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The M Dash

Live with purpose.

Graduate Your Closet: 6 Staples to Take Your Work Wardrobe to the Next Level

June 08, 2018 | Filed in: Your Closet

Whether it’s finishing college, landing a dream job, or re-entering the workforce, there are many moments in a career that require us to “graduate” to the next level of professional dressing. The good news: With the right pieces, you won’t need to sacrifice comfort or ease for style. Below, six simple upgrades to kick your professional wardrobe into the next gear.

1. The Elevated T-Shirt

You love your perfectly worn-in T-shirt, but wearing it to the office is a stretch, even in the most casual environments. Instead, go for a top like the Didion. With its relaxed fit, simple sleeves, and crisp crèpe fabric, it strikes the right balance between elegance and ease. Bonus: You can throw it in the wash.

2. The Dupe for Yoga Pants

In the era of athleisure, you may be tempted to wear your leggings to the office. Don’t, but opt for the next-best thing: The Foster pant offers yoga-level comfort plus a structured, tailored fit. Perfect for when you want to do a spontaneous down dog between meetings. 

3. The Office-Appropriate but “Fun” Print

Professionals suffering from neutral-fatigue are sometimes tempted to shake things up with a too-loud print. When you want to stand out, go for a subtle yet eye-catching pattern on a classic silhouette, like the Etsuko dress in crackle. The print is interesting enough to bolster your fashion cred in the office, but it won’t distract your colleagues from your brilliant ideas. 

4. The Sleek but Stretchy Layer

If your current desk sweater is a hand-me-down cardigan of questionable origin, it’s high time to invest in a structured layer that looks professional but still keeps you warm. The Woolf jardigan (our jacket-cardigan hybrid) has all the comfort of a knit sweater with the structure of a blazer.

5. If a Sweatshirt and Pencil Skirt Had a Baby

Pencil skirts can be tight and restrictive—but if you can find one that is as comfortable as it is polished, it instantly elevates your whole work wardrobe. The Harlem skirt is crafted from a breathable knit that’s both structured and stretchy. Its folded waistband creates an hourglass silhouette, and its midi length offers plenty of coverage.

6. The Fancy but Not Too Fancy Earrings

When it comes to accessories, one of the best investments you can make is in jewelry that’s beautiful and high quality, but not so precious that losing it would be a catastrophe. The Phoebe earrings are simple, sophisticated, and versatile enough to wear from a 5:00 P.M. meeting straight to dinner with the in-laws.