Sales abound right now, so if you are looking to step up your wardrobe or pull one together for work, there is no better time.  Department stores tout 30-40% savings off everything you will need to create a great professional wardrobe from your shoes to your earrings.

If you ever looked into your closet and found it a challenge to pull together an outfit that you love and makes you feel confident, chances are the fundamental wardrobe pieces are missing or incomplete.  Think basics first.  Anchor your wardrobe with your slacks then work up and down from there. 

1. Dark Slacks – Black, Chocolate, Charcoal

Dark rich colors are best to convey a professional presence.  Find the fit that is right for you and don’t hesitate to purchase the same pant in an assortment of colors.  Make sure you hem with the heel height you will wear most often. 

1. Jackets -  Coordinate with slacks you chose.  Find at least 2 jackets that will mix and match with the slacks you have chosen.  If you need a suit, then find one that will coordinate with the pants and jackets you find so that you will have yet another pant and jacket to mix and match.

1. Layering Pieces – these should be blouses, shells, camis that will easily go with the jackets. If your profession takes you from cubicle from cocktail, find pieces that are versatile to look great under a jacket, and shed the jacket to be ready for happy hour.

1. Crisp White Shirt -  go with long sleeved.  Look for something with great fit and style, not just the typical button-down version.  This will say a lot about your image.

1. Skirt or Dress – find the hemline that is right for you (no minis please) and coordinate with a sweater, jacket or blouse.

1. Trench – a trench coat is a wonderful professional staple to have and they look great on almost every shape.

1. Shoes – Get several pairs of varying styles in leather with hard leather soles and consider boots. 

1. Accessorize – you don’t need to spend a fortune on jewelry and nothing steps up an ensemble like earrings and necklace.   Look for colorful stones that will bring color into your face, avoid sparkly and flashy pieces. 

1. Great Bag – big enough for your laptop.  One in a neutral color will wear with all outfits.

1. Cocktail Bag – to segue from the office, find a beautiful after-hours bag.   A metallic is a great choice.

1. Makeup – did you know that women who wear makeup earn 20-30% more than those who do not?  Apply tastefully.

Once you have the basics then you can venture out to other pieces that will be wonderful additions to your essentials.  Boutiques are a great place to go for unique statement pieces.   

When shopping, it is easy to be overwhelmed with the multitude of selections of styles and colors on the racks.  A common complaint is having many clothes in your closet but nothing coordinates into outfits.  If you think of the basic pieces you will need first you will be well on your way to building a versatile essential wardrobe.