The 9 to 5 Series, Part 2: Sensible Staples & Signature Sparkle

Sensible staples. Well that doesn't sound fun . . . but it can be! You may think this is the meat and potatoes of fashion, but in reality it is foundation that the rest of your closet is built off. Staple items are classic styles that provide the opportunity to add your own personal sparkle.

Let's take the little black dress we all know should be in our closet (no fashion ah-ha there). Every woman needs a little black dress, but what you do with everything else, shoe choice, hair style, color pop, accessories, is a statement all your own. This iconic piece has now become your personal reflection of confidence and elegance AND (if it fits right) always looks stunning.

Now back to work (we are still in the 9 to 5 Series).

Let's use our workdrobe categories as our guide. I've included some examples in the links below.

Staple "Must Haves" to include in your 9 to 5 (you'll see a pattern):

• camisoles (cream, black)

• button down/dress shirt (black, gray, white)

• sweaters (cream, gray, black)

• cardigans (black, cream/beige, navy)

• blazers/suit jackets/suits (black, navy, beige too if you have a suit requirement)

• pants (black, gray, navy) (example 1 and example 2)

• skirts (black, navy or beige pencil skirt)

• dresses (black - you knew that was coming) (example 1 and example 2)

• shoes (nude heel, black heel, black flat, beige flat)

• accessories (Pearl, gold, silver, studs. Gold and silver hoops. Gold and silver bangles. Pearl necklace and bracelet)

Don't have all of these right now? (Me either) Don't fret. You can build your closet over time and maybe you don't like navy, or cream washes you out, that's ok too. Generally speaking, all or some of these items are a sensible foundation for a classic workdrobe.

Now for the SPARKLE - this is my favorite and you get to make it all your own. Think; your signature color (mine is usually red), your favorite necklace, or that fun trend that you've been eyeing - dare to wear it and shine. You don't need to add all of these and certain categories I wouldn't recommend "sparkle" (because cardigan and sparkle I'm pretty sure have not been used in the same sentence . . . at least in the 21st century), but these are some ideas to start to elevate your closet while of course, still sticking with the 9-5 rule.

Sparkle Suggestions:

• camisoles (teal, blush)

• button down/dress shirt (neutral vertical stripes, jewel colors)

• pants (plaid, striped, favorite color)

• skirts (fun floral (warm weather), tweed (winter), pleaded neutral (Great all year round)

• dresses (solid of your favorite and/or your best color)

• shoes (animal print and red are always eye catchers)

• scarves (animal print, bright/bold color, plaid)

• accessories (pop of color dangle earrings and/or bracelets, eye-catching pendant necklace, chunky jewel necklace)

Check out some examples of my "sparkle" below:

Chunky Jewel Necklace

Red Shoes and Accessories

Animal Print Scarf

So whether you decide to just stick to the basics or need an extra "pop" to your work day, embrace the opportunity to simplify and elevate your personal expression of style AND remember, the most beautiful thing any woman can wear is confidence. You got this!

***For closet/fashion services contact liliesandlace11@gmail.com

Coming soon in the 9 to 5 Series:

• Part 3: The Lynda Carter Edition