As a personal stylist for corporate clients, I believe that picking out an outfit shouldn’t be the hardest part of someone’s morning — it should be the easiest.
After four years of helping professionals build wardrobes that suit their lifestyles and boost their confidence in the office, I’ve learned what works — and what doesn’t — when dressing for the workplace.
These are five of the most common mistakes I always tell clients to avoid.
Relying on an all-black outfit eliminates any personality.
One of the biggest mistakes I see people make is what I call the “all-black blob.”
Because wearing black feels easy, professional, and safe, people tend to use this same formula every day: a black ballet flat, black straight-leg trousers, a black tee, and a black blazer.
There’s nothing necessarily wrong with that attire, but when everything is the same, I think it starts to eliminate any sense of personality or interest in the outfit.
Instead, I recommend simply adding one thing to give the look some dimension, like mixing cotton with wool, cashmere, leather, or suede. That way, even though everything is black, the outfit doesn’t feel flat.
Another way to elevate an all-black outfit is to incorporate an interesting pair of shoes. I love snakeskin as a way to add a little pattern to an otherwise simple ensemble. I also recommend trying a loafer in a deep brown or navy, or grabbing a suede pair to add even more texture.
The same goes for shirts and ties. I wouldn’t necessarily wear a black button-down with a black blazer. Instead, I recommend breaking it up with a different color, texture, or accessory.
Wearing a suit is not the only way to look professional.
Of course, if someone’s job or corporate event requires a suit, then they should absolutely wear one. But in any other case, looking professional doesn’t always mean reaching for a blazer.
Instead, I recommend that women look for a lady jacket — a collarless outerwear that hits nicely at the waist — which gives a more relaxed feel while still looking polished.
For men, I suggest classic trousers paired with a shorter dress shirt that can be worn untucked.
Skipping accessories leaves outfits feeling unfinished.
I find that a lot of clients tend to stay away from accessorizing at work. But embellishments to an outfit don’t have to be loud to make an impact.
Even something as simple as a few dainty layered necklaces, small studs, a great ring, or a delicate bracelet can add interest to otherwise simple work attire.
And if a workplace allows for a little more fun, I recommend wearing a statement earring, necklace, or belt to bring even more personality to the look.
Thinking that a work bag can’t be both chic and practical is a big mistake.
A work bag absolutely needs to be functional, as it carries a myriad of things, such as a laptop, folders, a water bottle, lunch, and maybe even an extra pair of shoes. However, that doesn’t mean it needs to be boring.
I think people sometimes assume that if a bag is practical, it can’t also be chic, but I don’t think that’s true.
I’ve found many bags that not only provide space and functionality, but also look more elevated and make a statement — specifically those with hardware elements, textured leather, or pebbled finishes.
There’s no need to have separate work and personal-life wardrobes.
I hear this all the time: “Well, it’s just for work. I’d rather spend my money on the clothes I wear in my actual life.”
However, the reality is that if someone is going into an office five days a week, their work clothes are a huge part of their actual life. So if someone spends hours and hours in these clothes every single week, why wouldn’t they invest in them?
Investing doesn’t just mean buying something expensive. It means selecting breathable fabrics, choosing pieces that feel good against the skin, and paying attention to clothes that actually make sense for the season.
Before purchasing a whole new wardrobe for the office, I always recommend clients look through their own closets first. Many work-appropriate pieces can also transition outside the 9-to-5, including heels, ballet flats, and bags.
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