Back in 2018 I originally wrote this post and came up with the idea to create 5 outfits out of 5 pieces in my wardrobe. At that time I worked in the office 5 days a week and dressed formally the entire time. Flash forward 5 years and I’m back in the office a few days a week and still dressing formally. I wanted to revamp this post with updated looks and pieces. Of course I recruited my favorite brand for the individual pieces and the results are gorgeous!
Work Wardrobe
I’m committed to buying high quality pieces that I truly love for my work wardrobe. I cleaned out my closet recently and it was a treat. I’ve been working from home for a couple years and I’m a year off a pregnancy. My style has evolved and things I used to love, I no longer do. I love all my clothes so cleaning them out and making room for new was a difficult exercise. I also like having a lot of pieces in my closet. It gives me a fake sense of variety every morning. However I tend to pass over the same pieces day after day and grab for my high quality pieces that I truly love.
With a semi clean slate I turned to my favorite brand, MM LaFleur. I obtained great pieces that I can incorporate into my current collection for a kick-ass work wardrobe. Having less pieces, but better quality pieces means I have to be creative with my outfits.
Being creative with my outfits means I have to go outside my comfort zone and define a new normal. And it also means I can’t be afraid to wear something close together. I know for a fact that most people in my office have no idea what I wear every day, let alone remember what I wore on Monday, when it’s Friday. The problem is I can remember what I was wearing on a random day in the fifth grade. It’s a curse and a blessing. I just remember all my outfits and when I wore them so I immediately think other people have this super power.
Being up for a challenge I decided to take 5 pieces from my closet that I truly loved and make 5 outfits out of them for work. I also decided that I would mix and match any shoes or jewelry that I owned and I wouldn’t limit that piece of the outfit. Let’s start by breaking down each individual piece.
5 Wardrobe Pieces
Didion Top
This top is both polished and relaxed and can be worn for work or weekends. It will quickly become your favorite top in the closet. It’s incredibly comfortable and wears like a dream. The asymmetrical shape of the top dresses this up and makes it perfect for the office. Did I mention its machine washable? I would get one in every color.
Monica Top
This top screams modern chic! The cowl neck is perfection it has a beautiful drape look without over exposing you. There is no fussing with this top, as it stays in place all day and looks fantastic. The fabric feels amazing and it’s lightweight enough to be worn with a Jardigan and not overheat. The top is fitted and pairs well with a wider leg trouser too.
Merritt Jardigan
If you have been following me for a while you will know my love for the Jardigan. If you haven’t gotten one yet, do yourself a favor and get one now (here is the link!) The Merritt Jardigan is it’s little sister, slightly relaxed, but all the chicness. While it is an investment piece, it could be the only investment piece you need. This one item will be a true workhorse in your wardrobe.
Skinny Foster Pants
A good pair of black pants in a must in any closet, especially in the closet of a corporate-America woman. You can pair essentially anything with a skinny pant. The Skinny Foster Pant is a tighter fitted pant and looks amazing with tunic tops and oversized blazers. I absolutely love the flat front and the slit detail on the ankle.
Maisie Dress
This dress will take you from 6am to 10pm without skipping a beat. The dress is a classic silhouette that is cut perfectly around the bust and waist. This is a a power dress that you wear to a big meeting, an interview or a night out on the town. The dress is wrinkle resistant which makes it great for travel too. Worn alone or layered with a blazer you can accomplish anything in this dress.
5 Outfits
Outfit 1
Details: Skinny Foster Pants +Didion Top
Outfit 2
Details: Merritt Jardigan + Maisie Dress
Outfit 3
Details: Monica Top + Skinny Foster Pants
Outfit 4
Details: Maisie Dress + Didion Top
Outfit 5
Details: Monica Top + Skinny Foster Pants + Merritt Jardigan
Now lets recap what I learned from this experiment…
What Did I Learn
- With a little effort on Sunday you can plan your entire week of clothes and save on average 5-10 minutes every morning or evening.
- Buy high quality pieces that you love. It will make dressing for work everyday so exciting. There is nothing like putting on a piece of clothing every day that you truly love. You stand a little taller, look a little more polished, and feel like a million bucks.
- The concept of 5 pieces for 5 outfits is great for women who travel for work. I know when I travel I want to bring a carry on and minimize the amount of packed clothes. It’s hard work to do because it never fails that there is one outfit that I want to wear a different shoe with.
- It’s ok to repeat a piece of clothing during the work week. You won’t die from repeating a piece. Seriously you won’t, be brave and just do it!
- Planning ahead will pay endless dividends for your daily sanity!
Final Thoughts
Overall, I absolutely love the concept of 5 Pieces for 5 Outfits. With one week under my belt I can’t wait to start trying this on a more regular basis. All of the items I featured in this post are from one of my favorite stores, MM LaFleur. If you want to learn more about the brand or purchase some items ,you can shop the links in the post or you can reach out to me for a special referral code and receive a free pair of their exclusive Cuff Link Earrings with your fist purchase. Simply comment on this post or send me an email at latereverafter@gmail.com! And don’t forget to follow me on Instagram and Pinterest.
Looking for more work wear ideas? Check out how I picked out the perfect work dress.
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