wardrobe pieces fit you well and that you feel great when you wear them. Have some fun with fashion!

Source: http://www.4fashionadvice.com/index.php?/4fashionadvice/index3/basic_wardrobe_essentials/