Basics for a Professional Wardrobe

It's the time of year to start thinking about internships and summer jobs. If you're going to be working in a professional environment, it's time to take a look through your closet and make sure you have some professional pieces along side all those well-worn jeans and clubbing skirts. Never fear, though. All you need are a few key pieces to get a remixable, career-worthy wardrobe. Best of all, these pieces are under sixty dollars, so you can spend all your hard-earned money on other things instead.

Blazer: Okay, this one is obvious, but there’s a reason it’s a classic: This piece goes with everything.  Ripped jeans or frilly party dress? Add a blazer and they’re totally chic. For work, pair a blazer with your favorite patterned dress and heels. For the weekend work it with skinnies, a loose-fitting tee, and a scarf.

Kim Kardashian


Button down: Another basic, the white button down is a blank canvas that can pull your outfits together. However, just because the white button down is a closet staple doesn’t mean you can’t venture out into the world of color. Don't be afraid to invest in a different neutral color, such as cream, peach, or black, or even a bold color--whatever works best with the clothes you already own. For work wear it tucked into a pleated skirt with a cardigan on top. For the weekend, pull it on over shorts and sandals and add some colorful accessories.
Lauren Conrad



Straight-leg pants: Although wide leg trousers are back in style, slim-fit pants go with everything. You can wear then with loose or fitted tops and never have to worry about proportion. If basic black doesn’t work for you, think about changing things up with a solid colored pant. It’s an easy way to stand out in a mass of khaki or denim and make a statement. For work, try wearing these with heels, and a button down with a pullover on top. For the weekend, wear them with flats and a comfy tee. 

Mary-kate Olsen