This week, we’ve decided to challenge our stylists with the ultimate question:

If you were given a $1500 clothing budget, what items would you recommend someone get to develop their ultimate wardrobe?

This can be answered so many ways depending on your lifestyle.  Lucky for me, I get to answer this question three different ways this week!

Today, I’m covering the work wardrobe. I love the challenge of helping a gal out that wants a high-quality wardrobe yet she’s on a major budget.  Typically, she’s going back to work or starting her first job out of college where creating a great first impression is critical. And buying quality is going to help you in the long run so “bite the bullet” and do it right the first time.

The wardrobe shown on the left features four outfits that can easily mix and match to create other unique outfit options. The grand total? $1499.  Shown clockwise from left to right:

• Sleeveless print sheath dress, $118.  This is great alone or with a black jacket. The style looks good on all body types.
• Black gabardine jacket by Diane von Furstenberg, $365. This is travel-proof.  It follows your curves and never wrinkles — perfect for business travel.
• Trina Turk twist front top in white, $50.  The comfy fabric makes this a stylish alternative to the shell.
• Classiques Entier bootcut stretch wool pants, $100.  In a deep chocolate, they look great with the black jacket as shown or mixed with the grape top.
• Madison Marcus grape pintucked silk ruffle blouse, $143. This can be worn alone or layered underneath a jacket or cardigan and is perfect for going out after work.
• All-season black pants by Theory, $245. You want a great pair of black pants and Theory’s Emery style is modern cut with a slight bootcut and is made out of a stretch wool.  Perfect for every season.
• White button-down shirt by Theory, $90 on sale. A simple lightweight cotton shirt that looks great layered over a white tank.
• Long merino wool cardigan in camel, $90.  Worn belted or open, this sweater is a nice option to a jacket for a more business casual look.
  Lightweight wool pencil skirt in black, $80. This comes in petite, regular and tall sizes and is perfectly detailed so that it works from day to night.
• Stuart Weitzman Midlogic heels in black suede, $147. The 2-1/4″ heel looks great and is low enough that you can walk comfortably.
• Gold tassel necklace, $55. This reminds me of one of my favorite necklaces from my mom’s collection.  A timeless, yet fun piece to punch up your work wardrobe.
• Black stretch snake belt, $16.  Big on style and with $17 left in our budget, New York & Co. comes to the rescue.