6 Items I Bought to Cut My Morning Routine in Half

I used to spend 90% of the time between silencing my alarm and exiting my apartment each weekday buried in my closet trying to put together a stylish outfit. Frankly, I was sick of spending precious morning minutes on my look when I could be spending them on my breakfast (I should not operate heavy machinery before coffee).

After carefully observing my best-dressed co-workers and taking note of my most frequently worn outfits, I realized there are six key pieces that make getting dressed each day for work ridiculously easy. I also realized that buying these pieces at Veronica Beard meant I could wear them on the weekends too.

Not yet familiar with the brand? Veronica Beard makes the chicest, statement-making pieces that perfectly walk the line between polished and cool (aka the makings of an ultra-versatile wardrobe). Think along the lines of well tailored—but far from stuffy—blazers you'd want to wear both in and out of the office.

Shop the six must-have clothing categories for a chic and fast morning routine—and if you want to know more about the brand, we recently hosted the founders on our Second Life podcast. No big deal.

1. THE POLISHED MINIDRESS

A dress that hits above the knees? For the office? I’m not recommending just any minidress for your 9-to-5—choose one that feels more sophisticated (and not too short).

2. THE FUN BLAZER 

I’ve found that throwing on a blazer instantly makes me look and feel like I have my life together, so I do it often. I don’t have anything against a plain black blazer, but these are just better, no?

3. THE SOPHISTICATED DENIM 

I love distressed jeans with a raw hem just as much as the next girl (I mean, I do live in California, after all), but not for the office. Monday through Friday, I rely on more polished denim to feel a bit more put together.

4. THE PRINTED BLOUSE 

I almost exclusively buy blouses I know I’ll also wear on the weekends, which means I want them to be a little colorful and a lot Instagram-friendly. Somehow, printed ones make my office #OOTD feel more interesting too.

5. THE VERSATILE HEEL

Unless I'm attending a black-tie affair, I stay as far away from stilettos as possible. Styles with more versatility (read: comfort) are key for a modern wardrobe so I look for options with block or lower height heels.

6. THE ELEVATED BASICS

I think it’s important for wardrobe basics (like T-shirts and knits) to be anything but, well, basic. Pieces with interesting details, like buttons or cuffed sleeves, are perfect for throwing on under all those cute patterned blazers.