How to Build Your Corporate Wardrobe from Scratch – My Favs

The Blazer Situation

First things first: you need TWO blazers. One fitted, one oversized. I know, I know – but hear me out. A fitted blazer complements certain shirt styles beautifully, while an oversized one gives you that effortlessly chic “I woke up like this” vibe. Get both in black to start.

Now, here’s where I get picky: skip the double-breasted style. It’s too thick and not versatile enough throughout the seasons.

I’m personally obsessed with lightweight blazers because my office air conditioning is absolutely unhinged – freezing in summer, somehow still cold in winter. A lightweight blazer lets me drape it over my shoulders when needed without committing to actual warmth. Layer underneath in winter, and you’re golden.

Trousers: The Foundation

You need both a fitted AND a straight-leg trouser. This is non-negotiable. These two silhouettes will create countless outfit combinations and serve as the backbone of your corporate wardrobe. Start with black, then branch out into other colours once you’ve nailed the basics.

The Layering Essentials

T-shirts, tanks, long sleeves, and turtlenecks – you need at least one of each. Ideally in black AND white (or black and grey if white isn’t your thing). These pieces are absolutely crucial because let’s be honest: not everyone wants to wear a proper shirt every single day. I certainly don’t.

The beauty of these basics? They’re perfect for layering AND you can actually wear them outside the office too. My turtlenecks and tanks are very much part of my weekend rotation. Very much my vibe.

Quick recommendation: Skims bodysuits are genuinely worth the investment. Yes, they’re pricey. But the quality? Unmatched. I’ve had mine for years, washed them countless times, and they still look incredible.

Something about the fit just… works. I’ve genuinely never found a proper dupe because it’s just that good. Weekday does come close if you’re looking for something more budget-friendly though.

Shirts: The Bare Minimum

Even if you’re not a shirt person (hello, it’s me), you need at least one white shirt and one black shirt in your arsenal. Why? Because work events happen. Boardroom meetings happen.

That important presentation where you need to look slightly more put-together than usual? It happens. Have the shirts ready. You’ll thank yourself later.

The Dress Dilemma

I’m going to be controversial here: you only need ONE dress. Here’s why – finding a quality office dress that doesn’t make you look like either a grandma or someone who missed the HR memo is genuinely impossible. There’s seemingly no in-between.

My solution? One maxi dress. It’s appropriate, it’s versatile (layer a jumper on top for autumn/winter), and it gets the job done without requiring a PhD in modest-yet-modern dressing.

Skirts

One maxi skirt and one midi skirt should do the trick. And by midi, I mean that sweet spot between your knee and upper thigh – you know the one. Professional but not giving school uniform vibes. Definitely not mini. Never mini. We’re keeping it office-appropriate here.

Jumpers and Cardigans

At least one of each. Go for cotton or quality knits that’ll actually keep you warm when your office decides to recreate Arctic conditions in July. These pieces pull double duty across seasons and instantly make any outfit look more polished.

The Shoe Situation

Okay, this is important. First, establish whether you’re a heels or flats person. I’m a heels girl through and through – we’re talking marathon-ready, 12-hour-day, no-problem heels. BUT. Commuting in them? Absolutely not. The streets are dirty, your heels get ruined, and suddenly you’re in a bad mood before you’ve even clocked in.

Solution: the commute trainer. I currently rotate between New Balance 530s and Ugg Tasmans (for those colder months). Bonus: if you gym before or after work, your commute trainers double as workout shoes. No more packing that massive PE kit bag like you’re back in secondary school. Trust me, it’s a game-changer.

For the office itself, invest in ONE staple pair of heels (I’m obsessed with slingbacks – comfortable AND chic) or one quality pair of loafers if that’s more your speed.

Your “Compliments Rolling In” Outfit

Lastly – and this is crucial – you need that ONE showstopper outfit. I’m talking a matching co-ord, a waistcoat and trouser combo, something that makes you feel like the main character.

Save it for presentations, important meetings, or days when you just need that confidence boost. Having this ready means no last-minute panic shopping, which is genuinely a headache nobody needs.

How to Build Your Corporate Wardrobe from Scratch Without Wasting Money

A corporate wardrobe only works when you can repeat pieces without anyone noticing. That happens when your clothes share the same “language” – consistent silhouettes, a tight color palette, and fabrics that hold their shape from 9 to 7. If you start by buying random “cute work tops,” you’ll end up with outfits that don’t match and mornings that feel stressful.

Start with your office level, not your Pinterest board. Corporate can mean everything from finance and law to a dressy tech office. You want one tier above your daily baseline so you always look intentional. Then pick a palette you can mix in your sleep: one dark neutral, one light neutral, and one accent. Example: navy + ivory + burgundy, or charcoal + cream + forest green.

The biggest mistakes people make:

• You buy statement blouses first, then you have nothing to ground them.

• You skip tailoring and wonder why everything looks “almost” right.

• You collect five similar black pants that fit differently, so nothing feels consistent.

Build in this order:

• One suit set first: blazer + matching trousers or skirt. This becomes your emergency outfit.

• Two extra bottoms: tailored trousers, pencil skirt, or a midi that reads professional.

• Three tops that layer: fine knit, crisp button-down, and a polished shell that works under blazers.

• Two outer layers: structured coat or trench, plus a cardigan or longline blazer for indoor AC.

• Two shoes: a walkable heel or sleek flat, plus a closed-toe option for serious days.

If your budget is tight, spend on fit pieces: blazer, trousers, coat, and shoes. Save on trend pieces like tops. A good blazer can make a basic tee look corporate if the cut is sharp and the fabric looks quality.