Closet full of clothes and nothing to wear? It happens to all of us. Whether you're a fashion expert or couldn't care less about the latest runway trends, getting dressed for work can be a total pain. But we'll let you in on a little secret: with a few do-it-all basics in your arsenal, this does not have to be the case. Enter the capsule work wardrobe—a collection of polished pieces made to be endlessly mixed, matched, accessorized, and worn on repeat. Below, we've rounded up the 10 essentials you need to create your own, each one backed by our trusted algorithm that bases its selections on best-selling buzz, editorial mentions, real user reviews, and more. Whether your office is corporate or creative, the list that follows features the building blocks of a perfect work wardrobe and—most importantly—will help you avoid that dreaded morning style rut. From sleek black pants that double as cozy weekend wear to Meagan-Markle-approved flats, scroll below to discover and shop the Top 10. Opening image: jcrew.com
Did you like our 10 Best Office Wardrobe Essentials? Then we think you’ll love our 10 Best Comfortable Work Heels!
August 12, 2019
Top 10 Lists serve as unbiased shopping guides to the most trusted product recommendations on the internet. Products are scored and ranked using an algorithm backed by data consumers find most valuable when making a purchase. We are reader-supported and may earn a commission when you shop through our links.
The Rankings
Banana Republic Machine-Washable Italian Wool Blend Pencil Skirt with Side Slit
PENCIL SKIRT
WHY YOU NEED IT: A simple black pencil skirt can do no wrong. Even better, this one's machine washable—no trips to the dry cleaners necessary.
STYLE WITH: Pair it with a graphic tee for a chic high-low look, or add a crisp white button-down and black pumps to err on the conservative side.
Equipment Short Sleeve Slim Signature Shirt
SILK BLOUSE
STYLE WITH: The crisp collar and luxurious silk fabric make this shirt the ultimate staple piece—you can wear it with black pants to the office, then distressed denim for happy hour.
USERS SAID: "Equipment's silk blouses are perfect for work, dinner, or a night out. They fit so perfectly and always look polished!"
Old Navy Classic Ponte-Knit Blazer
SIMPLE BLAZER
WHY YOU NEED IT: Top-notch black blazers don't often come cheap. This one rings up under $50, but it looks way more expensive.
LOVED FOR: With a soft ponte-knit shell and added stretch, this piece feels more like a sweatshirt than a blazer. Staying comfortable at work has never been so easy.
Everlane The Day Heel
COMFORTABLE HEELS
BEST FOR: Crafted with super-soft Italian leather that molds to your foot and an elastic back that doesn't pinch, Everlane specially designed these heels for ultra-comfortable, all-day wear (hence the name).
FUN FACT: These heels are so good, they racked up a 28,000-person waitlist upon their debut. No joke.
J.Crew Résumé Dress
CLASSIC DRESS
LOVED FOR: The modern cap sleeves and sleek pockets add major personality to this dress without going overboard.
WHERE TO WEAR: When you need to look especially pulled together—whether it be for a meeting with your boss or a big presentation—this dress will do the trick. It also transitions so well to evening—just add strappy heels and a leather jacket.
NYDJ Ami Skinny Jean
DARK WASH SKINNY JEANS
WHY YOU NEED IT: For you lucky gals that get to wear jeans to work, this pair is an excellent choice. The dark wash gives them a polished look that's just as perfect for the office as it is for a night out.
USERS SAID: "Love these jeans! They fit perfectly, and I love the color and all the refined details. The material is so comfortable because it moves with you!"
Rothy's The Point Flat
BREATHABLE FLATS
LOVED FOR: Thanks to the flexible (and eco-friendly!) construction, these flats are ultra-comfortable right out of the box—no painful break-in period required.
AS SEEN ON: These are so good, even the royals wear them.
Everlane The Work Pant
BLACK PANTS
LOVED FOR: While we can't all wear leggings and yoga pants to work, these babies are the next best thing. They look polished but feel oh-so-cozy thanks to the four-way stretch and super soft cotton.
USERS SAID: "The fit is fantastic with a little post-big-lunch give in the elastic waist. They're incredibly comfortable and flattering on—I immediately ordered another pair after owning for a week!"
Everlane The Day Market Tote
STRUCTURED TOTE
WHY YOU NEED IT: This do-it-all bag can handle the weight of all your essentials—laptop included—and looks incredibly chic while doing it.
WHY WE LOVE IT: "I love everything about this tote. The size is perfect for carrying a laptop with plenty of room for more. The construction is high-quality, too. I've had this bag for over a year, worn it to work nearly every day, and it still looks great!" —Beth Zerdecki, Chief Product & Marketing Officer
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