I have good news and bad news for my budgeter-husband:

The good? My work slacks from 2001 still fit. The bad? They are hopelessly out of date. I desperately need new slacks. And blazers. And blouses. And shoes. Unfortunately, I can’t wear my personal work clothes full of Skirt Sports.

My speaking ministry has been growing, and with that has come a need for a wardrobe-refresh. Enter Marty Lundstrom, professional extraordinaire. There’s pretty much nothing she doesn’t do. She’s an attorney, etiquette consultant, founder of Polished Professionals, and podcaster. I met Marty at a 4Word event and had the honor of guest posting an article containing movements you can easily perform at work. (Read it here if you missed it.)

Regardless of your profession, whether it’s in a formal office environment or in the home, we all need a few professional staples. Check out her wisdom below.

She also has a pretty cool giveaway. Click here to subscribe to her site. New subscribers are entered to win a monthly prize(!)

Finally, you can also shop her curated boutique here.

See, I told you she does it all!

My name is Marty Estelle Lundstrom and I am an attorney, certified etiquette consultant with Manners Pro, and founder of Polished Professionals, a brand for professionals to conquer the workaday world with style and poise.  What staples you should always have in your closet is a question near to my heart. We often get decision fatigue and really just want to know what we should wear without having to worry whether it will be appropriate in work environments or at formal events. Here are tried and true tips on what not to wear plus the staples to keep at the ready!

To consider what to wear to interviews, in a work environment, or formal events, I think it is important to start with the limitations. Nothing ripped, torn, wrinkled, or risqué are appropriate in most office environments or any formal occasion you may attend like a graduation, wedding or funeral. If you would wear it to the gym, the club, or the beach, don’t put that in the category of “appropriate” for formal events.  Once that side of the closet is out of the equation, now you have the rest of the closet to work with.

Nothing else is really off limits in the office or at formal events but it has to be styled appropriately and tailored to your particular business or event. Consider this: an international, large law firm partner may be expected to wear a suit at all times. Denim may not be an appropriate option for her. But, an advertising executive who works in a more creative environment may be able to style her denim with a blazer and be perfectly office-appropriate. Or a summer wedding may not be the best place to show off a dark black ensemble; you may need to liven it up with a brighter hue in your outfit choice.  

I advise folks to take cues from executives about what is and is not appropriate in each office environment, to read the invitation carefully, or to ask the host about what he recommends wearing to an event. I also always advise to err on the side of overdressing – you can take off the blazer if it’s a more casual environment than you expected – but it is hard to go more formal once you leave the house.

Always Appropriate Professional Items

1) Traditional business suit 

A suit is a necessity for most formal events for work and certainly good to have for graduations, weddings, etc.  A suit is also useful because it can be dressed up or down. Remove the jacket for a more relaxed look or use the jacket on its own as a blazer over slacks, dress, or denim. Suit pants or skirts are also a great staple on their own to pair with a sweater or pull-over. Suits can also be tailored to your personal style so don’t think of them as boring business attire. The color of the suit does not have to be black or blue. Grab your favorite color suit and work with it.  Jewelry is another way to show personal style and give a look more prep or more edge. Belts are really en vogue right now so adding a belt with your favorite designer may be another way of expressing your favorite fashion trends.

2)  White button-down 

This is a staple that should be in everyone’s closet.  A white, button-down, well-pressed, shirt always looks polished and professional (pun intended).  It can easily be paired with a suit for a business formal look or paired simply with slacks, skirt or denim for a more casual look.  A button-down shirt could be something you use to layer as well. Consider using one over a tank top like a jacket or un-tucked and belted for a more modern look.

3) Modern pair of dress shoes 

Shoes can really age an outfit.  If they are old, torn and tattered that can downgrade your look fast.  A freshly polished, modern dress shoe will always finish off a look perfectly.  

We hope you liked our quick Polished Professionals’ tips. If you have any questions, you can reach Polished Professionals at https://www.polished-professionals.com/ or email polishedprofessionalsinfo@gmail.com. If you subscribe to the newsletter, you will get Polished Professionals top 4 tips to landing your dream job now – even if you are not qualified for it!

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