The One Mistake That's Ruining Your Work Outfits

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(Image credit: @nnennaechem)

Recently, I was chatting with Who What Wear's co-founder Hillary Kerr about getting dressed for work. As someone whose wardrobe made a not-so-smooth transition from college into full-time employment (truthfully, I'm still figuring it out), I was ripe to hear Kerr's expert advice on the matter. I wanted to know—what could I do to start dressing better for work right now?

Let me be clear: Office attire is by no means a one-size-fits-all standard. Where certain work environments call for strictly business-professional attire, there are others in which jeans and sneakers are the norm. No wonder, then, that "work-appropriate" can mean something completely different from one person to the next. That said, Kerr divulged the one mistake that she can't help but notice in the office. Not to worry—it couldn't be any easier to avoid.

"When someone shows up at work in something that's noticeably wrinkled, it just feels sloppy to me," she shared. "Between steamers and Downy Wrinkle Release Spray, there are easy options for ensuring your clothes don't look like you just grabbed them off the floor of your closet, even if you did." Sure, we've all been guilty of throwing on a wrinkly shirt at one point or another. It's a small mistake that unfortunately makes a big impact.

Pick up a steamer—add this $29 option at Target to your shopping cart, plus it comes in pink—and spend four minutes getting wrinkles out of your clothes before getting dressed. So simple. Now that you know the biggest mistake and how to avoid it, go on to see the creative work outfits that will inspire you.

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(Image credit: @maria_bernad)

Belted jackets and dusters are a simple way to look instantly more polished.

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(Image credit: @desertmannequin)

Have some fun with your footwear. If you're keeping it classic up top, opt for a pair of bright shoes like these satin mules.

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(Image credit: @lisafolawiyo)

This is easily one of our favorite summer work looks. It pairs an asymmetric midi skirt with strappy sandals and an oversize blazer.

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(Image credit: @nnennaechem)

Never underestimate the power of a great shirtdress.

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(Image credit: @deborabrosa)

Swap out trousers for a relaxed pencil skirt if a full suit feels a bit too stuffy.

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(Image credit: @lindatol_)

File under "how to dress up your jeans for work." Pretty heels, a structured handbag, and an everyday blazer.

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(Image credit: @majawyh)

When jeans feel a bit too casual, dark-wash and black-denim pairs will elevate your outfit.

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(Image credit: @slipintostyle)

Shirtdress + statement shoes = easy summer work uniform.

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(Image credit: @champagnemani)

A statement top can do wonders to an otherwise more casual outfit.

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(Image credit: @mariaalia)

White wide-leg jeans are a great alternative to trousers in the summer.

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Editor

Anna is an editor on the fashion team at Who What Wear and has been at the company for over five years, having begun her career in the Los Angeles office before relocating to New York, where she's currently based. Having always been passionate about pursuing a career in fashion, she built up her experience interning at the likes of Michael Kors, A.L.C., and College Fashionista before joining the team as a post-graduate assistant editor. Anna has penned a number of interviews with Who What Wear's cover stars over the years, including A-listers Megan Fox, Issa Rae, and Emma Chamberlain. She's earned a reputation for scouting new and emerging brands from across the globe and championing them to our audience of millions. While fashion is her main wheelhouse, Anna led the launch of WWW Travels last year, a new lifestyle vertical that highlights all things travel through a fashion-person lens. She is passionate about shopping vintage, whether it be at a favorite local outpost or an on-the-road discovery, and has amassed a wardrobe full of unique finds. When she's not writing, you can find her shooting street imagery on her film camera, attempting to learn a fourth or fifth language, or planning her next trip across the globe.