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10. A Good Watch
You can always tell the authority of a guy from his shoes and his watch. A good watch these days doesn’t have to cost a lot; it just needs to look like it did. (Translation: Leave the sportswatch at home).
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9. Black Jeans
For those days that you just don’t want to be confined in corporate gear, sneak in a pair of good black jeans. Going casual for work is fine as long as you remember one simple rule: They should be clean and pressed and not faded or torn.
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8. Black Pumps
Shoes can be every woman’s dream but when bombarded with choices and options, it can also become a nightmare. If in doubt, always have a pair of classic black pumps. They work in every corporate situation.
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7. French-Cuffed Shirts
Throughout my entire childhood I always associated French-cuffed shirts with super formal occasions, but now I wear these almost everyday under my suits. There’s something very quietly elegant about just seeing that extra cuff and cufflink peeking out from your sleeve.
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6. Monogrammed Sweaters
Maybe it’s because I like how my own initials look but I have a soft spot for monogrammed things. Right now I love wearing a simple, classic v-neck sweater to work monogrammed with my initials.
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5. 3-piece suits
For men, there’s nothing more elegant than a 3-piece suit with the matching vest. It’s just that one notch above the regular suit.
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4. A Trenchcoat
Catherine Deneuve may never had an office job but when I see her in a still from The Umbrellas of Cherbourg, she is the epitomy of chic. The trench is the perfect answer for every corporate wardrobe because it’s seasonless, occasion-less and timeless.
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3. A Classic Men's Tailored Shirt
Forget all the fancy fashion versions of the classic item. Instead I say, go for the classic. A crisp, white cotton men’s tailored shirt that pairs easily with pants or a skirt, where you’re channeling Katherine Hepburn’s style at its best.
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2. A Good T-Shirt
Who says t-shirts are just for the gym? I love a good t-shirt layered under suits and jackets to change it up for days you don’t want to wear a blouse. Just don’t pair the t-shirt with jeans or shorts.
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1. A Pencil Skirt
Every woman needs this on rotation in her corporate wardrobe. There’s something simply sexy and strong about a woman in a fitted pencil skirt and a chic top. You can’t go wrong.
