When I started this post, the theme I had in mind was “Budget Friendly Work Outfits”. But as I started putting the outfits together I realized I had the makings for a perfect 10 Items 20 Outfits for Work post. Bonus, almost all of these items are budget-friendly.
10 Items
Tops
White Top: I included two white tops in this post, but you really only need one. I mentioned above that I created this one on a whim so I didn’t put the preplanning into the post like I usually do. I used a ruffle collar top from LOFT as well as a classic button-down from Walmart. If I was going to pick just one I would pick the button-down shirt for its versatility. Fit notes for both, the ruffle collar top is true to size in Petite XXS and is lined. The button-down shirt is slightly oversized in XS, but it has unique sleeves that are slightly cropped and a little more voluminous than a traditional button-down top. For a petite person like myself, that means the sleeves are a great length without needing to be cuffed.
Purple Sweater: The short sleeve purple sweater is from Walmart’s Free Assembly line. I’ve mentioned this line before, but in case you haven’t seen those posts, everything I’ve purchased from the Free Assembly line is well made and has lasting power. I’m always impressed with the quality. This sweater is well made and I love the color. I’m wearing it in XS.
Black Sweater: The basic black crewneck sweater is from Amazon Essentials. It is slightly oversized but fits me well overall in XS. It is very similar to the Teddie sweater from J.Crew Factory, if you prefer a closer fit, I would recommend this near-identical sweater.
Green Sweater: The green sweater is definitely oversized, even in XS – but I love the fit.
Blue Floral Top: I think printed tops can have a place in a versatile wardrobe, especially if the print is in neutral colors. I love this navy and white top because it pairs well with a lot of different colors and elevates an outfit all on its own. No need for lots of layering or accessorizing with this one. I’m wearing it in XXS, it is fully lined and is slightly oversized on me in this size.
Blazers
Finding petite-friendly blazers that are also budget-friendly is no easy task. I found two that work well overall and they won’t break the bank, but the unfortunate news is both of them are nearly sold out, so I’m also sharing options that are petite-friendly, just not necessarily a budget option.
Tan Blazer: If you’re able to grab this blazer in your size, or if it restocks I find it to be true to size. I’m wearing it in Petite 00. This blazer is an alternative option that fits me well in Petite 00.
Black Blazer: This blazer is available in other color options and a comfortable, affordable blazer option. I’m wearing it in XS and it has a slightly oversized fit. The sleeves are long and need to be cuffed in the regular sizing, but the petite sizing is a great option. This blazer is another option that fits me well in Petite 00.
Pants
Navy Pants: My navy pants are the Ruby pants from J.Crew Factory. They’re very similar to the Cameron pants from J.Crew and are more affordable. I sized up in these pants to Petite 0.
Burgundy Pants: I’m wearing the burgundy pants in the curvy fit in a size 00 and find them to be true to size in that style.
Black Twill Pants: The black pants are very similar to a pair of jeans in terms of fit and comfort, but they’re twill. I find them to be true to size and I am wearing them in Petite 00. The black pair that I’m wearing is selling out, but the Ruby pants from J.Crew Factory also come in black and could be a good option.
Shoes
I don’t include shoes in the item count, but I kept it to three pairs of shoes. If you don’t need a pair of heels you can really get away with two pairs of shoes and last, if you really only want to go with one pair of shoes, you could wear the neutral flat with every single one.
Neutral Flat: These flats are from J.Crew Factory. I’ve had them in different prints and colors over the years. They aren’t the most comfortable shoes I own and there is a breaking-in period with them, but after a couple of wear, I can comfortably wear these all day. They’re oversized on me in a size five, but I can still easily wear them.
Black Flats: The comfort notes for this pair are the same as the neutral pair. They’re not incredibly comfortable, but they’re a good budget-friendly option that comes in a size five. To note, this pair fits me better than the J.Crew Factory pair. If you’re looking for a really comfortable flat I suggest a pair of Rothy’s.
Hazel Pumps: If you’re looking for a neutral pump that fits well and is comfortable enough for all-day wear, the Hazel pumps from Sam Edelman are it! I’ve had mine for years and love to pull them out if I need a nude pump. I’m wearing them in a size 5, but they go down to a 4.
Coats
Also not included (or pictured) but if you need a nice dress coat to wear on top of your work outfits, I suggest this one in camel (petite 00) and this one in black (petite xxs).
10 Items 20 Outfits for Work
My Sizing: To help you pick the right size for you online I share my sizing beside each item. I’m 4’10” and around 105lbs. I’m pear-shaped and my bust, waist, and hip measurements are 32″, 24″, and 36″.
Top Petite XXS | Top Option XS |Tan Blazer Petite 00 | Blazer Option Petite 00 |Navy Pants Petite 0 |Hazel Pumps 5
Purple Sweater XS |Black Twill Pants Petite 00 | Black Pants Option Petite 0 |Black Flats 5
Top Petite XXS | Top Option XS |Black Sweater XS | Black Sweater Option |Black Twill Pants Petite 00 | Black Pants Option Petite 0 |Black Flats 5
Black Sweater XS | Black Sweater Option |Tan Blazer Petite 00 | Blazer Option Petite 00 |Black Twill Pants Petite 00 | Black Pants Option Petite 0 |Neutral Flat
Green Sweater XS |Black Twill Pants Petite 00 | Black Pants Option Petite 0 |Black Flats
White Top XS |Black Blazer XS | Black Blazer Option Petite 00 |Burgundy Pants Petite Curvy 00 |Black Flats
White Top XS |Tan Blazer Petite 00 | Blazer Option Petite 00 |Burgundy Pants Petite Curvy 00 |Neutral Flat
Purple Sweater XS |Burgundy Pants Petite Curvy 00 |Neutral Flat
White Top XS |Burgundy Pants Petite Curvy 00 |Neutral Flat 5
Top Petite XXS | Top Option XS |Black Sweater XS | Black Sweater Option |Burgundy Pants Petite Curvy 00 |Black Flats
Top Petite XXS | Top Option XS |Black Sweater XS | Black Sweater Option |Black Blazer XS | Black Blazer Option Petite 00 |Burgundy Pants Petite Curvy 00 |Black Flats
Blue Floral Top XXS |Burgundy Pants Petite Curvy 00 |Neutral Flat 5
Blue Floral Top XXS |Tan Blazer Petite 00 | Blazer Option Petite 00 |Burgundy Pants Petite Curvy 00 |Neutral Flat 5
Green Sweater XS |Navy Pants Petite 0 |Neutral Flat 5
Purple Sweater XS |Tan Blazer Petite 00 | Blazer Option Petite 00 |Navy Pants Petite 0 |Hazel Pumps 5
White Top XS |Tan Blazer Petite 00 | Blazer Option Petite 00 |Black Twill Pants Petite 00 | Black Pants Option Petite 0 |Black Flats 5
Black Sweater XS | Black Sweater Option |Black Blazer XS | Black Blazer Option Petite 00 |Black Twill Pants Petite 00 | Black Pants Option Petite 0 |Neutral Flat 5
Blue Floral Top XXS |Navy Pants Petite 0 |Neutral Flat 5
White Top XS |Navy Pants Petite 0 |Hazel Pumps 5
Purple Sweater XS |Black Blazer XS | Black Blazer Option Petite 00 |Black Twill Pants Petite 00 | Black Pants Option Petite 0 |Black Flats 5
If you’re looking for more 10 Items 20 Outfits posts, check out this post and this post.
-Brooke