The alarm clock goes off and you wish you had another entire hour to lay in bed thinking about what's clean. Sure you could just pick up what's on the floor and head out the door, but then you'd feel like you picked up something off the floor and headed out the door. Whether you're Carrie Bradshaw, or working 9-5, every woman wants to look good. Dressing well builds self-confidence and allows you to tackle the day with the essential gusto associated with getting ahead.
The Dressing Game
First things first: always prepare. Evaluate your essentials. This is going to make your mornings so much easier. Before going out and buying a whole new wardrobe, look for items you already own. Consider getting things altered if they're too big or long, and always remember if you love the way something fits, there's a good chance you can have it remade in several colors or fabrics. That means a hideous lilac sheath dress that was bought as a bridesmaid dress that fits like a dream can easily be recreated in navy, gray or black for easy dressing during the work week. While this may not fit everyone's lifestyle, a good way to separate your goods is into work wear and play wear. This downsizes your options come Monday morning, and also prevents you from forgetting about the office dress code just because you're in a hurry. Have your basics picked out the night before, and add extras according to your mood. Basics refer to just that: basic pieces that are easy to wear and timeless. Everything from a wrinkle-free white oxford to an impeccably tailored suit falls into this category. Work separates also fall into this, even in neutrals that may not be of the ordinary. Colors like red and olive also fall into being "basics," so don't let your essentials mimic what one might wear to a funeral. After knowing what you'll wear, it will be so much easier to implement accessories.
From the Bottom Up
For shoes, keep it simple. Round toe pumps in chocolate and black, along with a pair of metallic flats, should be enough to take you through the work week. Keep travel flats ready to wear to and from work, as they'll fold up easily in your work bag once you're at the office and in heels. If you're able to expand your work shoe wardrobe, look into patent shoes, and maybe something with hardware.
Extra, Extra!
Keep an arsenal of work-appropriate accessories in an easy-access spot. Things like chunky bangles and enamel bracelets, colorful silk scarves, and belts can take your work look to new heights. Figure out what colors you like to wear with your basics. Orange, kelly green, and red are all safe options that say a lot when paired with classic shades. Stick with one work bag throughout the week. This makes it easier in the morning, and also allows you to splurge on something you know you'll get ample use out of. In the event your evenings take you to dinner or drinks, a bright clutch can easily be tucked into a work bag, allowing you to only take your essentials out at night. Your work bag should also contain a travel perfume, and any makeup you might need for touch-ups.
Utilizing your wardrobe so that it works with a hectic schedule is a key way to wardrobe in a jiffy. Leaving your options open allows you to go on a whim each morning, as long as you have your basics ready to go. Choosing bright colors or playing with texture is far easier when you're already dressed. After your basics are covered, use that as a canvas for showing off your personality and feel like yourself, only more stylishly dressed, all work day long.
