So far this month you have cleaned out your closet, updated your basics, and dropped off select pieces at the tailor. Now you want to make your work wardrobe feel fresh but don’t want to spend a fortune. Don’t worry; we are here to help you with that too.  We recommend setting a seasonal budget and allocating between basics, tops, and accessories to maximize your impact.

Once you’ve taken the time to get your basic foundation pieces in place- have fun with accessories. A statement necklace makes a tee and cardigan feel fresh. This Double Stranded Bead Necklacefrom Charlotte Russe is only $6.99. The
Beaded Dangle Earrings are only $4 and will draw attention up to your face.  Never under estimate the power of a scarf to update your look. This Linen style from Silk Road Spirit is $27.95 and can be styled in many ways.  That’s less than $40 on three new looks.
 

Blouses are what make the biggest change to your work wardrobe. After all you spend most of your time seated at a desk.  Selecting one piece in a fun print will liven up your look mid week.  To learn which prints are right for your age and office, check out our post on trends at any age.  New York & Company Women’s Grey Floral Drop Shoulder Slouchy Sweater is available for $39.95.  Brustroke Blouse from Apt 9 is $21.99 and AB Studio Circle Yoryu Blouse in green chiffon is $24.99 at Kohl’s. 

Color makes a big impact, but so does style and texture. That’s why this Bow Detail Crew from The Limited caught our eye at $29.99 along with Laura Ashley CROSS PLEAT BIB BLOUSE.  Our final blouse selection is from Modcloth.com.  Love ‘Em and Leaf ‘Em Top top is $29.99.

If you’re on a tight budget and want the maximum impact, keep your bottoms basic.  Use your budget on high impact accessories and unique blouses.   The six styles we selected add up to less than $200. Select your favorites, add on some accessories, and maximize your basics.  Challenge yourself to create as many unique looks for the office as you can. Happy Shopping!

MaxStudio.com has a great range of products for your office. If you haven’t checked them out before, now’s the time. 10% off for FIRST TIME CUSTOMERS with coupon code “WelcomeMax.”  You can shop by category or outfit, plus they have a sale and super sale section.  Here are a few of the pieces we are coveting for the office.

These tops can be mixed and matched into business casual or casual outfits. Layer the cardigan over short sleeve tops for simple fall layers. You can can also tame volume with a belt or blazer.

With constantly unpredictable weather, having a great trench on hand is key. From wool to lux jacquard, you will be set for many occasions. Start shopping today and take advantage of his first time customer sale. Not a first time customer? Then you already know how chic Maxstudio.com is.  Let’s go shopping!

Soft and feminine florals are easy to pull off in the Spring. Keep this trend fresh during fall months too!  Look for patterns in long sleeve blouses or wear layers over you favorite Summer pieces. 

Some patterns have more of a fall color story then others. If you are shopping now, look for dusty tones and less tropical florals like these two dresses from Modcloth.com. The Phipps Dress has bold color impact but is toned down with purple hues. Pair with a light tan jacket for the office. Our second dress, Spring Benefit Dress,also plays up lavender shades and then grounds them in black. Pair this with opaque tights and heels for the season and finish the look with a belted cardigan for your business casual office.

Some prints hint at floral without a full on garden scene. For example, this Printed Petite Blousefrom TheLimited.com has abstract brush strokes that could easily be interpreted into flowers. We also found a great blouse to layer under you suits. You can imagine painted daffodils poking out from the release pleats in the sparkling midnight print on this Pleat Neckline Top.

Styles from ShopBop.com may be a little more of a splurge, but now that you know how to make florals season-less, we thought they were worth a peek. Catherine Malandrino Belted Floral Dressis so classic and chic it can be worn for years. Belting the dolman sleeve silk dress gives it a flattering shape.  Another way to embrace floral is with your accessories.  Felix Rey Zip Top Flower Clutch is fun for more casual days in the office. Or just keep it in your tote for a little pop when you run out for coffee.

To help bring these styles into fall- add layers. They will keep you warm and add professionalism to your look. We have lots of jackets and cardigans available on the site. You can shop these great stores and more all in one place. Look for more of our tips on transitioning your wardrobe into fall.  If you have questions, send them to info@workchic.com today!

We received a great questions from one of our readers. She wrote the following:

“I am required to wear all black to my job. I work in retail sales and the dress code is business casual or business depending on the department you work in. Usually I wear black dress pants and a button down or knit top.  What can I do to feel more unique with this limited dress code?

This is a great question Rachel! Even without color limitation dress codes can feel stifling. But they should not, you still have plenty of room to express your individuality. Here are some of our creative ways to showcase your own style.

Since you usually wear pants, try mixing things up with a dress or skirt. This Max and Cleo Dress has a fun bead detail to accentuate the waist. If you are aloud a splash of color, as long as the majority of your outfit is black, try this Floral Jersey Dress.

When selecting tops, try to find something with one interesting detail. This Giedre Blouse for example has a pleated stand up collar. This EMBROIDERED CRINKLE SILK BLOUSEwill look chic over a simple cami with trousers or an A-line skirt.

Another way to create individuality is with accessories. We kept our selections to black, but if you can add color, this is the perfect place to do so.  This Seed-Bead Necklace also has a chain link styling.  Just putting a Steve Madden Ruffle-Edge Belt around a simple cardigan will add some interest.

We hope this helps you update your work wardrobe. Since we are going into cooler weather, add layers and play with different fabric and textures.  This will help give your outfits added interest. 

Our goal is to help take the stress out of getting dressed for work while still maintaining a feminine, professional, and chic image. If you have questions on how to do this, send them our way. Just email info@workchic.com. We look forward to helping you dress to impress!

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.