The Ultimate 12-Piece Work Wardrobe Every Woman Needs

When it comes to work wardrobe advice, most people can recite the whole “dress for the job you want” thing from heart. But ask someone how to dress for the job they want, and chances are they’re not so sure. That’s why we’re cracking the code of office wear with this 12-step guide to building a work wardrobe.

If you’ve been working for a few years, chances are you already own some of these items and can mix in your own office staples to diversify your 9-to-5 look. If you’re fresh out of school or just starting to climb the ladder, consider these 12 pieces the skeleton of your work wardrobe for years to come. They can easily be combined into a work week’s worth of outfits. And once you get a few paychecks under your belt, it’s worth investing in multiple versions of the same basic pieces to help mix up your look — for example, buying a cropped, printed pant if you already own a pair in basic black.

Ready to dive in? Click ahead for the 12 essential parts of your work wardrobe, and get ready to storm the boardroom.

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