I once heard that women who own a shoe rack take 30 minutes less to get ready in the morning, such is the compound effect on the rest of their morning routine.
The point is, having a capsule work wardrobe, as opposed to choosing from your entire clothing collection each morning actually gives you more freedom, and therefore easier choices.
Until Australia Day, most companies take a more relaxed approach to dressing, but as of Monday it's time to tackle the work year head on, which means you'll need the right gear to kick some professional butt.
Rose Byrne submits her entry for stylish employee of the month. Photo: Getty Images
Think about your absolute favourite item in your wardrobe, even if it's NSFW. Is it the cut of a jacket that makes you feel confident, or a dress in a fabric that makes you feel both stylish and comfortable? Is there a garment that gets you compliments every time you wear it (and re-wear it)?
Now, thinking about that garment, how could you adapt it to make it work-friendly or, better yet, find an office-appropriate style that evokes the same feelings?
The goddess of work dressing for the modern woman, Victoria Beckham. Photo: Getty Images
Many successful women have a signature work style because they have taken the time to learn what works for them and replicate it in many colours and variations. Former first lady Michelle Obama was known for her "power dresses", while Foreign Minister Julie Bishop is the master of the two-piece suit, even if she raised eyebrows for a short-pant version when she met her UK counterpart, Boris Johnson, in September.
Every time you get a new job, or start a new year, it's worth doing a wardrobe audit. Here are the five things you shouldn't be without.
A white shirt
While everything in your work wardrobe needn't be monochrome, a white shirt is an absolute must. Absolutely have a staple button-down style, but labels such as COS, Dion Lee and Jacquemus have reinvented the work staple to incorporate trends including the cold shoulder and bell sleeve.
Jennifer Lawrence has blazer, will travel ... to dinner. Photo: Getty Images
A pair of culottes
Finding suit pants can be really tough and often requires some tailoring, which can also add to the final cost. Better yet, embrace culottes, suggests Nimmi Premaratne, a designer at Country Road. Choose a cropped style for dressing down with a T-shirt and blazer or up with a tailored shirt. Just keep the top more tailored unless you are going for the XXL oversized look (Google "Vetements"if you need a masterclass). Shoe wise, try a flat lace-up or backless mule.
A tailored (but not too tailored) blazer
The exception to this is if you have the means to splash out on a signature Balmain. Sure, they're expensive, but you will have it for years. If you're playing with a more sensible budget, opt for wool or a stretch ponte with some special feature, either a statement collar, a few zippers or an interesting pocket.
A statement skirt or dress
Premaratne suggests a fit-and-flare style, which is flattering on all body types. "It's a wardrobe essential for the modern career woman who is looking for a seamless transition from desk to dinner," she says. If you want to add some intrigue, a geometric pattern can have more lasting power than a floral or trend print, which can date quickly. Best of all, a bold skirt or dress is also generally cheaper than a jacket, which means you can update it more often.
An investment accessory
On a recent trip to Florence, I fell in love with a red Gucci belt and, although I agonised over the price tag at the time, I haven't regretted it for a second. The belt instantly livens up any outfit, with the added bonus of some designer jazz hands. It doesn't need constant maintenance like a pair of shoes and gives me a feeling of confidence every time I wear it – and it's a great conversation piece at work functions.