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Bomber jackets in sophisticated fabrics have been around for a year or two now — can you wear bomber jackets to the office? I’m excited to hear what you guys think, but I of course have a few ideas…

(Psst: see more great bomber jackets here!)

Can Bomber Jackets Replace a Blazer?

For the most part, I don’t think bomber jackets can replace a blazer — they inherently read as more casual. If you swear by the “third piece” rule for dressing, then yes they can absolutely be your third piece — but in my mind they’re more like a trendy cardigan or sweater jacket or other soft, structured layer.

Because it’s more relaxed, it is likely never going to be appropriate for the most conservative moments like court, formal presentations, or your first week at a job. Instead, it’s like a piece of clothing that we would have said was appropriate for dress-down Friday (back when that was a thing) or non-VIP days. Think internal meetings, travel days, conferences, business casual offices in general.

You can dress it up or down with your accessories and other pieces — add structure like tailored trousers or a crisp blouse to dress it up, and make it more casual with something like pants cut like denim (jeans, cords) or more flowy fabrics (linen, satin).

Are Bomber Jackets Outside Jackets or Inside Jackets?

It depends on the bomber jacket, honestly — I think you have to look at the materials. For example, this suede bomber jacket from Anthropologie with prominent hardware and thick ribbing looks more like an outside jacket to me, as does this canvas version from Aritzia. The knit versions are safe, but some of the leather ones (like this version from All Saints) could be worn inside as well, the way you might have worn a leather moto jacket a few years ago — know your office.

There are other differences between office-appropriate bomber jackets and weekend-only bomber jackets — if it’s nylon, oversized, has patches or is reminiscent of a varsity jacket — probably not for work. If, on the flip side, it’s wool, ponte, crepe, or suede or leather with minimal hardware — then it might be appropriate for work.

Work Outfit Ideas with Bomber Jackets

Bomber Jacket + Crisp Blouse + Wide Legged Trousers

This look from Quince is a great example of a work outfit idea — a crisp blouse adds some structure, as well as a nice collar/frame for your face. It hits at the right spot for wide legged pants, and in my opinion the neutral palette in varying shades looks fabulous here.

You can see a similar look at Ann Taylor.

Monotoned & Matchy

You might be saying, SURE, KAT — but where am I going to find matching pieces? But this is one of the trends — for example, Ann Taylor has matching floral knits below (you can also see it here), Aritzia has several options with matching pieces, and All Saints even has a lace bomber jacket.

Failing identical matching pieces, though, just go for the monotone look and match your colors.

Column of Color: Bottom & Top in Matching Colors + Contrasting Bomber Jacket

The column of color: always a trusty workwear outfit. Here it looks a bit more sporty because of the five-pocket jeans — if this won’t work for your office, swap it out for white trousers. You can also see it styled with a matching skirt and sweater tee (it’s the third picture here, or you can just see the image here).

You can also see the column of color look with this raspberry knit bomber jacket at Ann Taylor.

Wear it Like You Would a Cardigan

I mean, let’s not overcomplicate things, am I right? If you would have grabbed a cardigan in the past, this is an easy thing to grab to ward off the office A/C or the spring chill.

Readers, how are you wearing bomber jackets to the office?

More Great Bomber Jackets for the Office…

This post may contain affiliate links and Corporette® may earn commissions for purchases made through links in this post. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

In the past, we’ve gone on a hunt for the best pieces in a wide range of budgets… but today let’s focus on the upgrade — what to buy next once you’re past the basics. So let’s discuss! What are the upgrades on winter coats? I have a few ideas…

(Psst: check out our latest favorites for classic winter coats here…)

Winter Coats: What To Buy Once You’re Past the Basics

Winter Coats Of Varying Lengths

Odds are good your basic winter coat either hits you somewhere between the top of your knee and the bottom of your hip. And that’s exactly right for your first coat — it’s an incredibly versatile length that works well even if you’re wearing a blazer, and often, a dress or skirt.

Still, the first upgrade I would suggest is to get a longer coat — specifically for days where you’re wearing longer skirts or dresses, but also if you’re wearing a longer cardigan or the like. In my mind there are few things that look worse than a sweater or blazer peeking out of the bottom of a coat, and wearing a coat that is drastically shorter than a skirt always reminds me of middle school.

Below knee length, like the pictured one, is great — you may even be able to find opera length coats, intended to be worn with evening gowns and the like.

I’d also consider getting a hip-length coat if you don’t already have one — they look great with pants, don’t get slammed in car doors (oops), and can hang on the back of your chair if you prefer.

Readers, what length is your everyday coat (or your first basic coat)? What other lengths of winter coats have you found useful?

Better Made, Warmer Coats

Another good upgrade: go for quality. I remember reading that although a cashmere coat always sounds amazing, you actually want a cashmere/wool blend for durability as well as warmth.

After you select what fabric you want, you want to look at the details — is the coat fully lined? Are all of the stitches precise? Are the buttons or zippers a good quality? Are there leather, shearling, or other luxe details?

After your purchase, consider taking your coat to a tailor to get it fitted just to you. As we’ve discussed before, the shoulders are one of the hardest parts to tailor, so hopefully those fit well off the rack. The cuffs should end exactly at your wrist, not longer or shorter, and you may want to consider moving the bottom hem to a spot where your leg curves in — that might be just under your knee or just over the knee. You can also have a tailor add interior pockets (or sew up pockets if you don’t like the way they lay!).

If you’re looking for quality, some of the brands I’ve heard most over the years include Mackage, Fleurette, Cinzia Rocca, Max Mara, The Row, and Akris — readers, what would you add?

Statement Coats

As someone who wears a lot of black, I love a colorful or loud statement coat — and it tends to be a bit of a status symbol as well because you need the closet space to store the coats. I’ve always loved that they can complement your personality and your outfit.

(The gray Mackage above also comes in lovely hot pink!)

Some of our favorite stores and brands to check for statement coats for winter in 2026 include Mackage, Soia & Kyo, COS, J.Crew, and Cuyana.

Readers, do you have any statement coats in your closet? Which ones do you love to wear, and why?

This post may contain affiliate links and Corporette® may earn commissions for purchases made through links in this post. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Something I’ve noticed coming up in the comments a lot frequently: readers’ companies are understaffed, leaving them an unreasonable workload. Whether their teams are understaffed due to layoffs, DOGE, companies reshuffling, or more seems irrelevant — the point is that people are left with more work than they agreed to when they took the position. So let’s discuss — what are your best tips on how to manage an unreasonable workload? I have a few ideas to share…

In the past, we’ve discussed how to say no at work, signs you’re burning out (and how to battle burnout), how to deal with difficult bosses, how to set workplace boundaries (even if you’re highly paid), when to look for a new job, how to ask for help at work, and our best tips on managing up and managing your task list at work. We’ve also talked about how to handle a chatty boss, a micromanager boss, and an incompetent boss.

How to Manage an Unreasonable Workload

1. Don’t Reinvent the Wheel

If you’re dealing with something your office has produced before, like a conference, or a working paper, how much of the previous work product can you lift entirely? Sure, in a perfect world you’d put your own, unique spin on it — but if you’re slammed and the project is 90% done because of previous work, just focus on a really good update.

Similarly, if coworkers are in the same position, now is a great time to collaborate. Are there any ways you can better optimize the workflow, such as making a shared template that everyone can update and use?

2. Clarify Priorities

As we discussed in our conversation on managing up, this is partly a communications issue — you need to be 100% clear on what your boss’s top priorities are. Sure, they may say “everything!,” but odds are good they have a few things floating to the tippy top of the list.

One approach: sit down with your boss to discuss projected timelines, what you’re delegating or managing, and generally show the lay of the land. If you’re in a billable environment, ask how many hours you can bill to projects that are (in your mind) lower on the list — if it’s a low number then I’d take that as a sign that it isn’t very important to your boss.

If you worry that your boss will say something snarky like “you’re old enough to manage your own workload” (thaaaanks), then try to consider it from a higher level: what will make your boss look best (or worst) if they don’t have it? What will be the best boon to your resume if it’s done well, and what won’t have too many consequences if you’re only giving it your B-level effort?

3. Suggest Adjustments and Solutions

No one likes a whiner, unfortunately. If you’re speaking to your boss about it, come in with a clear game plan. What can be delegated and to whom? How will you supervise them? What can be pushed or done partially… for now?

4. Insist on Boundaries

We’ve talked a lot about work/life boundaries over the years. Can you give yourself some “dark hours” in the evening or on weekend, where you don’t check (or at least don’t send replies) until later? Can you give yourself some days (or afternoons?) where you refuse to attend meetings so you can get work done?

Of course, you have to be reasonable. As one reader noted in our discussion on reasonable boundaries when you’re highly paid:

Yeah, you can draw and have to draw boundaries regardless of where you work, but in Big Law those boundaries are ‘I won’t answer 3 am emails immediately’ not ‘I only work 40 hours/week.’

Another reader spoke from the perspective of inside counsel:

If I’m working into the evenings on a deal and am paying expensive outside counsel, I expect them to be there with me (metaphorically).

I do not expect that if I send a random late-night email when I’m digging out of my inbox, that I get an immediate reply!

I think it’s worth noting that there can be a huge divide between generations here, so keep that in mind if you are working with people of different generations.

Another boundary to consider: only working on a certain project for a set amount of time, as decided by you. How far can you get the project in that time period? For some projects (and let’s face it, some personalities!), work expands to fill the space allotted — so limit the space allotted.

5. Identify Bottlenecks

Are you a perfectionist? Are you working with one, either as a supervisor or as a subordinate? There are different strategies for working with people. For example, if one of your subordinates could handle more work than they are getting done, one strategy would be to give stricter deadlines. Of course, don’t be a jerk about it — they should be reasonable deadlines, and they shouldn’t be during holiday weekends or whatnot unless it’s a true emergency.

Other potential bottlenecks: do certain people just love to talk during meetings? I’ve seen different shades of this — some people really love to hear the sounds of their own voices. I’ve also seen some people who have a pet project, issue, or concern and they bring it up every single meeting, even if it’s already been addressed… consider limiting the scope of meetings (if you’re in charge), or discussing with your boss whether you could sit some meetings out.

(If you are in charge, ask yourself: could this meeting have been an email?)

One more potential bottleneck to mention — the chatty coworker. Do you have a coworker who loves to stop by and complain about how much work they have (or otherwise discuss life, the universe, and everything?) The best approaches I’ve found for dealing with this include a) not being where they expect me to be, namely at my desk — for example, go work in the conference room! … and b) after a few minutes of chitchat, get up from your desk and start walking. Maybe you need to go to the printer! Or the bathroom! Or get a cup of coffee! Whatever it is, get them out of your space.

6. Say no.

Sometimes you just do not have a choice in the matter… but if you do, SAY NO. If you’re at capacity already, use your words to turn it down.

Readers, what are your best tips on how to deal with an unreasonable workload?

This post may contain affiliate links and Corporette® may earn commissions for purchases made through links in this post. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Here’s something we haven’t discussed in too long that’s always a fun topic: what are your work outfit workhorses? Which accessories, third pieces, and more have you found to be surprisingly versatile and otherwise something you reach for more than you thought you would?

When we last discussed surprise basics for workwear and workhorses for your working wardrobe, I’ve called out my love of colorful purses, olive-colored pants, a good watch, and of course purple heels as things that I was surprised to find myself wearing a ton.

I’ve also written of other things that are outside the usual “must have” lists, including very light gray pants instead of summer whites, velvet blazers for festive in-office holiday lunches, huggie earrings like these, light blue blazers, and purple pumps. It also came up a bit with our discussion of light blue suits, with lots of readers noting that they often wear a pair of colorful blue trousers or a colorful blue blazer (but not together).

Those discussions were a while ago, though, so let’s discuss — what are you finding a surprise workhorse in 2026? (Has anything that you used to love, like olive pants, become less versatile with the fashions of today?) What items have you had a hard time finding, and what are you replacing them with?

This post may contain affiliate links and Corporette® may earn commissions for purchases made through links in this post. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

If you work in a conservative office setting, what are the dos and don’ts when it comes to “corporate nails”? (ARE there any rules at this point?) Color? Shape? Length? Bedazzling? Do tell…

We’ve talked a lot about nails over the years, including work-appropriate nails, the best nail polish colors for interviews, how to look polished with naked nails, the best treatments for healthy nails, and what colors are appropriate for conservative offices. Inspired by a conversation with a partner at her firm, Kat’s also rounded up what to look for in a nail salon near your office.

Corporate Nails: Dos and Don’ts

For my $.02, I think the rules are much, much more relaxed than they used to be. When we first polled the readers about this approximately one million years ago (in 2009 or 2010), 26% of those who answered said only “nude, clear, pink, and beige” were appropriate, and another 31% said “any solid color, provided there are no chips.” Only 1% chose the “anything goes — bring on the patterns and sparkles” option!

That said, I still think there are some “don’ts…”

Don’t have nails that are so long or unwieldy that they interfere with your job. If you have problems typing, for example, your nails probably aren’t appropriate.

Don’t let your nails look unhealthy. If they’re peeling, splitting, suffering from some kind of fungus or other affliction, then you need to address the problem(s). I know that when people try to stop gel nail color they may find that their natural nails are incredibly weak. We’ve talked a lot about healthy nail treatments, but it’s best to see your doctor about the best options to get your nails back to a healthy state.

Don’t let your nail polish get chipped or otherwise rundown. This may be a “me” problem; I absolutely cannot STAND the sight of any chipped nail polish on my own fingers, which is one of the reasons I almost never get a manicure. I would even say that keeping a bottle of polish to slap on to cover a chip is better than just leaving the chipped polish alone. (Btw, over at CorporetteMoms, Ann recently recommended a “smudge fix” product.)

Don’t forget that your nails ultimately speak to your judgment in the corporate world, like everything else about your appearance. If your job involves a lot of heavy situations and subjects, having cute, twee little nails may seem a bit off. (For example, the brightly colored nails in the stock photo at top might be great if you’re doing pro bono work for a Pride-related organization, but less appropriate if you’re, say, prosecuting a murder trial or helping a client maneuver through a PR disaster like an environmental spill or something.)

Readers, what are your thoughts on corporate nails? What length do you like to keep your nails? What shape and color are your favorites to wear to work?

Our Latest Favorite Nail Colors for a Corporate Dress Code

Great Treatments for Healthy Nails

Looking for healthy nail treatments? Readers love Burt’s Bees lemon butter cuticle cream, CND Solar Nail & Cuticle Cream, OPI Nail Envy, Deborah Lippmann’s The Cure Ultra Nourishing Cuticle Repair Cream, Lush Lemony Flutter, Dior Creme Abricot, and Sally Hansen’s cuticle massage creme.

Stock photo via Stencil.

This post may contain affiliate links and Corporette® may earn commissions for purchases made through links in this post. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Let’s have an open thread today and discuss: what are you doing for self care during (gestures wildly) *all this*? How is your workplace and job either filling your cup or draining you? If you’re balancing work with a lot of volunteer efforts at the moment, how’s that going?

In the past, we’ve talked about anxiety and The State of the World a lot, but… it really is a lot right now. Some posts from our past that might be helpful to you:

Personally, a few things that I’m doing (in addition to calling my representatives and donating) include indulging in my latest obsession, flower gardening (yeah, I didn’t see that one coming either — although I do love that it includes spreadsheets so it’s like two hobbies in one!) and, in recent days, I’ve found that singing loudly when I’m alone brings a weird joy. (Perhaps this started when I serenaded friends with an old Kingston Trio song a few weeks ago…)

I wish I could say that I’m still reading funny books or watching funny shows — I’d love any recommendations you have! A lot of the shows that I’d like to watch now, at least in theory, are way too heavy (The Bear, The Pitt), so I find myself not watching much TV.

So… how are you guys doing? What are you doing to get through this moment in time?

This post may contain affiliate links and Corporette® may earn commissions for purchases made through links in this post. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Sure, we all know what wardrobe essentials for work professional women are supposed to have in their closets, but if you’re buying one for the first time or replacing one you’ve worn into the ground, it can be a pain to find exactly the right incarnation in stores. In “The Hunt,” we search the stores for a basic item that every woman should have. Today’s hunt: the best ankle boots for work.

Readers, which ankle boots are you loving this winter? Which boots (in general) are you wearing most often?

Ankle boots sit in an awkward middle ground in the professional wardrobe. Too casual and they read weekend; too sleek and they veer into evening. Heel height, shaft width, toe shape, pant length — every small detail seems to matter more than it should, especially if you want a pair that works with both trousers and skirts. And that’s before you factor in weather, walking, or the reality that many of us want fewer shoes that do more jobs.

{related: The Ultimate Guide to Business Casual for Women}

Editor’s Picks: Our Latest Favorite Ankle Boots for WOrk

The Best Ankle Boots for Work

A Walkable but Sleek Bootie: J.Crew

I’ve liked J.Crew’s kitten-heeled boots since they came out a year or two ago, but these newer boots with a block heel look a lot more walkable.

They come in four colors, and are $298 at full price — but they’re currently on a 40% off sale. Nice!

You can find a similar, budget-friendl(ier) option at Quince.

A STylish Flat Boot: STaud

I’ve liked the heeled versions of these extremely popular Staud boots for a while, but I haven’t seen this flat version of the boot — love! I like the squared toe. It comes in a number of colors and ranges from $395-$450; there’s also a knee high flat boot.

You can find similar options at Jenni Kayne or Aeyde (with a slightly taller heel).

A Comfortable Kitten Heeled Boot: Marc Fisher LTD

Readers have always liked Marc Fisher shoes — the brand made everyone’s favorite Chelsea boot and block heel pump, after all. They have a number of kitten heel boots right now that are getting great reviews.

Looking for something similar? J.Crew, Staud, Sézane, and Madewell have similar options.

An Affordable Waterproof Ankle Boot: Blondo

Blondo is known for having comfortable, affordable, weatherproof shoes — and they often have a BUNCH of options. This boot is getting great reviews at Nordstrom! It was $180 new, but is now marked 50% off.

A Washable Fabric Ankle Boot: Rothy’s

Rothy’s just started selling low heels, including these boots, and I like them. They’re made from a water-resistant merino, and feature the brand’s innovative insole that readers love with flats. The merino wool is RWS certified, for a bit of an eco-friendly boost.

The boots are available in sizes 5-13 for $269. You can find similar fabric options from Vivaia, Everlane, and Quince.

A Stylish Weatherproof Ankle Boot: Aquatalia

A Classic Chelsea ankle boot: Marc Fisher LTD

These Marc Fisher LTD ankle boots are best-sellers and reader favorites. It’s come in a bunch of colors and materials over the years.

Another old favorite that’s still around: this Chelsea boot from Sam Edelman.

Other Boots for Work Outfits

The Best Sleek But Walkable Boots for Work

Our favorite sleek but walkable boots for 2026 include the following… also check out comfort brands like Naot, Paul Green, Rothy’s, and Dansko.

The Best Weatherproof Shoes For Your Commute

The Best High-Heeled Boots in General

The Best Knee-High Boots for Work

Hunting for flat knee-high boots? Some of our long-standing favorites (as of 2026) include La Canadienne, Stuart Weitzman, Sam Edelman, and Sofft; also check this Cole Haan option, this Teva boot (!), and Vivaia for comfort (and tons of color options).

Like this feature? Check out other recent installments!

This post may contain affiliate links and Corporette® may earn commissions for purchases made through links in this post. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

What is the best interview attire for women for different types of jobs? When is a classic suit appropriate — and when is it really not?

I’ve always approached our various suit roundups from the perspective of Interview Attire for a Very Conservative Office, but I think there’s a fun discussion to be had about what to wear for interview attire for a business casual office, or a creative casual office, or an Office So Casual People Wear Hoodies and Jeans.

Interview attire in 2026 is less about decoding a single dress code and more about signaling judgment — the ability to read a room, respect norms, and still look like and feel like the best version of yourself.

Warning: my advice for a lot of these positions is still going to be “wear a suit,” both because it shows you’re taking the interview seriously, it is going to be so much easier than almost all of the other stuff we’ll discuss, and — even if you’re interviewing in a place where people wear hoodies and jeans — if you’re hired in a position of authority (lawyer, say) then you’re being vetted and interviewed to be the grown up in the room. 

But let’s discuss! What do you think is the best interview attire for different types of jobs? Here are some of my thoughts, below…

The Best Female Interview Attire for a Conservative Office

Go formal, all the way: wear a dark suit in a seasonless fabric like this one. Cut your vents. A suit dress (with a matched dress and blazer) is fine, as well.

If you are very junior and interviewing with very senior people (such as, say, that crusty old partner emeritus they trot out for interviews) then a skirt suit is still probably your best advice, but pants suits have come so far that I’ll say wear whatever you feel the best in.

Do the mirror check if you’re wearing a skirt. If you need a blouse or a top for under your suit, you have some choices. We have a whole guide about this, but quickly:

• a collared shirt still looks crisp and stylish (like this one)
• a no-button blouse like this one
• a silky T-shirt like this one
• a silk sweater tee (like this one)
• an elevated T-shirt (like this one) in a very traditional color (think pastels, whites)

(See also our entire Guide to Interview Suits.)

We’ve rounded up suits in all budgets, but in general, note that you should get the best fabric quality that you can afford. Be wary of new (or old) suits with very trendy features, such as puffed sleeves, blazers that aren’t mid-hip (both too short and too long can be problematic).

There’s been a meme lately for “office siren…” don’t take any advice from that meme. In general, avoid looking (or feeling) like you’re in “corp cosplay.”

Our Latest Favorite Basic Suits

The Best Interview Attire for Polished Professionals (Who Don’t Need a Suit)

This is where I’ve noticed a lot of readers have said they are lately — I’d think of this category as including consulting firms, in-house legal positions, tech-adjacent roles, healthcare admins, seniors at non-profits…

These can be some of the trickiest interviews, IMHO. One easy guideline is to dress slightly better than your interviewer… but this can take a bit of research to figure out what to expect your interviewer to be wearing.

When we’ve discussed this in the past, readers have called this “straddling the line between something I feel comfortable wearing to an interview, and casual enough.” One reader noted that for think tanks she wore a dress and jacket (not a matching suit), and that was fine; she also said that for tech interviews she’s worn an elevated business casual outfit like a skirt and nice top, a dress and cardigan.

(Another reader noted that she wore a Boden dress with a nonmatching blazer for an interview at a tech company, and “ended up immediately removing the blazer to dress my outfit down.”)

Interview Outfit Ideas When You Don’t Want to Wear a Black Suit

Some outfit ideas to consider here:

• “Column of color” — it’s always a classic way to look polished. Think: black blouse or short-sleeve sweater, black pants, and a blazer with a bit of texture, like this one.
• “Shades of a color” — here your third piece is a cardigan, jacket, or other shirt that is a shade lighter or darker than your base shirt color. Example: medium gray pants, a darker gray blouse, and a light gray sweater or blazer. IMHO it’s best to stick with neutrals here for a minimal, classic look.
• Monotone — this is slightly different from the first version in that it’s all the exact same shade (even matching fabrics). Think: a white suit, a beige dress with matching beige cardigan.
• “Top top bottom” — Here your top two pieces match exactly, and your bottom is a totally different color. Especially at the stores with bigger inventories, there are often many pieces in the exact matching shade as a suit, but with different fabrics

Above all: wear a shoe that signals authority but without pain. Now isn’t the time to see if you can walk in those stilettos from when you started. Think: block heels (if any heel at all!), like this one. I’m a fan of kitten heels like these boots, but you can also go with flats like this one or this one.

The Best Interview Attire for Women In a Business Casual Office

This depends a lot on what position you’re interviewing for, and it depends on the office, the region, and who you’re interviewing with.

My $.02: if you are interviewing for a role of authority, you should have a structured blazer on, unless you are such a rockstar that you are interviewing for CEO. This one conservative element helps to anchor the outfit. This could also be tailored trousers or the like.

This can be especially confusing if you’re interviewing with leadership that dresses casually. You always want to convey understanding of the interview power dynamics, the role itself, and the company.

It can be really tough to know what to wear for these interviews, though, so I would err on the side of being overly conservative rather than overly casual, and if you don’t plan on wearing a blazer, at least bring one with you. If you look at the company’s social media presence or pictures of staffers on their websites you might get an idea of how they present themselves to potential clients — but it’s hard to believe you’re going to go wrong to show up in a suit because it is, after all, an interview.

This kind of look might also work for one of those fun “is it an interview?” situations where you’re meeting someone with hiring input for coffee, or as an informational interview where there is no job.

(See also our entire Guide to Business Casual.)

Interview attire that might be appropriate for a business casual office: 

• the same dark wool suit you’d wear to a conservative office interview, but with a bit more personality in the outfit — a brooch, a necklace, fun shoes, a patterned blouse you love — if the conservative office interview attire is plain vanilla, think “butter pecan” here — still dependable and pretty basic.
• suiting separates, so long as they clearly are non-matching — a blazer worn on top of a sheath dress, for example, in a different color or with a different texture
• the column of color look where you have a solid column of color with your blouse and pants but a “fun” blazer on top.
• nontraditional suiting separates, like a collarless blazer (like this), a lady jacket (like these) or jardigan (like these), a pleated skirt instead of a pencil skirt. The look is very formal and would still look dressed up and polished, but in my humble opinion, this has to be very close to your personal style — it’s hard to play dress up and look confident in a look like this otherwise. 
• a matched color on top with a different color on the bottom. This works nicely with a light blue blazer, blue top, and black pants, but you can also go for basic black on the top and then a clearly non-matching pant or skirt on the bottom. 
• an option for some casual roles at casual offices: a sleeved dress with pockets (like this one), maybe with a blazer carried with you that layers nicely. 
• an option for more conservative roles at more conservative offices: a slightly fun suit like the one we feature in our Suit of the Week — I probably wouldn’t advise wearing a bright red suit to an interview but a light gray suit, a black and white gingham suit, a dark suit with an unusual pattern

The Best Interview Attire for a Casual Office

TREAD VERY CAREFULLY HERE!

If you are interviewing for a role that is creative, maaaaaybe you can consider a bright red suit or something a television show might tell you was interview attire.

But interview attire for a casual office is hugely dependent on what typical wear is for the office, what you wear most of the time, what you feel the most confident in, and how you really want to present yourself.

When we discussed this in 2019, women with engineering positions in tech had some great suggestions for California/tech firms. As she put it,

Now with a bit more experience as a woman engineer, I’d feel comfortable wearing dark jeans to dress down the biz casual blouse (I’m really not a t-shirt person). Black ponte pants would also work, if I steered away from the standard “dressy casual” flats (or god forbid heels, seriously don’t wear heels for a Silicon Valley eng interview). I’d wear Euro-chic sandals if possible, or Chelsea boots in winter, maybe a casual-looking slip-on loafer. It’s tough for me to toe the line of being slightly dressier than my probably-male interviewers without calling attention to being a Well-Dressed Woman.

Also, all this experience is in California… if I were interviewing at the NYC or London offices of my current Big Tech company, I’d happily bump up to any form of unisex-ish business casual sans suit. The male engineers actually know how to dress there.

One approach is that you can go for a more traditional “interview” outfit (dark colors) but go in with the theory that there’s a 50/50 chance you’ll want to remove your jacket as soon as you enter the room. A sleeved dress with pockets (in a dark color) is another great option, like this one — it gives you a great base to have fun with accessories while still being the grown up in the room. 

In addition to the interview attire for business casual offices, consider wearing:

• Separates that are more dressed up than what you would regularly wear — if you expect to be in jeans for most of your time as an employee, wear pants, or jeans with heels and a blazer. They’re hard to find but you could even go for a structured top that isn’t quite a blazer, like this wrap top from The Fold.
• a statement dress like this one
• a basic sheath dress like this one — but only go sleeveless after some serious thought, social media investigation, or with a back-up blazer or cardigan with you
• a nontraditional jacket or topper, like a moto jacket or sweater blazer like this one — but really, proceed carefully!

The Best Interview Attire for Remote-First or Hybrid Interviews

This can be another ball of wax, and I’d love to hear readers’ thoughts on this. A few observations on video interviews:

• anchor your outfit with structure, such as a blazer or a crisp blouse — pay attention to how your upper body and especially your shoulders look on screen! An old trick from news anchors: sit on your blazer to pull it down so it fits better in your shoulders; you do not want any padded shoulders riding an inch or two above your shoulders.
• think about colors and how they look, both on camera and on you. For example: I almost never wear white because I’m pale (and messy, tbh) but a crisp collar of a white blouse is a classic, timeless look. Another thing to consider: what your background will look like. You want to make sure that your outfit stands out against your background (and that the background isn’t clashing with your outfit or otherwise distracting the interviewer from you).
• we’ve talked about interview makeup as having a few main goals: looking awake, alive, and interested — and this can be especially challenging on camera. Experiment with going a shade or two darker with your lipstick, and think about the structure of your face — for example, my eyebrows are too light in their natural form and I really look washed out if I don’t have brow product on. Think about the lighting in the room, as well.
• Although easy updos can be a great interview look, I would caution against something that makes you look like you don’t have hair. You don’t want a messy look (with, like, wisps in your face or a messy bun), but you also don’t want a slicked back look. Know yourself well enough to know if having your hair down is going to distract you, though!

Readers, what did you wear to your last interview? Did you feel like your interview attire hit the mark for the type of job, was too casual, or too formal? Readers who interview frequently, what are your thoughts on these outfits — do you think they’re the best interview attire for different types of jobs?

This post may contain affiliate links and Corporette® may earn commissions for purchases made through links in this post. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Here’s a topic we haven’t discussed in far too long: how to plan your career for future children. CAN you plan your career for future children? What are your best tips? If you’re already a parent, what do you wish you’d known or done beforehand to prepare your career? If you are hoping to one day become a parent, what are you doing regarding your career in anticipation of being a parent?

We’ve discussed how to decide if you want kids and whether you feel like you need to choose between kids and your career, as well as (over at CorporetteMoms) asked the readers for advice from working moms to their pre-mom selves. In the distant past, we also talked about financially preparing for babies and how to decide when to get pregnant — as well as our original post on this topic, with lots of great comments.

Can You Prepare Your Career for Parenthood?

We discussed this a million years ago after a reader had written in wondering if she should start trying to conceive (TTC) if she had a trial looming. My advice to her was that trying to time it “right” was basically impossible. For starters, I pointed out, you don’t know until you start trying how long it will take you to get pregnant. Miscarriages are unfortunately more common than you probably realize, and secondary infertility is also a real thing.

Even if you can get pregnant easily and quickly, some women just adore being pregnant, while others have an incredibly difficult time with it (in a way that would definitely affect your work output) — but almost everyone I know has at the very least been exhausted in the first trimester from all the fun new pregnancy hormones.

I would go even further, now, to add to the list of unknowns — the hard fact is that some kids are easier than others (gift link to the NYT). They may be easier babies, easier toddlers, easier grade schoolers, and/or easier almost-adults, but honestly they probably will not be all of them. You can’t predict the temperament or challenges you’ll be dealing with (and you can’t even begin to imagine the way things can drain you and weigh on you!) until you’re in the thick of it.

It isn’t just the baby years that are trying, furthermore — although the lack of sleep and constant sicknesses your child will bring home from daycare or preschool are both definitely trying. But Anne-Marie Slaughter wrote her famous article in The Atlantic, Why Women Still Can’t Have it All (gift link), during her parenting struggles with her eighth grader.

So… “timing it right” isn’t really a thing, and I agree with my former advice. Here’s what you CAN do, though:

What You CAN Do To Prepare Your Career for Parenthood

Map Out Career Goals and Milestones

You won’t know if you’re off track or behind if you don’t know what the journey would have looked like ahead of time. Look to your friends, mentors, bosses — what career milestones have they achieved, and what did it take? Were certain opportunities only available to people because they had passed other milestones, or was that just how it worked out for them?

This doesn’t even have to be that intricate; just identify a few goals or different paths, and identify the people who can help you better achieve those goals or understand those paths. Those are the people you should be staying in touch with even if you’re in the weeds with small children and networking feels impossible — and those are the milestones and goals you should be focused on achieving.

(Of course, if you’re reading this while still in school trying to pick a career, know that some are better for parents than others. For example, in the medical field, certain specialties are considered best for lifestyle purposes and often referred to as the ROAD to Happiness: radiology, ophthalmology, anesthesiology, and dermatology. Similarly, a friend who got her MBA was dissuaded from a career in investment banking because she was told it was really unfriendly for parents. There are exceptions, of course, but you should go in with your eyes open — ask the questions early.)

Know Your Body — And Your Options

Fertility can decline earlier than many of us expect, and the journey to pregnancy isn’t always linear. If one of your goals is to become a mother, start the discussion with your doctor early. (Your partner, if applicable in your case, should discuss this with their doctor as well!) You may also want to look into fertility preservation such as egg freezing so you feel like you have options.

Another thing you might want to investigate here: broader parenthood options. For example, Elizabeth has shared what it’s like to be a foster parent as a single woman.

Know Your Employer’s Policies (And Time Things Right Within Those Constraints)

Your employer may have policies that are relevant to someone planning to become a mother; for example, must you be at the company for a certain length of time before certain rights vest? Are bonuses or raises given at a specific time each year that might make it wise to time your pregnancy announcement around?

Furthermore, there are a lot of policies even beyond timing that you should research. You should know, for example, what is available at your employer in terms of:

• Parental leave (paid and unpaid)
• Short-term disability coverage
• Flexible work arrangements (remote/hybrid options)
• Protections around pregnancy discrimination
• Re-entry plans when your leave ends

Note that federal and state laws may only apply to certain employers, such as those with a certain number of employees, but having a casual understanding of the policies there can be helpful.

Some workplaces even offer parent transition coaches (such as through Parentaly) or formal re-onboarding plans, which sound amazing. These can make a huge difference, and if you’re in a position to enact these at your company, please do so!

We had a big discussion on the best employer benefits and perks, and you might want to look over that list and keep things like this in mind if you’re looking for a new job, as well.

Investigate Your Childcare Options

This is a huge, huge factor, and some of it is knowable beforehand. You and your partner should discuss (and potentially investigate):

• Which family members might be available to help out on a regular or semi-regular basis — could you count on them for backup childcare if needed? Would you want to? (We’ve discussed the pros and cons of grandparents as babysitters on CorporetteMoms!)
• What are the daycare options near you, and what are their waiting lists like? What do they cost?
• What other childcare options would be open to you, financially, physically, or even mentally? For example, if you have a spare bedroom, you could consider an au pair. Would you be open to a shared nanny situation? We’ve also looked at other ways to “level up your childcare,” including night nurses, mother’s helpers, second nannies, housekeepers, house managers, personal assistants, and more.

Ask Other Moms How They’re jUGGLING eVERYTHING

There are a few categories to think about here:

• Local parents: What local resources are helpful for, say, finding a nanny?
• Coworkers who are parents: What company benefits are they using, and what expectations have they set inside the company? In my law firm days, I used to work with a man whose wife was a doctor, so even though we were at a big law firm, he was entirely clear up front with partners that daycare pickup was 100% his responsibility and he would be leaving the firm at a specific time (4:45 maybe? I forget the exact time but remember it felt really early!) and be unavailable for a few hours. He always logged back on to answer emails and continue work, and he was in general a great favorite among the partners.
• Other parents in your general career: (These might be friends from school, people you know at other companies, etc.) Some things are common in some careers (such as job shares) and not in others. Being visible at specific conferences, industry-wide committees, and/or in publications or forums might matter more than you think. You might also get a sense here of which employers or job tracks are great if you want/need to take a step back from your career — which companies offer flexible work arrangements that actually work, which companies have great re-onboarding policies, and more.

These don’t have to be formal conversations every time. If you’re at lunch talking about other things with someone who’s a parent, show interest and ask questions if they mention their children and ask what the logistics look like.

Have Frank Conversations With Your Partner

Last but certainly not least, you should have some frank conversations with your partner about how this is all going to work. They may think they don’t need to take parental leave (or that they can, like, write a book during their parental leave). They may think that of course you’re going to lean back. They may hate the idea of daycare.

Sharing parental duties can be a huge issue for couples, and most moms end up as the default parent — you can do things like

Sharing parenting duties is far, far bigger than who changes the diapers. In fact, the author of Fair Play has gone as far as dividing parenting duties into three main categories: conception, planning, and execution. If you both read the book, it would be a great way to start understanding the tasks ahead of you, and you’ll also be emotionally prepared to do the work when the time comes.

Readers who are parents, what are your thoughts about planning your career for babies? Do you think you can plan a career for motherhood and babies? Is there anything you could have done to prepare yourself or your career for babies?

Stock photo via Pexels / Nataliya Vaitkevich.

This post may contain affiliate links and Corporette® may earn commissions for purchases made through links in this post. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

With the dark winter mornings we’ve all been enduring, and because it’s both prime resolutions time (maybe to wake up earlier?) and cozy-bed season, it’s great timing for an alarm clock roundup. We’re featuring the best alarm clocks in a range of prices to help you get out of bed and get to work (and Sunday brunch) on time.

What are your favorite alarm clocks, readers? Or do you prefer to use your phone and/or smartwatch?

Apps are an option, of course, and I currently have a subscription to Alarmy (iPhone & Android), which I’d recommend. It makes you perform a task before it will turn off (the sound does stop in the meantime), and you can set a second alarm to go off after you complete the task(s), in case you fall back asleep. Sample actions it can require you to do are scanning a barcode on an item (preferably in another room), doing math, and doing squats.

{related: sleeping well: share your favorite mattresses, pillows, and more!}

The Best Alarm Clocks

Hatch Restore 3

Sunrise alarm clocks like this one are often recommended for rousing you gently with gradually brightening light, and they’re also popular amongst the Corporette team. (In the past, Kat reviewed one of hers, and over at CorporetteMoms, Ann wrote up the Smartsleep Sleep and Wake-Up Light. I once used the Philips SmartSleep Wake-Up Light Alarm and would recommend it.)

The newer ones are both easier to use and more appealing to the eye — and one of the main ones of note is the Hatch Restore 3. It comes in three muted colors, with a very minimal design. You set it up with the app, but there are also controls on the device itself to allow for a phone-free morning. It has a large option of lights to wake you up (from colorful progressions to basic sunlight), as well as a large menu of sounds you can choose to pair with them, including unusual ones like “Parisian morning.”

The Hatch Restore 3 is $169.99. The basic sounds and colors are included with the device, or you can upgrade to a Hatch+ subscription (about $50/year) to get more light and sound options, from comedians to wake you up, to ASMR or quiet stories to send you to sleep.

Looking for something more affordable? Check out the Glocusent Sunrise Alarm Clock, currently on sale for $49.99 (full price $99.99) at Glocusent.com.

{related: how to optimize your sleep}

Loftie Alarm Clock with Sound Machine

Here’s a splurge-y option for people who take their alarm clocks very seriously. The Loftie Alarm Clock is under $175 at Amazon and $169.99 at ByLoftie.com, and the latter offers 20% off two colors, as well as a 30-night trial. The clock is available in several color combinations and also acts as a sound machine.

This Loftie clock has many, many features that include an stream your own music through it if you like, but the machine offers classical music, white noise, nature sounds (rain, waves, forest), sleep stories, and “wellness” features like breathwork and guided meditations.

The alarm clock, which connects to WiFi (though that’s optional), has a companion app, but it’s only necessary for setting up the device, and after that, it’s not needed. Note that this is a wired alarm, but it has a 5-hour backup battery, just in case.

{related: how to wake up more easily when it’s dark out}

Over at CorporetteMoms, our morning Corporette writer Elizabeth recently recommended the Capella Extra Large Display Alarm Clock, so we’re excerpting her review here! Because she’s a “bad sleeper and a parent of a teenager” who has a curfew, Elizabeth likes this inexpensive clock’s features, though of course it’s a great model for anyone. It’s only $20 at Target.

This alarm clock’s features include an extra large display (almost 2″ high), dual alarms, adjustable snooze, and adjustable dimmer, and you also can use it to charge your devices. (The product description notes that it has “USB-C and USB” charging ports, and I assume it means USB-C and USB-A.)

Here’s how Elizabeth uses this clock for handling her teen’s curfew:

Lately we’ve been trying a new arrangement that involves this basic alarm clock. It sits on a console table outside my bedroom. When I go to bed, I set it for a few minutes past curfew time. When she comes home, she turns it off so the alarm doesn’t sound. This way, I can still get some sleep knowing that if she’s not home by the agreed-upon time, something will rouse me so I can track her down. (Do I still wake up in a panic sometimes? Sure, but I think that’s just parenting.)

So far, it’s worked fantastically. We did have one close call, but she called me from down the street to let me know she was on her way so the alarm wouldn’t be the thing to wake me.

Elizabeth wrote that while any alarm clock would work for her purposes, “this one blended in well with some of our other decor, and the display is big enough for me to read without my contacts in.”

(Btw, interested in learning more about Elizabeth’s experiences providing foster care as a single woman? She wrote a post about it!)

{related: waking up: how to make it easier}

Clocky Rolling Alarm Clock

If you have MAJOR issues with waking up, Clocky, aka “the Runaway Alarm Clock,” is for you. I’ve heard this recommended frequently for heavy sleepers, and I think I might actually bite the bullet and buy it myself. The company declares that “Clocky makes waking fun!” and while I seriously doubt that, I’m sure it’s effective. (You know what would actually make waking fun? “Clocky” from “Pee-wee’s Playhouse.”)

ANYWAY, this alarm clock comes in both neutral and fun colors, and it’s under $30 at Amazon (with a “limited time deal”) and $37.99 at Clocky.com. Here’s how it’s unique: If you snooze its alarm (which it only allows once), it literally runs (or more accurately, rolls) away from you, beeping all the way with its “loud R2D2-like robotic sound.” (Note that you can also disable snooze and and the rolling-away function, just in case you just can’t take it anymore.) It’s sturdy enough to roll off from three feet high.

My favorite customer review reads, “This will most definitely wake you up. it sounds like you are being attacked by robots. I wake up every morning thinking the robots are taking over.”

{related: “I’m exhausted” — how to investigate why you have no energy (open thread)}

Readers, please share your recs! What alarm clocks effectively get you up and out of bed? Do you care about aesthetics for clocks? (Also, has anyone out there who tends to turn off multiple alarms while you’re half asleep found solutions to that?!)

This post may contain affiliate links and Corporette® may earn commissions for purchases made through links in this post. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Do you have a resolution for the year? Regardless of what it is, odds are we’ve done a story (or 3) on it. Here are some of our favorites for the big resolutions…

Readers, do you have resolutions this year?

{related: how to make meaningful resolutions}

Socialize More

See more posts on friendship and dating!

Be More Mindful

{related: My Atomic Habits review (TLDR: it’s an amazing way to create new habits!)}

Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

See all of our posts about slow fashion and ethical shopping!

{related: making real personal changes with just one thing}

Save More

See more of our personal finance posts!

{related: how to stick with your resolutions}

Pay Down Debt

See more of our posts about debt!

Learn About Finances

Eat Better

See all of our posts about food (dieting, meal prep, recipes, energy, etc).

{related: 6 books to help you achieve your New Year’s resolutions}

Move More

See more of our posts about exercise!

Look More Polished

See more of our posts about fashion!

Appreciate More, Stress Less

See all of our posts with tips regarding stress.

Organize Your Life

See all of our posts about organizing.

Grow Your Career

See more of our posts with career advice.

Get Crafty / Get a Hobby

Read more of our posts about hobbies!

Be Outside More

Be More Adventurous

Ladies, do you have any favorite conversations or posts that have been helpful for self-improvement? Any big topics we’ve missed,

This post may contain affiliate links and Corporette® may earn commissions for purchases made through links in this post. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

At the beginning of each year, we always like to remind readers of several important financial housekeeping tasks to do — plus new tax rules, current forecasts for interest rates, and more. Even if your New Year’s resolutions have nothing to do with personal finance (if they do, share them in the comments!), these are key things to consider in January and beyond.

Financial Numbers to Know in 2026

We have more details on these numbers below, but here are the key numbers for the year:

Mortgage Rates in 2026

Here’s some good news: As ABC News recently reported, this week mortgage rates dipped to the lowest they’ve been in 15 months, after peaking at more than 7% in early 2025. The average interest rate for a 30-year mortgage is 6.15%, significantly down from 6.89% last May. And this week, CNBC shared experts’ predictions that rates will stay between 6% and 6.5% this year.

The Housing Market in 2026

In December 2025, Redfin predicted that this year would bring gradual increases in home sales and improved affordability, while home prices and monthly housing payments will grow slower than wages. The website also foresees that sales of existing homes will rise by 3% over 2025 by year-end, while rents will increase as supply falls this year.

CD rates in 2026

A few weeks ago, NerdWallet told readers it’s a good time to make a move on the current high-yield CDs before rates drop more, as both national average and high-yield CD rates saw notable drops starting in September 2025. Still, the article noted that rates are still at some of highest in more than a decade.

In terms of specifics, top one-year yields are around 4.00%, and the best five-year CD rates are closer to 3.75%.

Series I Savings Bonds in 2026

The current interest rate is 4.03%, including a fixed rate of 0.9%. This applies to bonds issued November 1, 2025, to April 30, 2026.

In case you’re not familiar, Series I bonds earn interest monthly, while interest is compounded semiannually; you’ll earn both a fixed rate of interest and a rate that changes with inflation. You can redeem your I bond after 12 months (or keep it in there as it earns interest for up to 30 years). If you cash in the bond in less than 5 years, however, you lose the last 3 months of interest.

Student Loan Changes in 2026

Brace yourselves, because this year, we have a lot more student loan news to share than we usually do — and it’s not great.

ICYMI, here’s some eyerolling news from last fall: As of July 1, 2026, the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program will exclude employers that “engage in unlawful activities such that they have a substantial illegal purpose, including supporting terrorism and aiding and abetting illegal immigration” as well as “performing prohibited medical procedures that attempt to transition children away from their biological sex.” (Here’s the government’s fact sheet that details the new PSLF rules.)

On a more encouraging note, this article from The College Investor notes that 21 states and the District of Columbia are suing the U.S. Department of Education over the new policy.

Even bigger changes have hit the student loan repayment plan called Saving for a Valuable Education (SAVE) plan, which was created by the Biden administration. As NPR recently reported (along with PSLF news), pending court approval, the SAVE plan will end, forcing millions of borrowers to change plans that will likely have higher monthly payments.

NPR also explained in detail why “trying to change repayment plans in 2026 is about to get weird” and reported that new loans for graduate students will be subject to new borrowing limits ($20,500/year), and the current grad PLUS program will end.

Regarding private student loans, U.S. News & World Report has a chart (updated Jan. 2, 2026) that features the best options for 2026. Currently, the highest rated are Ascent, SoFi, and Nelnet bank.

Personal Finance Tasks to Do ASAP in a New Year

Review 401(k) Limits for 2026

The 2026 IRS contribution limit for 401(k), 403(b), and most 457 plans, as well as the federal government’s Thrift Savings Plan, is $24,500, up from $23,500 in 2025. For people aged 50 and over, the catch-up contribution limit has increased to $8,000.

If you’re making regular contributions from your paycheck, make sure you’ve adjusted your chosen amount accordingly if you want to max out your 401(k). It’s best to do this at the beginning of the year so you only have to do it once — if you do it in the middle of the year, you’re either not maxing it out or you’ll have to change your contribution again next January.

{related: where to save (when you don’t know what you’re saving for)}

Review IRA Limits for 2026

The 2026 IRS contribution limit for IRAs has increased to $7,500. For people aged 50 and over, the catch-up contribution limit has risen to $1,100.

{related: not sure what to do first/next in your personal finance journey? here’s our money roadmap}

Reassess Your Debt

If your mortgage or student loan payments have changed recently, figure out how you can round the required amount UP to an even number, and make the change accordingly (paying the extra toward principal). Do what you can — every little bit helps with principal (this calculator from Bankrate helps you see how much), and knowing that a memorable round number is coming out of your bank account helps you to know if your balance is sufficient.

{related: how to decide when to pay down debt — and when to save}

For example, if your mortgage payment is now $3,218, you could pay

• an extra $282 toward principal each month (total = $3,500 each month)
• an extra $82 toward principal each month (total = $3,300 each month)
• an extra $782 toward principal each month (total = $4,000 each month)
• or an extra $32 toward principal each month (total = $3,250 each month)

Review Your State’s 529 Contribution Limits

If you have a 529 plan, reassess your automatic contributions. Each state occasionally changes the amount you can give to get a state income tax deduction; if you want to max it out, then assess.

Readers with kids: Don’t forget that as of January 1, 2024, you can roll unused 529 funds into a Roth IRA for your child without tax penalty. Saving for College has all the details.

{related: the 411 on using 529s to go back to school}

Reassess your Subscriptions

Now is a great time to reassess your subscriptions and other repeating payments to make sure you’re not wasting money on services you’re not using, and check for rate hikes.

Many streaming services raised their prices in 2025, and this year, it’s Paramount+’s turn. The streamer recently announced it will charge subscribers more in 2026, increasing its $7.99/month Paramount+ Essential plan to $8.99/month from $7.99, and its Paramount+ Premium to $13.99/month from $12.99. Some are expecting Spotify to raise its rates this year, too (again).

Automate Investing or Saving If You Can

Consider setting up automatic investing, or automatic saving to amortize big expenses. Kat has a small amount of money automatically moved from checking to her online savings accounts to help her save for multiple financial goals, like her emergency fund, vacation fund and predictable large bills (term insurance, accounting advice, etc.).

What personal finance tasks would YOU do ASAP in a new year, readers? Have you already made any moves in 2026, and has this list inspired you to take action?

{related: what was the best financial decision you made last year? (2018 discussion)}

This post may contain affiliate links and Corporette® may earn commissions for purchases made through links in this post. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

What jewelry are you wearing now? (Are you asking for anything along those lines for presents, or keeping an eye out for post-holiday sales?) What are your daily earrings? What necklaces, watches, bracelets, or rings do you wear regularly? Would you say your jewelry is more due to trend (it’s “in” now) or style (you just like the pieces)? Where do you draw the line between which jewelry is appropriate at the office, and what should be worn on nights and weekends instead?

In the past we’ve talked a lot about jewelry (but it’s been too long!), including how to build a jewelry collection for work, how to store your jewelry, the best splurges (that may include jewelry), all about watches for the professional woman, how to mix metals, and how to buy pearls.

For my $.02, I tend to like colorful pendants, especially given that I usually wear V-necks (and probably too much black). For everyday earrings I have Vinader ones similar to these or Dweck ones similar to these, but for nights out I do love my large statement earrings from Alexis Bittar or Walter Steven Scott.

I’m kind of in an Alexis Bittar rut, I suppose — I really, really like the colorful pendants and earrings that I’ve largely thrifted over the years. I also admire the colorful jewelry from Ippolita, but haven’t been quite as lucky as thrifting that one. (I think my collection includes one necklace that I got on deep discount back when Neiman Marcus’s discount store, Last Call, was still in business.) I was influenced by Adina at Blue Collar Red Lipstick to buy the red earrings she features here; they are some of my favorite statement pieces right now (but would not be for the office).

I’m not really a fan of gold necklaces, but because they’ve been trendy in recent years I borrowed some of my mom’s necklaces that she wore all the time when I was younger. (She doesn’t wear a ton of jewelry right now beyond her wedding rings.) If I remember correctly, the gold chains may have been milestone birthday presents, and I like that every time I wear them I feel connected to my mom a bit more. One is like a twisted rope, the other is sort of connected chainlink gold; I wear them both together with a slide lock clasp like these. I like to think the overall effect is similar to this gorgeous David Yurman necklace (which, yikes, is $39,000).

My mother in law has also contributed to my jewelry collection in recent years — I think part of it is decluttering, but I always appreciate them. One opal ring is so stunning that it has surpassed my much-loved right-hand diamond ring. (I still wear the matching earrings though.)

I do enjoy semi- and precious gems, but I’ve been less inclined to wear them recently. I have a diamond-shaped sapphire I bought years ago that I still wear occasionally, and a large collection of garnet pieces (January baby) that I almost never wear. A few years ago I found a random auction site with a ton of discounted jewelry — think Kohl’s type of jewelry. The prices were so insane I wound up getting a bunch of stuff (an emerald necklace for $70… and then the matching earrings were in the next lot and no one was bidding so I got those for $10). Other fun purchases, all in that one night — a 10-carat blue sapphire pendant, a fairly large pink sapphire, a garnet ring, a mystic topaz ring, an opal ring. They’re all allegedly real, lab-created gems, but the finishings are all silver, not gold, which struck me as odd. I haven’t had anything appraised, but I’ve had fun wearing them here and there — they’re not really my style, but when I bought them the prices were so good I had (extremely!) loose plans to use the gems in other creations.

In terms of semi-precious gems I’ve always loved the iridescent ones like labradorite, and I went through a phase where I was buying different jewelry based on their woo properties, so I have things like a chrysocolla necklace, or an amethyst and moldavite pendant that I wear to parent/teacher conferences.

Readers, how about you — what are your daily earrings? What necklaces, watches, bracelets, or rings do you wear regularly?

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Readers, what are your best tips to look good for work every day? What do you think is the key to being consistently polished and put together? We haven’t discussed this in a long while so I thought we’d review.

(And of course, check out our Wardrobe Essentials page for our latest favorites for the building blocks like great work pants, comfortable but polished flats, and more.)

How to Look Good at Work Every Day

1. Wear A Good Bra.

If you want to see an immediate improvement in your appearance, get a new bra that fits well — everything you wear looks better! This tip is especially a good tip for busty women, but it’s true for everyone. Looking for a great fit? Readers like stores like Nordstrom that carry a full range of sizes such as 28F — or if you feel like fitting yourself, try the subreddit /abrathatfits. Note that there are even petite bra companies out there; you can also get straps shortened at the tailor if that helps.

(This bra is (hands down!) the reader favorite, but you can also check out our lingerie roundup here.)

{Psst: 10 things about dressing professionally if you’re busty}

2. Watch For Poor Fit in General.

Are your blazer sleeves too long and grazing your knuckles? Is your skirt too short? Are your pants hems dragging on the ground, are your pants or skirts “smiling” because they’re too tight, or are they gaping or twisting because they’re too loose?

Some people will say “tailor everything!” — and while that’s a great way to look like a million bucks, it can also COST a million bucks. So I say that even if tailoring isn’t in the cards for you, make sure you understand fit — and when something is fitting you POORLY. (Here’s our guide to the top alterations the readers get at the tailor.)

3. Take Care of Your Clothes and Accessories.

Are your shoes scuffed or in need of a polish or cleaning? Does your skirt, blazer, or handbag have loose threads hanging down? Are your pants wrinkled with dirt on the hem? Is your blouse in need of ironing? Attention to little details like this can make a big difference in making or breaking your appearance for work.

Readers echoed this sentiment, including for handbags: “with handbags, they can remain functional but once some parts like straps start fraying, it’s better to replace a piece like this if it’s meant for work.”

Pro tip from the readers: Keep your work shoes nice by keeping them at the office! One reader shared, “I have pairs that have literally never seen the outside world.” Other women agreed with this; one noting, “YES! I’ve made shoes last 5+ years with daily wear indoors only.”

4. Know Your Shapes.

Specifically, know the classic shapes that work best on you — and don’t be afraid to adopt a uniform or capsule wardrobe that features those pieces. (At the very least, have one or two outfits that you KNOW look great — whether you call those your power outfits, your safe outfits — you can even grab them for help looking great the day after the all nighter at work.)

Sheath dress, shift dress, A-line dress — do you know which one looks best on your body, and why? What is the best pants look for you — trousers, ankle pants, boot cut pants, or straight leg styles? Be ruthless in assessing it!

In the comments sections on previous posts, there were three really common pieces of advice along these lines…

Know Your Colors

One reader put it this way:

Like others here, I find it helps to have a narrow color palette: lots of navy and black dresses, sleek blazers, neutral / black footwear, a wine-colored leather satchel, and sculptural silver jewelry. Over the years, I have found what works for me, and everything falls into place much more easily these days.

Having a narrow color palette ensures that your clothes go together, and the color is flattering on you (and, likely, with your makeup and regular accessories like your winter coat).

Another reader emphasized the importance of knowing the RIGHT colors:

Make sure you are wearing the right colors for your hair color and skin tone. People suggest neutrals for ease but many neutrals can make you look old and washed out if you are not pairing them with a color near your face. The right colors can make your face light up. If you aren’t sure what colors look best on you, then photograph yourself in various colored tops. The camera never lies. It will become immediately apparent what colors wash you out and what colors brighten you up.

Pick Your Clothes Out Ahead of Time

Time and time again, readers talked about how they pick out their clothes ahead of time, whether it’s having an “emergency no-fuss outfit for crap, rushed days” or literally setting things out. As one reader put it,

Set out your outfit the night before!! That avoids you throwing on whatever is clean in a rush in the morning. If I’m not sure about an outfit I’ll take the time to try it on the night before, plan my accessories, etc, so there’s no indecision in the morning. I know I’ll look better if I plan it out beforehand.

Another reader went even further and said she will organize a whole week of outfits ahead of time. “One thing I sometimes do, when I know the week ahead is going to be very busy, is to organize several outfits at one time, usually on Sunday afternoon. If its looking like a really bad week, I’ll do all 5 outfits for the week. Just takes one more thing off my mind.”

Another tip from yet another reader:

Pick your outfits in advance. Every Sunday I look at the weather and my calendar for the week. Then I choose all my outfits for that week and iron them all. This allows me to inspect them for dirt, holes, stains, wearing, etc. I have found a stain on more than one occasion while ironing on a Sunday. A sure fire way to look disheveled is to grab something in the morning and throw it on.

Buy Intentionally — and Be Merciless With The Bad

One reader said, “Buying more intentionally and making sure I get rid of clothes that don’t fit well instead of putting them back into my closet is key. If everything fits well and looks good on, it’s a lot easier to get dressed in a hurry and still look polished.”

Another reader put it even better: “the best way to look good consistently is to get rid of everything that doesn’t look good.”

5. Have Great Hair

Here’s what we mean: choose a great office hairstyle that works with you at least 90% of the time — and keep your hair maintained.

Get frequent cuts so you don’t have straggly, split ends. Everyone has frizz to some degree, but if you feel like yours is excessive, do what you can to control it — consider a keratin treatment, a regular moisturizing hair mask, or an easy office updo that’s easy for you to do and comfortable to wear. (Here’s our latest favorite hair mask.)

To be 100% clear: You can have gray hair, curly hair, long hair, natural hair, etc., but if you find that your hair is a distraction for you more than 10% of the time once you’re at work, you should probably find a better office hairstyle. (Examples of it distracting you: you’re playing with it, redoing it, annoyed by it, or in pain by it (raise your hand if you’ve ever gotten a headache from a ponytail!)…)

One easy clip that people have loved for years is this one, available at Nordstrom — readers have also loved spin pins like these.

6. Have Great Posture.

We just talked about ways to improve your posture — and it really makes a huge difference in how you look for work.

7. Strive to Be Comfortable as WELL as Polished.

This particularly applies to shoes — as one reader noted,

Good shoes. Make sure your shoes are comfortable enough for you to walk well in them. I see so many women in shoes that they can’t walk in – it destroys the look even if everything else is perfect.

8. Pay Attention to What Works, and Replicate.

We talked earlier about culling the bad things from your closet, but a HUGE tip the readers shared is paying attention to what works. We heard it a number of different ways:

• Another thing for me is to just try to pay attention to those “I feel awesome in this” days and to repeat as often as possible and vice versa.
• There’s certain outfits that make me feel great and I basically replicate those. In the summmer it’s fit and flare dresses. The are comfortable and work with my body type.

A Few Bonus Tips on Looking Good at Work Every Day (From the Readers)

A few readers had their own list of rules that they were kind enough to type out… here was one reader’s notes:

I love this article. I started my career in corporate law as a complete and total mess. I used to roll out of bed, grab whatever, and run into work. I once (no lie) came into work without a bra (I am a G!) because I just wasn’t paying attention. What?! It was holding me back in a major way, and I knew I need to change. I set aside $5k (a lot of money for me) and totally redid my wardrobe. I threw almost everything out. I bought $1k just in good bras (when you are big up top, the best bras are expensive).

Here are my tips (in addition to the ones in the post):

1. Thoughtful buying – For me, that meant that I had to stop buying clothes because they were heavily discounted and therefore a “good deal”. I only buy clothes that I need, are made well, that FIT well, etc.
2. Become friends with a tailor – I don’t just get expensive clothes tailored. Almost everything I buy is tailored. Yes, it is expensive. But it makes even mid-price clothes look expensive and so much better.
3. Hose – This was good for me, but may not be for everybody. Wearing hose made me look so much better and more conservative. I also avoid open toe shoes – which again is a personal preference, but makes me feel more in command at work.
4. Jewelry/Watch – I bought studs (fake, but made well) and a nice watch. I wear them every day.

For me, the biggest change was getting rid of worn shoes (no beat up heels) and totally revamping my shopping to avoid splurge buys that don’t really make sense in the long run.

All of above + hard/good work turned my career around.

(Various other readers agreed with her about hose, all with the caveat that while hose isn’t for everyone, if it IS for you it can really add a lot of polish. Here’s the readers’ latest favorite hose, as well as our Guide to Pantyhose.)

Another reader agreed with me on the bras, and then went on to say:

Yes to the bras. Also camis esp. if you are big up top. I like the added layer and most of my bras have seams or patterns (my go-to is the Panache Tango, which is a great bra but has a leaf pattern on the cups that shows through tops).

Also, foundation garments on the bottom. Today it’s underarmour compression shorts. Sometimes Spanx, sometimes Assets. Just something to keep it all smooth and non-jiggly.

Hate to say it but also, makeup, but mostly if you have a skin thing like I do (rosacea). So maybe I’ll sub makeup for skincare. I do think it helps my overall professional look when I am not red and blotchy.

A watch, necklace, and small earrings I think pull together just about any outfit.

Also agree that shoes should be in good shape. That is something I am working on.

Also a lint roller in your office, esp if you have pets.

Natural fibers help. Bottoms with structure (wovens or heavy knits).

Neat fingernails. And I never want to see your toes.

Keeping things in good condition – no stains, pulls, holes, or stretched out things.

I could go on and on. Getting dress and looking good take more time than anyone thinks!

Ladies, what are your best tips for how to look great for work every day? Would you add anything to my list — or take anything away?