I worked in corporate offices for six years, long enough to discover KEY items where beautiful fashion meets function. Here are some corporate woman mainstays to get you started. Enjoy!!

10 – chic computer case: Rebecca Minkoff’s “Virginia Computer Case” is a gorgeous way to carry your laptop wherever you go. Nothing beats gold hardware. And if you don’t have a laptop that travels with you, I suggest a portfolio (sans computer), or an iPad case c/o WANT Les Essentiels.

9 – commuter ballerinas: wearing your heels more than necessary wears the soles out, not to mention your feet. Wear comfy commuter flats (boots in winter months if your city sees snow), and change when you get to your office. Cole Haan’s Nike Air flats have incredible cushion, they’re like a pillow for your feet. Be careful of suit pants that are hemmed for extra height, you’ll need to fold or pin your pants so as not to ruin their bottoms. However you handle it, opt for a little black shoe that gets you to and from wherever you need to go. Your legs will thank you.

8 – sheer blouse: a neutral sheer blouse is a great staple under a suit, or on it’s own with a pencil skirt, trouser pants, or even dark denim on a casual Friday. In more conservative offices, wear a solid cami underneath so as not to give off any vibe other than all-class and perfectly-put-together.

7 – dark straight leg jeans: Denim rarely has any place is a corporate office, but there are a few exceptions. One being a corporate-wide casual Friday, or dress-down charity day. On these days, keep your denim dark. The darker, the dressier. Keep it clean with no rips, tears, or bleach stains – regardless of how trendy that look may (or may not) be. Make sure the fit isn’t tight (tread with caution with skinnies, straight leg is safer), and stay away from low rises that might put on a show while sitting at your desk. Pairing your look with classic flats, or heels works well – and in the interest of mixing and matching: wear a blazer to show you’re very aware you’re still on the clock.

6 – statement pencil skirt: a pencil skirt is almost universally flattering, and as much as I love basic black, navy and gray – every corporate wardrobe needs a few items that pop. One being, a statement skirt. This season has great options in tweed and wool. I’m loving this “Bronzed Ochre” by J.Crew; worn with white, beige, black or gray it’s the perfect statement.

5 – detailed hosiery: one office I worked in had a rule against bare legs. I became quickly acquainted with hosiery, fast favorites being DKNY, Wolford, Calvin Klein and Hue. My advice is to stay away from fishnet, it channels a bit more “working girl” than “corporate woman”, but any type of pinstripe or argyle prints are fantastic. Worn with a basic black suit skirt and classic pumps, you’ve instantly brought your look into 2010. It’s a subtly sexy detail that can take you right into an after-work date, lose your blazer and wear a sexy embellished tank underneath and you’re golden.

4 – Longchamps carry-all: I’ll admit to having two Longchamp totes, and one “Pilage Duffel”. I’m a big fan of these bags. They’re classically gorgeous with all their colors and styles, and genius: folding up for easy storage (quite often in another bag). I used the smallest “Le Pilage Mini Handheld Nylon Tote” to carry my lunch and snacks (on days when I snuck out to a nearby food court, I casually brought my food in a “purse”). The “Planetes Tonal” is amazing to get everything in your life and from the office. I often wore it on one shoulder, full of a portfolio and gym clothes. (it also fits a laptop). Leaving your other arm free to carry a smaller purse with your essentials.

3 – gray, black or navy suit dress: every corporate woman needs a go-to suit dress in a basic color she can rely on for different looks every week. Worn in cooler months with tights, and warmer with patterned hosiery this dress will garner a lot of mileage. I wore mine with different blazers (white, black, tweed, schoolboy, canary), a fitted cashmere turtleneck underneath, or on it’s own rotating between flat-heeled boots, pumps or classic flats. It never gets old.

2 – business card holder: regardless of your profession, you’re likely forever giving out business cards. This may be one of the few things someone notices about you in a brief interaction. So make it a chic professional statement; so they remember your name, face, and style.

1 – go-to black pumps: Most offices don’t appreciate heels higher than three inches, bear this in mind when choosing your pumps. Today’s heels are often over-the-top in their height and designs. Leave these for nights out and special occasions, and instead select a classic style you can reach for everyday if you choose. Patent is a great detail adding a soft professionally-appropriate flare.