Hey guys!   After recently posting my casual Spring capsule wardrobe many of you asked if I could recommend some workwear appropriate items to throw in the mix.   So today I’m partnering with Nordstrom to share a Spring capsule wardrobe for work.  Nordstrom is one stop shopping for the head to toe office appropriate look.

Spring Capsule Wardrobe For Work 2018

As with any capsule wardrobe, I tried to whittle the pieces down to my favorite essentials.   Up until last year I worked 2 ten hour shifts a week in a cardiology office.    As a nurse practitioner I had to look professional, but those weren’t the types of clothes I wore in my mom life the other 5 days of the week.

Where To Start

When starting a capsule wardrobe for work I had to think what of the item I rewore the most in the office?  For me it was a simple pair of work appropriate pants.   Is the term slacks still current?  That’s what my mom calls what I term “work pants”.  I would recommend finding a pair of pants you love and wearing them as much as possible.   Anyone worrying that you wear the same pants on repeat has too much time on their hands if you ask me.

Some Work Appropriate Dresses

A flattering dress is also something you can restyle for the office several different ways.   What I love about a dress is that it’s one and done!   No coordinating a top into the mix.   Add a scarf, blazer, or statement necklace and you can change the look of a basic, well-fitting dress.   No one will know you wear the same dress every week!

CONSIDER ALTERING THE PERFECT BASICS!   Alterations are well worth the cost on pieces you will be wearing regularly and Nordstrom offers free basic alternations on most full priced items.  There are additional perks pertaining to alterations if you’re a Nordstrom cardholder.   If you don’t have a Nordstrom card I got one several years ago just so I could shop the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale (more on that closer to July), but there are plenty of other perks that make me glad I got the card.

Below you will find some office appropriate dresses that would be good for Spring.   All of the colored options below also come in black.   Black is the safest office “color” in my opinion because it’s year round and easy to accessorize.  While you almost never see me in black these days, I wore it regularly when I had an office job.

Office Appropriate Pants

Regarding pants, I personally prefer a slimmer fitting trouser with an ankle fit for the office.   I think this style looks great with both flats and heels, and pairs well with most tops.   While I like a wide leg trouser, I think they look best worn with heels, and I wasn’t always up for being on my feet all day in heels.   I also think wide leg pants look good with a more fitted top and since my office got catering almost everyday I tended to wear more billowy blouses to conceal my after lunch food baby.

Skirts fall into the same category as pants for me in the capsule wardrobe: Something to pair with tops.  I find the pencil skirt is flattering on most women’s bodies.   Almost everyone is slimmest at the waist which is why the pencil skirt is so flattering.   Again – depending on your build – have a great skirt altered to be your perfect skirt so you can repeat it often.

Office Appropriate Shoes

I asked my Facebook crew if they were allowed to wear sandals at work and the majority of gals said “no”.   My office required closed toe shoes, and I would repeat the same 2 or so pairs each season.   At home I wear sandals or sneakers in the Spring so I stuck to the basics in the office.

Office Wardrobe Accessories

A tote bag is generally big enough for your lunch and a few folders of the work you may take home because you were distracted by Instagram behind your desk.   Perhaps that was just me.

Basic jewelry is a no fail option.   Here are a few of my favorites accessories to pair with workwear:

Layer Up!

Is your office cold?   Mine always fluctuated so much.   Layering pieces such as blazers and cardigans are essential in the Spring in New England.   I added a cute trench in the mix because where I live it’s still cold in the mornings.

Top It Off

While you want a few basic tops, this is definitely are place where you can easily swap in some trendier pieces as well.   Nordstrom offers so many trendy tops from brands like Leith and TopShop that are office appropriate and won’t break the bank.  The classic button down shirt is definitely a workwear staple.   The one you see me wearing below is a body suit and sold out before I could get this post up.

How to Rewear the Perfect Work Pant

I am wearing my usual size in these pants in the regular length.   They are comfortable and stretchy and hit at a flattering spot on my mid section.   I am 5’11” for reference.   Don’t underestimated the power of a good belt to give an even more polished look.

 

SHOP THESE ITEMS

(I included my sizes for reference I am usually between XS and Small in tops)

 

I’m not sure how many of you work in an office setting.   Seems like more companies are allowing some work from home schedules lately.   Obviously I work from home so I don’t get dressed up like this very often.   If you guys like seeing workwear ideas please let me know and I can accommodate more often!!

As always thanks for stopping by.   If you’re interested please sign up for my newsletter to keep up to date on what’s happening on the blog!

 

Thank you to Nordstrom and ShopStyle for sponsoring this post.