She Strengthens

Revamping Your Work Wardrobe: A Strategic Approach

For years, I struggled to find excitement in getting dressed for work. Sticking to a monotonous rotation of neutral tones and formal combinations left me feeling uninspired. But, with a business casual dress code, I knew I had the freedom to inject some personality and flair into my wardrobe.

This fall, I decided to take matters into my own hands. After purging my closet, I was left with a solid foundation: two blue blazers, a cream-colored dress, three simple blouses, and two long-sleeved tees. Next, I set out to shop strategically, with a plan and a budget in mind. The result? Five carefully curated pieces that bring my entire wardrobe together, providing endless outfit possibilities.

My Top Picks

1. Vibrant Fitted Blazer: A thrifted gem featuring a dark grey background with cream flowers, teal leaves, and large, mustard-toned roses. This bold, office-appropriate piece pairs perfectly with my existing tops, grey dress, and skirts.
2. Grey Wrap Dress: Another thrifted find, this dress boasts an extremely flattering cut and can be styled with a bow in the front or back. I’m considering taking it to the tailor to recreate it in other colors.
3. Teal Suede Skirt: A fun, soft, and versatile addition that complements my colorful blazer and oversized blue blazer. The subtle bell silhouette works beautifully with flats and boots.
4. Black Faux Leather A-Line Skirt: A timeless, feminine piece that exudes class and sophistication. I plan to take good care of it, as it will undoubtedly become a staple in my wardrobe.
5. Burnt Orange Wrap Dress: The most expensive item on my list, but its flattering neckline, bell sleeves, and dark blue flowers make it well worth the investment. It looks stunning with my blue blazer and could also work well with a black blazer.

Strategies for Sticking to My Budget

• Selecting a Color Palette: I chose a base palette of black, white, cream, and grey, with accent colors like blue, teal, burnt orange, and mustard. This made shopping easier and ensured all my pieces work together seamlessly.
• Finding the Right Silhouette: As a pear-shaped individual, I prefer A-line dresses and skirts that accentuate my waist and balance out my lower half.
• Looking for Specific Items and Fabrics: I focused on skirts and dresses that matched my existing blazers and tops, and experimented with mixing different fabrics, like suede and faux leather.
• Considering Versatility, Maintenance, and Office Temperature: With a limited wardrobe, I prioritized pieces that can be worn multiple times without repeating outfits or doing laundry frequently. I also avoided sweaters, as my office tends to stay warm during the fall and winter months.

The Perfect Blend of Online Shopping, Thrifting, and Retail

• Online Shopping: Ideal for finding specific items quickly and efficiently.
• Thrifting: A fun adventure that yielded high-quality, brand-name pieces at a fraction of the cost.
• Retail: Sometimes, you just need to try something on in person. That’s how I found the perfect orange and blue wrap dress.

With my wardrobe now fully functional and stress-free, I’m excited to take on the fall season. By being intentional with my purchases and focusing on quality over quantity, I’ve created a wardrobe that makes me feel confident and prepared for whatever the season brings.