5 basic items every college girl needs in her closet
Photo by George Doyle
Repeat after me: Bodycons, tube tops and mini-anything is not appropriate for the work place. But find out what is -- check out the five items professional college ladies should have in their closet.
Instead, replace it wtih a few necessities every professional woman needs in her wardrobe. From blazers, to dresses, pants and (of course) shoes, this is the rundown on what you need to bring out your inner professional.
The blazer
Every young professional woman should have a great fitting, well structured blazer. A quality blazer can be paired with any look and add more versatility to your professional wardrobe.
When it comes to choosing the right blazer, look for one that accentuates your shoulders and hips, and highlights your waist. Don’t just buy any jacket with lapels and call it a blazer. A proper blazer should look and feel like it has quality. So rather than bargain shopping at Charlotte Russe, splurge a little at New York and Company.
And don't forget to have fun with colors! While black and blue may be staples, play up a simple blazer with buttons and nontraditional lapel fabrics.
White and French blue dress shirts
Just as the First Lady holds together the POTUS, a classic dress shirt can hold any look together.
The addition of a white or French blue dress shirt gives instant sophistication to any pair of dress pants or jeans. Don’t feel obligated to stick with the traditional spread collar -- if you’re not too fond of having fabric jutting from your neck, try a banded collar. And if you want to channel your inner Harry Styles, rock a club collar. It's shorter, rounder and gives more personality to your look.
The easy (yet professional) dress
Whether it's the classic LBD or a printed wrap, every woman should own an easy-to-wear dress for her most indecisive days. Little black dresses are great options for an easy, professional look -- so long as they’re not too "little."
For the days when you’re wanting a bit more color, go for a wrap or shift dress. Both dresses more often than not come in bright colors and fun patterns. They’re also great for busy days when you find yourself running around the office more than you hoped.
Once you find a comfortable dress that makes you feel great, you’ll realize how often it's off your hangers.
The pant
Pants are one of the items people tend to go as basic and boring as possible, but why?
Yes, you should own a pair of comfortable, well-fitting trousers for work, but you don’t have to stop at a simple boot-cut or bell-bottom flare. Have fun! Try on a cropped trouser in a color or print. If you’re hooked on bell-bottoms, push the envelope with an ultra-wide flared leg.
But be sure to match the look with a pair of heels to keep your legs looking nice and long.
The pumps
If you take nothing else from this, please invest in a great pair of shoes. Your heel should be no more than three inches with little to no platform.
To avoid looking like a four-year-old at Easter or an old woman strolling through a nursing home, stick with a pointed toe pump. While black is a must, have some fun with texture.
Whether it’s leather, patent leather or suede, a comfortable pair of black pumps is the ultimate must-have in a professional wardrobe. But please, make sure you can walk in them. The key is to look good, not funny.
Well, look at that. We’re done with the list and you’re ready to revamp your closet with the bare necessities needed for a professional wardrobe.
And though these may be the basics, have fun! Play with colors, textures and patterns when appropriate. Besides, who really needs an excuse to go shopping?
Read this to learn about the five basic items every college guy needs in his closet.
Brytanie Killebrew is a summer intern at Paste BN College who studies journalism and Spanish at Michigan State University. Follow her @BrytanieK and check out her blog for the latest in fashion and entertainment.
This story originally appeared on the Paste BN College blog, a news source produced for college students by student journalists. The blog closed in September of 2017.