WorkWear 101: Your 10 Essentials

Ok, so university is over and you are one of the (bloody) lucky belles to have landed your self a the golden graduate job in this dreary recession. Woohoo!!

Now what you ask? Cue the feeling of wardrobe panic because that crusty white-come-grey polyester mix shirt that you picked up from H&M in your bid to get a temping job during the summer just will not fly in the office. 


Here are 10 basic items you should have in your wardrobe to channel that sophisticated career woman languishing inside you:

1. A simple pair of black trousers - I prefer straight cut but if bootleg suits you better that's fine, just remember, the simpler the better (you can be very versatile)

Black high waist trouser from T.M.Lewin  now £70 (was £150) - http://www.tmlewin.co.uk/

2. A straight skirt hemmed just below the knee is flattering

 ASOS Check Panel Front Pencil Skirt £28 - http://www.asos.com/

3. A dress, fitted and sleeveless, that can be worn with a cardigan

New Look Belted Shift Dress £28 - http://www.newlook.co.uk/

4. A fine-knit sweater; try it in a nice bright colour 

Karen Cole Sarah Pleat Fine Merino top £83 - http://www.karencole.com/

5. A cardigan: Black is always chic and easy to wear

Karen Millen Zip Cardigan £89.95 - www.karenmillen.com

6. Ballet Pumps: perfectly preppy chic to survive hours of pounding the streets to and from work (the Tube does nothing for your heels but wreck 'em!)

7. A crisp white shirt always looks smart (increase the va-va voom factor with some sterling silver cufflinks)

French Sole Henrietta pump £85 - http://www.frenchsole.com/

Thomas Pink White Florence Women's Evening Shirt £125 - www.thomaspink.com

8. A coat: Stay classic with this item and get yourself an investment piece (preferably in the sale of course)

Nicole Fahri DOAA2 Navy Coat £290 - http://www.coggles.com/ 

9. A classic shoe: A black pump with an elegant heel will go with all of the above

Nine West Landlock Black Courts £70 - http://www.kurtgeiger.com/

10. A black bag: With black shoes, it's best to go with a black bag; look for a simple style that's not too oversized but still allows you to make a statement

LK Bennett Layla Tote Bag £260 - http://www.lkbennet.com/

And voila....