After scouring the classifieds online and in all the major broadsheets, you''ve hurdled the final interview and landed your dream job.  If the company does not require its employees to wear a uniform, you realize that you now have to assemble a wardrobe that would fit your new position.

A quick scan of your new office would let you gauge if the accepted dress code falls under Business Attire or Business Casual.  To get more mileage out of the clothes you would buy, opt for separates in neutral colors (black, nay blue, tan, gray, cream and white) that you can mix and match with ease. 

To add some character to your wardrobe, pick up several shirts in eye-catching colors; stick to plain shirts or understated patterns because bigger prints call more attention to themselves and therefore, people are more likely to notice if you wear them often.

Up next are checklists which detail the items you need to have for a basic office wardrobe.

Basic Business Wardrobe for Men
• 1 black suit
• 1 navy blue suit
• 1 gray jacket/blazer
• 2-3 extra pairs of neutral-colored slacks
• 6 button-down dress shirts – plain or pinstriped
• 3-4 ties
• 1 black belt, 3 pairs black dress socks + 1 pair black loafers or lace-up shoes
• 1 brown belt, 3 pairs brown dress socks + 1 pair brown loafers or lace-up shoes
• leather portfolio/briefcase

Basic Business Wardrobe for Women
• 1 black/gray skirt suit or pant suit
• 1-2 jackets/blazers in basic colors – plain or with subtle patterns
• 3-4 solid colored pants and/or skirts
• 2 twin sets (sleeveless top + cardigan) – 1 neutral color, 1 accent color
• 4-6 button-down or knit tops – plain or with subtle pattern
• 5 pairs dress socks and/or skin-tone pantyhose
• 1 pair black pumps or flat shoes
• 1 pair tan or dark brown pumps or flat shoes
• plain black leather handbag

Basic Business Casual Wardrobe for Men
• 3-5 slacks or chinos in neutral colors
• 6 short/ long-sleeved button-down shirts or sport shirts with collars
• 2-3 sports jackets
• 1 black belt, 3 pairs black dress socks + 1 pair black loafers or lace-up shoes
• 1 brown belt, 3 pairs brown dress socks + 1 pair brown loafers or lace-up shoes
• leather bag

Basic Business Casual Wardrobe for Women
• 3-5 skirts or slacks/chinos
• 6 tops – plain or with subtle patterns
• 1 black blazer
• 1-2 twin sets
• 1-2 sweaters/cardigans
• 5 pairs dress socks and/or skin-tone pantyhose
• 1 pair black pumps or flat shoes
• 1 pair tan or dark brown pumps or flat shoes
• plain black leather handbag

Check with your HR Department if collarless t-shirts, jeans and leggings are acceptable for regular work days and/or casual Fridays because policies vary from office to office.  The following though are universally deemed inappropriate to wear at work:

• sports wear or workout clothes, including running shoes and sneakers
• flipflops
• clothes that are too tight, low-cut or too revealing such as bare midriffs micro-minis
• hats and caps