The 4-Step Work Uniform That Works For Every Single Woman On Earth
by The Candidly Team
We love a template.
A formulaic thing that gives us an outline for what to wear in order to look and feel put together without any thought or effort? Yes please.
And so, we came up with a foolproof template for how to create the perfect, chic work uniform that we swear looks incredible on every shape human who puts it on.
It’s timeless, understated, untrendy, but also sooooort of “editorial.” And we swear, it doesn’t skimp an ounce on complete comfort.
It’s also only 4 steps. And if done correctly, looks something like this.
Have you guessed the equation?
It’s all in the waist-nipping, balance creating details, and it’s all so easy we actually look forward to getting dressed again. For work!
Here’s how it works:
1. THE WIDE-LEG PANTS
If you grew up in the 80s or 90s, the word “slacks” were something that did all the wrong things for a woman’s body—poofing at the thighs, cutting at the widest part of the waist, somehow making your butt look both 3x bigger AND flatter at the same time.
But!
A high-waisted, wide-leg pant does the exact opposite. It nips at the waist then swoops into a clean, elongating line that has a bit of movement, so it feels like you’re in pajamas but you look like Katherine Hepburn.
This makes it the obvious step 1 in our uniform.
Price: $138
2. The PERFECT BUTTON-DOWN shirt for YOU
A classic button-down doesn’t always strike us as the most exciting thing in our closet, but it’s one of the most effortlessly chic things we can throw on, half tuck, and call it a day. Needless to say, there are a ridiculous number to choose from, so sourcing the perfect one is really about very specific things that matter to YOU. And so, we found the best of the best in the categories that count the most as far as superb button-downs are concerned.
3. The OUTER LAYER That Isn’t A Boxy Bore
It's hard to muster up excitement over office-friendly outerwear, though anyone who’s ever sat through 8 hours of an insistent co-worker’s arctic AC temp knows it to be a necessity. However, if you’re thoughtful and selective about things like the cut and material, this can be the piece that makes everything else suddenly seem refined and a dash more formal - that turns an outfit into a "look” so to speak.
For our 4-piece template, outerwear can go one of two ways:
A well-cut blazer., which, when chosen correctly, can be the most easily flattering item we own
A luxe sweater, which can carry supreme elegance, not to mention coziness
So, here are our favorites in each category.
4. THE “SENSIBLE” FLAT THAT GIVES OFF HEEL ENERGY
We spend endless hours of our own time sourcing comfy heels that don’t make us regret every step we take in them. But in this ensemble, they just aren’t necessary. A sleek drapey pant takes care of giving us length, and the right shape flat can offer that elegant look of a pointed toe of a pump peeking out. No one has to know we’re existing in complete and utter blister-free bliss.
BONUS: THE EXTRAS
At The Candidly, we try a lot of stuff so you don’t have to. We only recommend things we truly love, and that we think you’ll love, too. All products are chosen independently by our creative team, and all details reflect the price and availability of products at the time of publication. If you buy something we link to, The Candidly may earn a commission.
We have to eat.