8 Pieces Every Professional Fashionista NEEDS in her Wardrobe | by Bree Aylwin, The Urban Umbrella

Hey Everyone! I am Bree – the blogger behind The Urban Umbrella which is a Vancouver based personal style and beauty blog that aims to help readers achieve their own personal sense of style regardless of their budget. I am so thrilled to be here on my fellow Vancouverites blog and I can’t wait to dive in and tell you the items you NEED in your wardrobe to rock your professional style!

Professional style can be quite tricky. Creating a unique look that makes you stand out amongst the crowd can prove difficult. The thing is though, professional style is all about structure, modest hemlines, and power pieces. Once you have that thought in your mind, it becomes much more natural to build a stylish look for the office.

Structured Blazer (Look for “Princess Seaming”)

A staple in every wardrobe, a great blazer will prove to be a useful piece to have time and time again. A structured blazer will wear beautifully with everything from a stylish dress to dark denim. As one of the most versatile pieces, it’s an absolute style essential. If you’re concerned about appearing boxy than look for blazers which have princess seaming on them.

Great Pair of Slacks

Professional slacks are a necessity when it comes to building a chic professional wardrobe. You’ll want to look for a fit that is fitted and then begins to flare out just above the knee, or for a wide-leg fit which will fit loosely from the thigh down. These styles will be comfortable to wear throughout the day and carry that “power piece” appearance that is so perfect for the office.

Comfortable Button Up

Let’s be honest, more often than not – button up shirts simply aren’t comfortable. Stiff and rigid materials that offer no give or warmth aren’t going to make useful pieces in your wardrobe. When you’re looking for a button-up, try to focus on 1) Fit, and 2) Feel. You want your shirts to be comfortable so look for pieces that have a bit of stretch to them.

A Wearable Pair of Heels

The keyword here is wearable. When you wake up in the morning and first put on a pair of heels they may feel fine, but how are they going to feel by the time 5 o’clock swings around? You’re going to want to find a pair of heels that offer a bit more comfortable so that you’re able to walk with ease all day long. I’ve personally sound that kitten heels are wedges are the best.

A Stylish Pair of Loafers

When you’re simply not into wearing heels then that’s when a great pair of loafers comes into play. Loafers are comfortable, practical, and can be totally stylish. Simply look for a pair which has a unique finish to them (such as a snakeskin look or sheen to them) as well as a slightly pointed toe to create a chic and comfortable look.

Dark Denim

If you don’t have a great pair of dark denim then it’s time to head to the mall, ladies! A great pair of dark wash denim will always serve you well and will be useful outside of the bounds of the office. Since denim is more comfortable than a pair of slacks (especially now with Jeggings!) and is now considered just as office-friendly in most offices, consider dark denim an absolute MUST have.

A Professional Dress

A stylish and professional dress will be a useful piece to have time and time again. Whether you layer it with a blazer, cardigan, or wear it as-is, you’ll find that having one piece that has you covered professionally will prove as very important. Unlike any other professional item, a dress is the ONLY piece you can wear on its own – no matching necessary. This makes a professional dress the perfect go-to on those “I don’t know what to wear!” days.

A Power Handbag

Look for structure and simplicity when it comes to your office handbag. When choosing a handbag think of what you’ll get the most use of. If you typically wear black then add colour to your look with a bold handbag, or if you like to play with colour than search for a handbag in a neutral tone. When it comes to the shape, a classic structured tote will always appear more professional and streamlined than a boho slouchy bag will.

Be sure to hop over to The Urban Umbrella tomorrow to add your photo to tomorrow’s Style Link Up on Prints!

Also, Leeanne wanted me to let you all know that this week there will not be a Wednesday Wants post, but be sure to come back on Friday as another blogger will be taking over LegalLeeBlonde!