5 Items Every Powerful Business Woman Needs In Her Wardrobe

5 Items Every Powerful Business Woman Needs In Her Wardrobe

If often get asked, “what are some work wear essentials that women need in their wardrobe?” In my experience working with powerful and stylish business women, here are a few pieces you can often find in their closet.

1. Pencil Skirt

Pencil skirts are classic pieces that have a lot of versatility. You'll want pencil skirts in your basic colors (especially black) as well as some other colors and textures that can be easily mixed and matched with other pieces in your closet. Here are a few to check out:

left to right:

Elie Tahari Women's Penelope Seasonless Wool Pencil Skirt

Ann Taylor Doubleweave Pencil Skirt

Elie Tahari Zandra Contrast-Paneled Tweed Skirt

St. John Nouveau Bouclé Knit Pencil Skirt

2. Throw Over Anything Blazer

A blazer is a piece that every powerful woman has. The key to picking a good “throw over anything” blazer is finding one that can go with multiple items: dresses, pants, or skirts. Here are a few in different styles that may pique your interest:

left to right:

Of Mercer Houston Blazer

Theory Women's Delaven Edition 4 Jacket

Nine West Women's Stretch Kiss Front Wide Lapel Suit Jacket

Ann Taylor Belted Tweed Jacket

 

3. Black Dress

We all needs some LBDs (little black dresses) in our lives. And, I believe, we need several: at least a cocktail LBD, a dinner/date night LBD, and a work black dress (I left the “l” out since we don't want the office dress to be too “little”). Black dresses can convey elegance and power and have so much versatility to be accessorized with the right jewelry, shoes, etc. Here are a few to check out:

left to right:

Elie Tahari Women's Maria Dress

Adrianna Papell Women's Solid Crepe Dress with Pintucks

Black Halo Women's Jackie O Dress

Lark & Ro Women's Ponte 3/4 Sleeve Sheath Dress

 

4. “Not Your Basic” Pumps

“Basic” pumps would be black, tan or navy leather shoes in a classic pump style. Though they should also be in your closet, you also want some “not so basic” pumps that can bring some life and versatility to your wardrobe. You can do that through color (e.g., forest green, pewter, blue, oxblood), texture (e.g., cork, patent leather, suede, snakeskin) or patterns (e.g.,speckled, prints, animal prints). Here are some to consider:

 

Stuart Weitzman Women's Nouveau Dress Pump in Natural

Kate Spade New York Women's Lottie Dress Pump

Zvelle Green ‘Amelia' Pump

Kate Spade New York Women's DANI Dress Pump

5. Tailored Outerwear

When I say “tailored” outerwear, I'm not saying you literally need to have your outerwear tailored. Rather, you should have outerwear that looks like it is tailored to your body. Many people forget how important outerwear is in some climates. Many times we are wearing our outerwear when we are making our first impression so it is extremely important to make sure that your outerwear is just as put together as your ensemble. In fact, as I was researching some great coats, I found so many at Hobbs London that I couldn't even decide (take a look at Hobbs' full coat selection here). Here are a few that fit this description:

left to right:

Ted Baker Women's Lorili Long Button Detail Wrap Coat

Hobbs London Callaghan Trench in Sea Blue

Hobbs London Alyssa Coat

Bcbgeneration Woman's Cameron Taupe Wool Leather Trim Wrapped Belted Trench Coat