Now that I’m working again, my focus in clothes shopping is mainly work clothes and because of my repetitive nature, I tend to buy the basics (in different colours and shapes) - but there’s a general theme to my purchases.  REPETITIVE USE.  This means, I can re-wear probably the same clothing at least once a week with minimal notice that I’m wearing the same thing! LOL.  This is usually achieveable with “black” items and because black is one of the brand colours of my organization, I can sure get away with it.

So here is a list of my 8 work basics.  And yes, most of it is black.

1. The Little Black Dress. In the winter, I pair with a turtle-neck or a sweater or tights and boots.  In the summer I pair it with sandels.  It’s basic, it’s great, it can be formal or informal.  I have various versions of the little black dress and each one fabulous!
2. Standard Black Pumps. Great for skirts, pants, capris - whatever.   I have about 3 pairs with varying heel heights to match with my mood and pant length.  I personally like the thin-heeled pumps as they are classic and make your legs look great with the right skirt.  Keep them simple and classic and they can last you a life time! 
3. Standard Black Flats.  Ballet flats or simple flats.  Great for work or casual and for those times that you’re standing all day, walking farther or simply giving your knees a break from heels.  To be truthful, I can’t wear heels 5 days a week and so usually 2 out of 5 days I’ll flatten it and give myself a break. 
4. Standard Black Suit.  Basic, that’s all I have to say.  I don’t go extravagant with the style.  It’s basic, it’s simple and it’s re-wearable.  Needless to say, I’ve still got pants from 5 years ago that I’m wearing and a suit that I purchased 4 years ago that’s still in fabulous condition and fits like a charm.  I don’t wear full suits often now, maybe that’s why it can keep so well.
5. Standard Black Turtleneck.  For winter, it’s definitely a basic.  So basic, I have 3 of them so I can wear it as often as I like while the other is in the wash.  I wear them under suit jackets, sweaters, dresses, cardigans - whatever.  And I’ve got them in various materials and thicknesses.  You don’t need a whole lot, just enough to keep smelling clean.
6. Standard Black Sweater.  I’ve discovered that a great sweater can go a long way.  Especially if you’re going into unchartered territory with temperature control.   In the winter, you wear it.  In the summer, it goes in my bag.  Especially in HK, where outside is 30+ and inside is 10 degrees!
7. Standard Black Capris.  Another diverse pant style and paired with heels can make you look fabulous.  I have 2 different types:  skinny capris and straight-legged - both suitable for work depending on how I want to dress.  Can’t live without em.
8. Standard Black Wrap.   I’d say this is probably the one critical one - it’s diverse like a sweater but it can also go formal.  I always keep one at home and one at work and at work, it goes on my clothing whenever I get cold in meetings.  Some are small enough to keep in your bags and if you’re creative or brave enough, you can wrap your head as well.

Yes, I know I’m too much into black.  It’s not to say I don’t buy other colours, but black is always priority.  My husband always laughs that I have too many black clothing and I love black too much - but I’m practical and black is definitely a way to go.  Plus, looking at my closet, I’d say I’ve got a great collection of black clothing that’s lasted me many years - even though the fashions have changed.  Nothing beats black and nothing beats basic.