This 23-Piece Capsule Wardrobe for Work Will Change Your Life

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(Image credit: Christian Vierig/Getty Images)

If you find getting ready for work to be more stressful than it should be because you "have nothing to wear," you're not alone. But there's a solution. We talk about capsule wardrobes a lot here at Who What Wear because they really work. We've shown you how to reduce your closet to 37 pieces, how to create a capsule wardrobe for fall, and how to build one using the basics we all love. And now, thanks to this capsule wardrobe for work, you can save time and money on your 9-to-5 wardrobe too. We curated a selection of 23 pieces that can be mixed and matched and worn on repeat, most of which are suitable for a corporate office environment (and ones that are a bit more business casual). 

To get you started, we put together five looks (one for each day of the week) that even non-minimalists would want to wear. Trust us—they're stylish enough to earn you best dressed in the office. So without further ado, find out how to change your life with just 23 pieces. 

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OUTERWEAR

What You Need: 

Wool Coat

Trench Coat

Blazer

Why: 

These three classic outerwear options suit a variety of climates and lend polish to any look. 

TOPS

What You Need: 

Colorful Tank

White Shell

Black Short-Sleeve Sweater

Wrap Top

Silk Blouse

Neutral Sweater

Why: 

This assortment of tops can easily be layered under your outerwear of choice, and there's something to go with every skirt or trouser style.

BOTTOMS

What You Need: 

Printed Midi Skirt

Checked Trousers

Black Pencil Skirt

Cropped Black Trousers

Why: 

Just two versatile skirts and two pairs of pants are all that's needed to build a wide variety of stylishly conservative office outfits.

DRESSES

What You Need: 

Sheath Dress

Printed Shirtdress

Midi-Length Wrap Dress

Why: 

When you want to look especially pulled together, whether it's for a big presentation or an annual review with your boss, these three dress styles are most appropriate for an office environment.

SHOES

What You Need: 

Kitten-Heel Mules

Ankle Boots

Black Pumps

Loafers

Why: 

When it comes to office-appropriate footwear, we recommend having a couple classic, conservative styles (e.g., the black pumps), and a couple that can help show your personality (e.g., the white mules) if the rest of your outfit is feeling plain. 

ACCESSORIES

What You Need: 

Sunglasses

Scarf

Tote

Why:

Aside from your favorite understated jewelry and whatever gear the weather may call for, you really only need a pair of chic sunglasses, a cozy scarf (the office A/C struggle is real), and a tote that's big enough to hold your laptop.

5 Looks to Try

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Pictured Above: Tibi Drape Twill Sleeveless Corset Top ($325); Rixo London Georgia Pleated Floral-Print Silk Midi Skirt ($300); Everlane Penny Loafers ($175)

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Pictured Above: Cefinn V-Neck Voile Wrap Dress ($365); Le Specs Enchantress Sunglasses ($79); Rachel Comey Zaha Stretch Faux Suede Booties ($395)

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Pictured Above: Theory Gabe Wool-Blend Crepe Blazer ($425); Johnstons of Elgin Fringed Cashmere Scarf ($175); Mango Printed Trousers ($50); M.Gemi The Lustro Pumps ($278); Zara Short Sleeve Top ($30)

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Pictured Above: London Fog Double Breasted Trench Coat ($168); J.Crew Resumé Dress ($188); Pour La Victoire Korrine Mules ($245)

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Pictured Above: J.Crew Drapey Crepe Faux-Wrap Top ($68); Zara Pencil Skirt with Zip ($50); M.Gemi The Lustro Pumps ($278); Cuyana Classic Structured Leather Tote ($195)

Consider the days of having nothing to wear officially over.

Allyson Payer
Senior Editor

Allyson is a senior editor for Who What Wear. She joined the company in 2014 as co-founder Katherine Power's executive assistant and over the years has written hundreds of stories for Who What Wear. Prior to her career in fashion, Allyson worked in the entertainment industry at companies such as Sony Pictures Television. Allyson is now based in Raleigh, North Carolina, and is originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She holds a BFA in theater. Her path to fashion may not have been linear, but based on the number of fashion magazines she collected as a child and young adult, it was meant to be.