8 Key Pieces for a Summer Work Wardrobe

In these economic tough times, it’s more vital than ever to dress well for work, says Lloyd Boston, host of The Fine Living Network's "Closet Cases", author of Before You Put That On and Jones New York "Style Guy". “Your clothes tell your boss who you are,” says Lloyd. “It’s important to look like one of people who are irreplaceable.” You can look professional without spending a lot of time or money once you have these eight key pieces in your closet.

1. The White Shirt

A crisp, wrinkle-resistant white shirt can be worn alone, under a sweater or over a cami and left open like a jacket, suggests Lloyd. His choice is the Jones of New York No-Iron Easy Care French Cuff Shirt. Interested in more no-iron pieces?

2. Sheath Dress

Another great foundation piece is a sheath dress. You can wear it with a shirt underneath, or a jacket on top, says Lloyd.

3. Tailored Pants

If you’re not a dress person, tailored pants are another versatile option, says Lloyd. Wear them with your white blouse, a jacket or a cami and cardigan, depending on how formal your office is.

4. Tunic

Tunics are a flattering alternative to blouses. Tone a pattern or bright color down by wearing it under a jacket or cardi. Headed out after work? Take your topper off and show off the tunic.

5. White jacket

For summer, Lloyd recommends a white cropped jacket. Try wearing it over a longer tunic, for a modern downtown look that’s still work appropriate.

6. Belts

Accessories like belts help a woman look polished. Belts can be wide or slim—whichever works best for your outfit and figure, says Lloyd. The important thing is to wear it at your smallest point, be it your natural waist, higher up on your rib cage or lower slung on your hips.

7. Ballet Flat

Women look at each other shoes before their eyes, says Lloyd. When opting for a classic shoe, like a ballet flat, add a touch of spice to your outfit by selecting one in a conversational print.

8. Jewelry

Too many women wear emotional jewelry—pieces they got on vacation or were given as a gift—and frequently end up piling too much of it on, Lloyd says. Instead stick with one or two pieces that are more impactful, like a bold, classic cuff.

Recessed Ironing Center With Swivel Board

Hideaway your ironing board in this convenient Recessed Ironing Center that even has a spot for your hot iron. Imagine the convenience of opening the center's door to reveal a drop-down 42" ventilated metal ironing board, complete with a silicone-treated padded ironing board cover. The lighted rocker switch starts prepping your iron and you're ready to tackle all those shirts in the basket.

When you're done, raise the board upright, store the iron and close the center door. Electricity to the iron is automatically disconnected - a great safety feature for those of us that are always on the run.

This Recessed Ironing Center has approximate sizing of 14-3/8"W x 47"H x 4"D and should be installed 25" from the floor, between an interior wall's studding in a convenient location in your laundry area or anywhere else you like to do your ironing.

This unit comes fully assembled and ready for installation. Wiring is required if you want to utilize the handy electrical receptacle for the iron. Available in unfinished white oak or other finish.

A most convenient way to do your ironing and terrific storage for your iron and ironing board.

Iron a Button-Down Shirt and Pants

Unfortunately, it doesn't take a lot of effort to wrinkle clean clothes - but ironing them isn't very hard either. See how to iron a button-down shirt and pants.

Ironing Boards
First, set up your ironing board. I use a full size board because it is easier to work with, but small countertop boards will get the job done.

The Right Heat for Ironing
Plug in your iron and set the heat to the proper setting. For cotton or linen shirts you can use a steam iron, or a spray bottle to moisten the shirt. Don't use water with silk fabric because it will create spots.

Ironing Shirts
Once the iron is hot, spread the shirt across the ironing board. Start by ironing the collar of the shirt on both sides. Next iron the sleeves, paying close attention to the cuffs.

The body of the shirt should be ironed last starting with a front side and working around the back to the other side of the front. Be sure you have the fabric flat on the ironing board. If a crease or fold should occur, re-steam the crease and iron the area again.

Shirt-Ironing Cautions
Never leave the iron on the fabric too long or it might burn. Don't iron with small children around. Always leave iron facing up when you aren't using it.

Ironing Pants
Now let's iron the pants. Start on one of the front sides. Pull pants as far as they will go onto the ironing board by the waistband. Work your way around the back to the other side of the front.

Now iron the legs, laying them flat on the board. Flip over and repeat.

Top 10 No-Iron Pieces for Work

Between putting on your makeup, organizing your purse and gulping down coffee, the last thing you have time for in the morning is breaking out the iron and ironing board to press your clothes. And now you don’t have to. "No-iron pieces" used to be synonymous with polyester, but that’s changed; many attractive and versatile wrinkle-free clothes are now available in a range of fabrics and styles.

1. Brooks Brothers Miracle Shirt

This gold standard of no-iron pieces has been featured on Oprah more than once, and with good reason. This blouse comes in four different cuts, including tailored, fitted, semi-fitted and classic, several colors and patterns. Best of all, it really can be worn straight from the dryer—no kidding!

2. J. Crew Wool Crepe One-Button Blazer

This one-button blazer in a soft wool crepe is wrinkle-resistant and light enough to wear year round. It has a handy inside breast pocket for business cards or lipstick and is fully lined. No wonder this is one of Michelle Obama’s favorite stores.

3. J. Crew Wool Crepe Pencil Skirt

Pair this slim-fit skirt with the matching above blazer for the office then wear without for post-work cocktails. This skirt with back seams and a small coin pocket won’t wrinkle even when you wear it eight hours plus. Available in four colors.

4. Nies Lavi Silk Jersey Top

This line is designed with travel in mind—many pieces come with a matching travel bag—so every piece promises to be wrinkle-free. The silk jersey is soft, comfy and flirty and hugs your curves without being clingy. The patterned Rosetta top will look just as good under a suit jacket as it will with pants. Ready for a vacation? Slide it off the shoulder and pair with white jeans for a tropical look.

5. Coldwater Creek No-Iron Shirt

Just because something is no-iron, doesn’t mean it has to be boring. This yellow floral-print blouse is fitted at the waist and has French cuffs. Tip: The bold print will hide spills, making this number perfect for new moms. Wear it with khakis on Saturdays when you’re running errands.

6. Casual Living Knit Sleeveless Knit Dress

Destined to be your go-to piece: It doesn’t get any easier than this timeless black polyester/Spandex blend miracle dress. It’s machine-washable, too! Pair with a jacket or cardi and scarf to the office or with heels and costume jewelry for evening.

7. Ann Taylor Ribbed Cardigan

Speaking of a cardi, look for one with a small amount of nylon, so it won’t wrinkle as readily. The ribbing on this sweater helps hide crinkling, too, and the v-neck style is flattering for all figures. Push up the sleeves and sport a chunky necklace for a modern look.

8. Land’s End Original Boot Cut Fit Pant

You’ll want to buy these classic black pants in bulk! The polyester/wool/spandex blend pants sit low on the waist and are boot cut for a slimming fit. They come with a brilliant little secret: Elastic inserts at the waist allow for up to 3-inches of give, so you can wear them comfortably on even your most bloated of days.

9. Michael Stars Supima V-neck T-Shirt

The king of T-shirts, this one is long enough to wear with lower-rise pants and is made of wrinkle-resistant Supima cotton. It comes in nine colors, a variety of sleeve styles from cap to ¾ length and a scoop neck option. Layer it under jackets or sweaters or on top of a cami for an added pop of color.

10. Banana Republic Lightweight Jacket

A modern take on the classic trench, this jacket is waterproof, belted and has full, feminine, ¾ length sleeves. Because it’s shorter and polyester, wrinkling is less of an issue. Wear it indoors or out. Ideal for traveling, too since it won’t hog much space in your carry on bag.