6 Spring Work Wardrobe Essentials

With all the talk of trends and style risks, it's easy to forget the power of streamlined, reliable basics. These spring standouts are the building blocks of the working woman's wardrobe so go ahead, plan your outfit around them.


There's no need to wait for April showers to don this winning coat. Appropriately named for its iconic silhouette, this double-breasted classic will finish off skinny jeans, pull together a skirt ensemble, and pop against both dark and brights. The designers thought of every detail - a notch collar, buckle-tab cuffs, a waist-nipping tie - and we're grateful for each one. $298, J.Crew.


marieclaireThe ultimate blank palette, this simple skirt cries for a silky printed blouse, a fabulous pair of heels, and killer jewelry. We'd pair it with peep-toe, patent leather pumps, a stack of bracelets, and a statement necklace. Voila! $150, Shopbop.

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marieclaire It's all about the accessories. Lilly Pulitzer for the non-Palm Beach set, this Kelly green clutch is polished and functional, thanks to a detachable strap. Wear it long, short, or in hand. Then, throw on a vintage-inspired, floral necklace to ring in the new season. With petals tipped with beads in order to appear lifelike, it's the next best thing to spending the day frolicking outdoors. Bag, $148, and necklace, $98, both J.Crew.


marieclaire White House Black Market's Seasonless Pleat-Lapel Jacket ($148) suits a matching pant or pencil without thinking twice...or takes on eye-catching proportions with a high-contrast mitered-stripe pencil skirt ($98). Shop this look and all the looks from White House Black Market's new Work Kit collection at WHBM.COM.

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marieclaire Half clog, half ankle-boot, this feisty footwear will have you soaring to such great heights. Thanks to the front platform and thick heel, the wear-all-day style will give you a 4.5 inch boost without pain. The wraparound buckle and split-shaft also guarantee that regardless of what you wear on top, your feet will steal the scene. $395, Michael Kors.


marieclaire This shirt is borrowed from the boys, but designed just for the girls. J.Crew partnered with Thomas Mason, a family-owned mill that's been hand-looming fabrics since 1797, to produce this design, meaning this gingham top is the real deal. Don't relegate this checkered button-down to casual Friday. Instead, let it personalize the rest of a more traditional, conservative outfit. $150, J.Crew.



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