Wardrobe must-haves for professionals

For the Ladies

A black pencil skirt. “Because it’s sophisticated, slimming and professional (and) can be paired with any top.” – Thuy Dam, So You Boutique, 1314 E. Battlefield Road

A white jacket. “Because it’s crisp and cool for summer and always looks elegant. You can wear it with pants or a skirt and there’s not a color you couldn’t put with it. It always looks fresh.” – Tina Martin, Harem & Co., 4339 S. National Ave.

A black suit. “The black suit we carry is a year-round-weight fabric. It’s timeless and never goes out of style. Businesswomen can accessorize to make it contemporary or serious.” – Donna Charles, Town & County, 2660 S. Glenstone Ave.

Suiting groups and full skirts. “The suiting group is very professional; you can’t go wrong with them. The full skirts give a little more fun and flare, yet are still professional.” – Jennifer Rummens, Westside For Her LLC, 117 S. Main, Bolivar

Power pumps. “The perfect pair of pumps is a must have for the business-savvy woman. Whether it’s strutting her authority at work or hitting the downtown scene, versatile pumps should be a staple.” – Meghan Stack, Staxx, 331 South Ave.

For the Gents

Fun ties. “A great combination to a suit is colorful ties. We have some great ones in oranges, rusts and pinks.” – Ben Killingsworth, Town & County, 2660 S. Glenstone Ave.

A blazer. “A functional and fashionable blazer can be worn to the office and easily transition into the night paired with jeans.” – Meghan Stack, Staxx, 331 South Ave.

A patterned button-up shirt in blue. “Because blue adds color and most men look great in blue.” – Thuy Dam, So You Boutique, 1314 E. Battlefield Road

Jeans. “Everybody needs a pair of great-fitting jeans for casual Friday.” – Robert W. Lowe III, 2 Doors Down Inc., 2672 S. Glenstone Ave.

A gray suit or navy blazer. “They are the two most versatile pieces. You can dress them up, they are always appropriate, and they look good with every guy’s hair and complexion.” – Mark Schuster, Mr. Blackwell’s Apparel, 1907 S. Glenstone Ave., Ste. C[[In-content Ad]]