The Essential Go-To, No-Fail Work Outfit

This may be old news for many of you, but for college students or recent grads just starting out in the work force, professional clothing can be daunting! I know how it feels not knowing exactly what to wear in a professional setting, as there are so many variations. You want to look professional, but not like you're trying too hard. So after many months of working in an office setting, I've found the perfect combo of simple and versatile pieces to make a great first impression at a new job or at an interview-- or just every day! So here we go: Classy and professional in three easy steps! :)

Start off with a basic sheath dress. Make sure it's not too tight or too loose. A trick you can use to figure out if a dress is ill-fitting: Try the dress on and look at your side in the mirror. If your body has a bit of an "S" shape to it, the dress is too fitted. (I made that mistake with this dress.. I had to loosen the seams!) And of course, you'll know if a dress is too loose. As for colors, I prefer basics to keep the pieces as versatile as possible. Black, gray, navy blue, white, or even a camel color are perfect and go with almost everything.


Next, put on a classic cardigan in a complimenting color. You can really go with almost any color, but for professional settings, I like to wear navy blue, dark purple, or black. My favorite is navy blue, because it's brighter than basic black but is still subdued.


Button up a button or two at the smallest part of your waist, and add a belt! Black or gold goes great with navy blue, but experiment with neutral colors depending on what colors you're wearing. Then, add your shoes and accessories! I know it's sometimes considered a "faux pa" to match lots of colors in your outfit, but for professional outfits, you want to remain as classic as possible. I added navy blue patent pumps, a pearl necklace, and my favorite rose gold watch. A pearl necklace and a watch are my go-to accessories for professional outfits. They don't distract!


For colder months, I add tights and either flats or pumps (Make sure your tights are the same color as your pumps!). I usually like to wear flats with tights, especially if it's super cold out. It just feels warmer and more comfy in miserable weather.


One more thing to consider: Hair and makeup. Keep makeup natural and classy, using neutral colors. Browns, purples (used sparingly), and golds are perfect for your eyes, and nudes and pinks are great for lips. As for hair, I like to either put it up in a classic high bun or wear it down, but only if it's freshly styled. I've seen lots of women dress professionally and have bed head hair... It ruins the classiness of the outfit!

And... that's it! :)

Dress: H&M, sz 4 (A little too snug, seams loosened)
Cardigan: Merona for Target, sz XS
Belt: J. Crew, sz S
Tights: Dillards
Pumps: Ann Taylor Perfect Patent Pumps, sz 7.5
Flats: Land's End 'Emma' Cap-Toe ballet flats, sz 8
Watch: Fossil 'Stella'
Pearls: Inherited from grandma


I hope you can find some benefit from this post. :)
Please share your go-to work outfits as well!

Have a great weekend, everyone!
P.S. Check out my guest post on AdamAlexMommy, where I show you how to wear the bright pants trend the classic way!
P.P.S. Don't forget to follow me on Twitter for daily pics and updates! @LongLiveClassy