The Corporate Catwalk by Olivia : Three Essential Tops for Your Work Wardrobe This Fall

This post is dedicated to one of my readers, Emily. Last month she asked for recommendations on tops to wear to the office. Today's post is all about three basic tops to have for your work wardrobe this Fall/Winter.

There are three types of tops to extend your work wardrobe; camisoles, button-downs and sweaters/cardigans. What you'll find is that most of my work tops can be worn several different ways. Remember, you don't have to spend a fortune to look professional at work.

Camisoles

These can be worn with any blazer and cardigan. They're lightweight and don't add bulk to your outfit. As much as I love silk, I'd recommend getting a polyester camisole, simply because the material is durable for the busy corporate woman.

Start building your work wardrobe with a white, black and blush pink camisole. These colors go with traditional blue and black trousers.

Best stores to find camisoles; J.Crew Factory, Express and ASOS.

*the above photo, you can easily switch out the ripped denim for a black skirt or black trousers to complete your work look.

Button-downs

One of my favorite work shirts, especially in the fall and winter. If you find a button-down that fits well, get it in a few different colors and/or patterns. These can be layered with sweaters, blazers and dresses. I love the sophistication of button-down shirts. For those ladies who are a little curvy, invest in an undershirt likes this one from spanx, this will eliminate the embarrassing cleavage gap in button-down shirts.

Start building your work wardrobe with a white and striped button-down.

Best stores to find button-down shirts; Ann Taylor (40% sale), J.Crew and Banana Republic.

Sweaters/Cardigans

Lightweight sweaters and cardigans will keep you warm at the office (because we all know it's an icebox 90% of the time) and extend your work looks. J.Crew is my favorite store for sweaters and cardigans. The photos below show layering with a button-down, but cardigans can be worn over camis and sleeveless work dresses. Basic sweaters are nice because they can be paired with basic trousers. That's what I typically wear when I don't have the time to put together a look in the morning.

Start building your work wardrobe with a black and nude cardigan and white sweater. Slowly start adding colorful sweaters like orange, pink and blue for more variety in your looks.

Best stores to find sweaters and cardigan: Banana Republic, Nordstrom and J.Crew