Week Of What I Wear To Work: Corporate America

Having worked in corporate America for almost my entire career, particularly in banking (at least for now <cough>), dressing for work is just as conservative as most other corporate or legal offices. Dressing for success here is simple: put your cash into investment pieces, purchase trends around them, and you will always be dressed for the job you want – not just the one you have. By investment pieces, I mean a beautifully tailored suit, a great watch, gorgeous pumps, and a quality bag.

I tend to purchase “suits” by pulling together separates of the same line and then having them professionally tailored to make sure that they really fit well. Colors? It’s corporate, ladies, so always have black, charcoal grey, navy, and chocolate brown in your closet. I own this Theory Neela – Pinto Jacket ($365) and  Theory Mark B – Pinto Pants ($245) set.

When selecting a watch, there’s something quite sexy and powerful about a woman wearing an oversized men’s watch. This MICHAEL Michael Kors Jet Set Sport Watch ($225) is dressy enough for the office but classic enough to take you into the weekend. 

You can MAYBE skimp on other details but everybody notices when someone comes to the office with accessories that are falling apart. That being said, I tend to get the most compliments with reliable and cost-effective Nine West accessories, like these Kelsey Boutique 9 Pumps ($135) and this Laptop Tote ($99). 

And be sure to check out our What to Wear to Work Guide for more pointers on how to get dressed for any office.