Having a great neutral skirt in your basic work wardrobe is important. Notice we didn’t say black, this skirt should be in a solid color that will mix and match into your existing closet. Some colors to consider are tan, brown, navy, charcoal, and of course black.  We have discussed in other blog posts the best skirts to fit your figure.  You should also consider the types of tops you have on hand when you pick out your basic. To get you inspired we have put together some outfits on Polyvore.  Then we went shopping and found you the best basic skirts to add to your wardrobe today.

Banana Republic Women: Wool-blend textured pencil skirt – Carob chip $90, available in regular, petite, and tall sizes.
Old Navy Women: Women’s Essential Pencil Skirt – New Black $29.50 available in regular, petite, and tall sizes plus also in grey and dark brown.

At Dillard’s Alex Marie “Jamie” Skirt, $89 and Westbound Gored Skirt in Navy, Chocolate, or Black for $30

For Plus size options we turned to Lane Bryant.
Belt trimmed skirt, $49.50

High-low hem skirt, $49.50

Any of these skirts will make a beautiful update to your work wardrobe. Stay tuned to Workchic.com to learn about creating a solid foundation in your closet to build remarkable outfits around.

The full line will be available on Workchic in a few weeks, but today we just had to give you a sneak peak. We have been doing some shopping ourselves and found some very Workchic looks to share with you. These next outfits are right from our own shopping carts!

I fell in love with this skirt and knit top combination! Pair it with a beaded bracelet and black tote to finish the look. I pulled a pair of peep toe pumps out of my closet too.

Ribbon Detail Tee, $39.50

Bold Box-Pleat Skirt, Reg $59.50, currently on sale for $29.75
Bead and Metal Stretch Bracelet, $22.50
Grommet Hobo, $59.50

This black and white skirt is on Melissa’s radar. She will look chic wearing it tucked in and accessorized with a belt. Finish the look with a sophisticated necklace and clustered earrings.

Applique Afternoon Skirt, reg $69.50 on sale for $34.75
Bib Pleat Button Front Shirt, reg $44.50 on sale for $22.25
Obi Belt, $34.50
Sculptural Bead Pendant Necklace, $22.50
Beaded Cluster Earrings, $19.50

Here are a few more styles we love, with a little more color, from TheLimited.com. They put together a collection accentuated with painterly prints in fall tones called Art Works.  Some of our favorite styles include the Fan Detail Top, Ribbon Zipper Tank Dress, and Pleated Ruffle Neck Top.

We are excited to have The Limited on board and hope you are too. Leave a comment and let us know what you think.

As you know Workchic has a long list of stores we turn to for office appropriate fashion. We also have a few favorites for tall sizes that you may or may not know about.

New York and Company has you covered from Suits to Denim.  We love this cotton blend jacket in white for simple yet sophisticated spring and summer looks. Dress it up for a more professional style with Sharkskin trousers. For a casual day at the office, pair it with dark rinse denim.  Shop now to take advantage of sales and discounts. These jeans are currently only $14.99!

We love the tops Banana Republic adds to their tall collections. Both of these styles would look very chic underneath that white jacket.  One of our favorite items is their dresses. Length is so important, especially when heading to the office.  Banana Republic make sure you will look appropriate and chic with these dresses. 

Eddie Bauer also has a great selection and offers many of their styles in Tall sizes.  We love this Stretch Poplin Skirt. It comes in two different print and color options and will last you right through Spring and Summer.  This Roll-Sleeve Safari Dress will be best suited for more casual days, but would also be perfect for the company picnic.  Eddie Bauer also offers tops by fit. So not only can you find your perfect length, you can chose from shaped, classic, or easy fit. We selected this Fine-Gauge Cardigan in a classic fit, perfect for chilly mornings and offices.

Check out these stores for great Spring fashions and Sales going on now!  They will have you set for any office environment. For Business Professional start with Banana Republic then fill in with New York and Company. For Business Casual start with New York and Company and fill in with either of the other two. You can can also check out Old Navy for more business casual and casual looks. If your office is casual head straight to Eddie Bauer to get started.  Have fun shopping and let us know what you find or if you have a favorite store.

It’s Spring and we love picking up fun floral skirts and dresses this season. They liven up our work wardrobes and make our whole attitude brighter.  Just think of the compliments you’ll get strolling down the halls.  We want to make sure you are getting the right looks and compliments.  This means your skirt length needs to be appropriate, but you know that. What we really want to discuss is the right skirt for your figure.  The key body shapes are Apple, Pear, boyish, and hourglass.  Keep reading to find your shape and the right Spring Skirt for you.

Apple: A-line

Apple Shape=Aline – by Workchic on Polyvore.com
The belt on this Aline skirt will make you waist feel smaller. So tuck in the skirt and keep the accessories simple. This Ikat skirt and vintage inspired blouse should get all the attention. Here are two more Spring Skirts with soft A-line silhouettes.

Pear: Full Skirt

Pear Shape=Full Skirt – by Workchic on Polyvore.com
Wear a full skirt with a tailored jacket. The soft lines of the skirt will soften the hip and the broader shoulder on the jacket will balance your shape. Plus a jacket makes business casual easy.  A knit top can be worn out, but it should not go past the waistband on the dress.  Ballet flats will keep you comfortable during long days at the office.  We found more full skirts at Tobi.com.

Boyish: Petal or Tulip

Boyish Figure=Petal Skirt – by Workchic on Polyvore.com
Petal and Tulip skirts add volume. This makes them nice for anyone with slender hips.  Tuck in a tailored blouse and add a short sleeve cardigan to complete a polished business casual look. We love the rocker edge these accessories have to contrast the soft folds of the petal skirt and sleeves on the cardigan. Finish the look with Peep Toe pumps and show off that pedicure that’s been hiding all winter. These next to options are from shopbop.com and Dillard’s.

Hourglass: Pencil

Hourglass=Pencil Skirt – by Workchic on Polyvore.com
Pencil skirts look chic on hourglass figures. Wear the belt around the waist over the cardigan to accentuate your shape. These pops of orange bring out the sophisticated peacock pattern in the skirt.  Here are some more pencil skirts for Spring from New York and Company.

Follow these suggestions and look chic in business casual this Spring. Now go shopping!

We are always mentioning the basics you have in your work wardrobe. If you missed it, we even wrote a whole blog series on the subject.  You know you need to have them, but do you know why? We wanted to show you some ways to wear these wardrobe staples that aren’t basic at all!  Let’s take a look at the white blouse.

You know you can simply wear this blouse with your basic trousers or with denim on Fridays.  Accessorize it with a necklace as above or wear it alone. But, what else do you do with it? How do you wear this blouse to the office with other pieces?  Would you ever consider wearing it with a printed skirt?

Tuck the blouse into the skirt and wear it high waisted.  Just make sure the length is appropriate for your office environment.  Finish off the look with a wide belt and necklace. The necklace should be worn under the top not over, so leave a button or two open without being overly revealing.  If your feeling uncomfortable wear a white cami underneath the blouse.  Finish the look with black peep toe pumps.
Narcissus-Print Pleated Skirt

Barse “Nouveau” Teardrop Necklace

Gianni Bini Leather Belt

J Vincent Pump

What about layering it under a scoop neck dress? Make sure the blouse you choose is fitted through the body and sleeve. This option ties back to our Colorblocking post from Thursday and our Wear Spring Dresses Now and Later post from a few weeks ago. Be sure to read those articles for even more ideas.

The nice feature on this dress is the tie back empire waist which will help keep the layered look clean and tailored.  Try wearing your hair up or pulled back with larger earrings.  Finish up this fresh Spring look with comfortable ballet flats.
London Times Colorblock Dress

Lucky Brand Teardrop Hoop Earrings

MICHAEL Michael Kors “Astor” Large Drawstring Satchel

Gianni Bini “Rylann” Flat

While we’re sure you know you can layer a blouse underneath a sweater or vest in the winter months, when the weather is a little warmer or uncertain you can also layer a blouse underneath a t-shirt or light printed top.

Of course you can wear this look with jeans for a casual office, but for business casual follow this outfit through with all of our instructions. With a lighter more flowy top like this, tuck in the blouse. If you chose a more casual t-shirt you can leave the shirt tails hanging down. Accessorize with a chic and distinctive watch. This look is also a great opportunity to start wearing your new Sandals.
Karen Kane Floral-Print Mesh Top

ABS by Allen Schwartz Wide-Leg Pants

Emporio Armani Leather-Strap Watch

Antonio Melani “Daniela” Sandals

You can wear your basics in more ways then you think. Try adding these looks from Dillard’s into your work wardrobe and build your outfits around that basic white blouse.  For more professional offices add a blazer to the first two looks.  As we said the last look can be worn with denim for casual offices.  Otherwise you should have some pretty solid Business Casual looks lined up.  So Start Shopping!