Three Summer Wardrobe Basics Every Career Closet Needs

I know, I know, calling anything "basic" will pretty much make most women turn their nose up in the air.  While adding "basic" before "wardrobe" will make most (so called) fashionistas squirm in their seats.
But, if you have a job (as-in-you-actually-have-a-paycheck), whether you work from home or in an office, you need a career wardrobe.
Why?  Because you want to look polished, pulled-together and professional.  You want your work to speak for you, not be spoked about because of the inappropriate clothing you wear because "it's too hot."
So whether you are a seasoned professional, or navigating your way in your first job out of college, it's never too early, or too late, to get started on building your career wardrobe.
I promise that although you will hate me for the first ten minutes after reading this post, you will thank me later.

Heritage Fit Blended Double-Weave Bootcut Pant from Talbots

Pants
But not just any pair of pants.  Every working woman needs classic slack.  Classic means that the style or cut will be as appropriate today as it will be in a year or two (if not longer).
When making a selection, opt for a well-made, tailored pair that you can dress-up with a nice jacket, or down when you wear a snazzy summer top.  Start with the colors that will never go out of style: black, navy, white or tan.
If you are a larger sized woman, or have a slight belly, I highly suggest that you opt for a flat front slack with a slight drop waste (like the one pictured above).
INSIDER TIP: Purchase your slacks at a store that has a tailor in-house to shorten, or lengthen, the hems.

Refined denim suit jacket from Lane Bryant

Jacket
During the summer most offices and workplaces allow for a more casual attire.  As a huge fan of denim, I couldn't be happier to find a refined denim suit jacket.
A classic with a twist, you will find yourself wearing a jacket like this both in a more relaxed work environment, or for casual Friday's at a more formal work setting.
Personally, I pair denim and suit jackets on the weekends with both dresses and skirts!
INSIDER TIP: Make sure that a jacket is lined.

Michael Kors Wrap Dress available at Macy's

The Dress
No summer wardrobe can be complete without a easy to dress-up and dress-down summer dress.
Call me boring, but I like to stick to a tried and true silhouette that will work for most (if not all women): an a-line wrap dress.
To have a little more fun with the summer season, pick brighter colors or a fun pattern.  If the color or pattern of your dress is a bit too bold for your office environment, tone it down by wearing a jacket and a classic pair of pumps.
If you opt for a classic color or pattern, add some fun and oversized costume jewelry to add a touch of summer.
INSIDER TIP:  Choose a cap sleeve, short sleeve or long sleeve; never sleeveless.
Now that I shared my top three summer wardrobe basics for your career closet, I would love to read how you will style these items.  Share your photos or style tips with me on Twitter.
Happy shopping!