I’m a fashion writer with a strict 3-rule test — and these 7 work staples made the cut

It’s that time of year when you have a closet full of clothes and absolutely nothing to wear to the office, to dinner or anywhere other than bed. We’ve all been there, looking at a sea of fabric and feeling zero inspiration.

After years of trial and error, I realized that a functional wardrobe isn’t about quantity; it’s about strict standards that create investment staples that help me create power pieces for the office that transition to date night that I’m actually proud to wear. I’ve set up a test for myself to make sure I don’t waste my money, no matter how cute the item is.

My Non-Negotiable Three-Rule Test

Before I buy anything now, it must pass three tests. If it fails even one, I know it will sit untouched until it eventually ends up at Goodwill.

• Test One: Is it stylish or elegant?
• Test Two: Is it comfortable?
• Test Three: Does it fit as if it were tailored for me?

This is exactly why I stopped hitting the New York sample sales. In my early 20s, I was obsessed with designer anything, but the truth was, most of it didn’t suit my style or fit my body. But slap a label on it, and I was happy to wear it.

During my trend-driven decade, I often bought clothes that didn’t suit my body shape; I added them to my cart anyway, simply because social media made it the hottest thing.

Sutton-Williams before her three-rule fashion test. Emma Sutton-Williams

Then came the COVID era, and I swung too far toward comfort and, frankly, I looked half-alive. I eventually had to stage an intervention with myself and put on real clothes.

But when I distilled the issue to style, comfort, and fit, all of my fashion problems were solved. You’d be surprised when you’re honest with yourself how very few clothes pass the test.

How I Honed My Palette and You Can Too

9-to-5 appropriate, stylish 24/7: Sutton-Williams shows off her fashion-forward work uniform. Emma Sutton-Williams

I sat down and wrote out the words that actually described how I wanted to look. I pulled together a mood board of styles I appreciated and distilled them into words describing what I loved most. Of course, my taste has evolved over the years, but the desire to have an effortless ‘model off-duty’ vibe remains.

This led me to my power palette of olive green, black, brown, cream, and blue. The magic of these colors is that they are entirely interchangeable. I can swap any top for any bottom in these tones, and the outfit still works.

It makes my nightly ritual of putting together my outfit for the next day infinitely easier, and I’m positive that once you do the work to find your own power palette, it will be easier for you, too.

I’ve pulled together the seven items I wear on repeat that are work-appropriate and polished enough to transition to after-dark soirées.

NAADAM Lightweight Cashmere Boatneck Sweater

NAADAM

I’m a huge fan of NAADAM. At this point, I’m positive my co-workers are sick of hearing about how soft their cashmere is and how well it holds up from season to season. While I usually gravitate toward their heavier luxe line, I recently pivoted to this lightweight boatneck. It skims the body perfectly and offers that rare breathability that works as a standalone piece rather than just a layer.

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Reformation Gale Satin Mid Rise Bias Pant

Reformation

We’ve recently been called back to the office five days a week, and I miss wearing pajamas all day. This is the easiest way I can feel comfortable and elegant at the same time.

My go-to pants are silk; I own several pairs of the La Ligne Colby Pant ($325), but not everyone wants to spend their paycheck on a pair of pants. That is why I suggest the Reformation or this satin pair from Amazon at just $35.99 with an elastic band for extra comfort.

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Sézane Scarlett Dress

Sézane

I love Sézane’s quality and typically invest in one knit dress a year. It’s hard to find a dress that checks the modest yet flattering box and keeps you warm without being too warm in winter. Somehow, this French brand nails it every time.

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Misha & Puff Fluted Lace Bergen Cardigan

Misha & Puff

As someone with a slender build, I’m always wary of knits swallowing me whole. This set is the exception; it’s incredibly flattering and, honestly, makes me feel hot without crossing into distasteful territory. It’s also super easy to look put-together when you have zero brain power for styling, which is me every morning.

I’d consider this an investment piece worth the splurge because the quality will last season to season.

It can be purchased in Bark or Red Hot (Valentine’s Day is on the horizon) and layers well with its matching turtleneck top or the Anjes Cami.

If you prefer a price under $20, check out the Amazon Essentials line for a cardigan sweater that shares the same aesthetic. It won’t last each season, but it is much more affordable.

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UGG Finn Luxe Fluff Moto Jacket

UGG

The aviator bomber jacket aesthetic is very much in vogue right now, and for good reason. It adds an immediate edge to a neutral outfit. If you’re looking to add one item to your rotation this season, make it a classic bomber with warmth and fleece trim. I own the brown suede for an Amelia Earhart vibe, but the black leather can give a dressier presentation.

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rag & bone Miramar Wide-Leg Pants

rag & bone

Looks like denim, feels like the softest blanket you’ve ever touched. I’ve never worn anything like it, but the material comes in tops and bottoms. I love a Canadian tuxedo, and this outfit is classic enough to be worn into the office with a kitten heel and a sweater tossed over the shoulders or your favorite tennies. Trust me, there is no dupe for this material; just buy them and never wear anything else ever again. They’re that comfortable!

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adidas Samba OG Shoes

adidas

Every woman needs a comfortable shoe she can run in and feel confident wearing to the office. It would be an understatement to say Samba OG shoes are having a moment. From being Harry Styles’ go-to to off-duty accessory (along with Zoë Kravitz), it has also become the official uniform of the “West Village Girl” and almost everyone in Hollywood. I highly recommend it if you want to show your savvy street style.

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Why Trust Post Wanted by the New York Post

This article was written by Emma Sutton-Williams, New York Post Commerce Writer/Reporter and resident fashionista. Emma is one of the best-dressed ladies in The Post’s office, and also known for finding an unbelievable deal on any one of her stylish outfits. Divulging on everything from designer launches, sales and dupes to the most-popular and most-underrated purse brands to luxurious silk pajama brands, Emma has cultivated an eye for style and an expertise for identifying the clothes and accessories worth your coin. At the same time, she proudly models the products she picks so you can see their fit and function first-hand. Emma has been creating shopping guides for The Post since 2024, and previously held bylines in Rolling Stone, Oprah Daily, Parents, InStyle, StyleCaster and more.

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