Can you help fill out my closet?

[spunkarella]

I always feel like I have nothing to wear. I know a lot of it comes from me buying a lot of clothes that I didn't love right out of college almost 2 years ago. I had to have a business wardrobe fast and on a budget, and that resulted in a lot of settling.

I just made a list of work clothes that are in good condition and that I like. The list makes it seem like I should have plenty of outfits, but when I try to get ready it doesn't seem that way. Can you help me fill in the gaps? What would you add to this?

Skirts: black (doesn't match suit jacket)

Pants: black, khaki

Jackets: black, taupe (doesn't match khaki pants)

Dresses: black short sleeve, black sleeveless (must have a topper, doesn't match black jacket)

Shells (must have toppers): pink/white, tan/white, orange, coral

Tops: black sweater, white casual blouse, red print blouse, taupe blouse, red blouse

Accessories: black belt, pink belt, yellow statement necklace, orange statement necklace, coral statement earrings, long gold necklace

Thanks for taking the time to look through this!

ETA: I am about to pull the trigger on a gray suit (pants, skirt, jacket). Also, I am starting a new job soon that is dressier than my current one and will require a suit at least a couple of times a week.

[spunkarella]

Wow, thanks for your very helpful reply!

I can get away with cardigans on days I am working in the office. I noticed people wearing them when I did my interview. I actually have about 5 cardigans hanging in the closet that aren't on the list because they haven't held up...they are from H&M, Nordstrom BP, and LOFT Outlet. Any suggestions on places to buy from, or how to wash them so they don't pill after a few washes?

Thanks for the other ideas. I will have to think of someone I like...I know I want to look polished but still young and fun/not too mature. And as creative/funky as possible in my conservative field.

[mrsacornblue]

I agree w/ Mav that the grey suit will be a classic. I would also suggest some dress pants and pencil skirts in navy or a deep brown for an alternative. I would also add more tops in some solids and prints...buttondowns, blouses or shells. Also, maybe look into some dresses in a subtle print to add some more variety.

[bimbi284]

Aug 1, 2012 20:58:33 GMT -5 @mavjen said:

MrsAcornBlue was right about suggesting more skirts, like pencil skirts. And dresses, especially dresses. There will be mornings you don't want to concentrate on putting together an outfit for work. You just want to throw on 1 thing and get the hell on the road.

Ditto this! I wear dresses more than anything else.

Also, don't forget accessories!

Scarves and statement necklaces especially would be a nice addition because they can change up an outfit really easily.

For example, if you get the gray suit set, you should also get the matching dress which you can get several outfits out of.

Wear it with the matching jacket and statement necklace for a professional, yet fun look. Throw a scarf in place of the necklace, and you have a completely different look. Swap a cardi for the jacket, and with a necklace or scarf, you have 2 more looks. With that dress alone, you've just gotten several different looks with very little effort.

[spunkarella]

Thanks again for all of your help! You gave a lot of good ideas.

Time to make a list and go shopping!