“Finding comfortable workwear that looked great was a pain point in my life.” You can say that again, Sali. Sali Christeson (she/her), founder and CEO of Argent, started the company after reading a study that quantified the monetary impact of what women wore to work on their bottom line. Knowing how intensely women’s appearance is judged, she decided to help arm women “with a wardrobe that delivers style, functionality, and self-expression as they take their seat at the table.” She’s determined to make sure that workwear for women isn’t stagnant or constricting. And she’s well versed in the importance of pockets.

Read on for some insider knowledge on how to be the best dressed woman at your office (or on your Zoom call).

What are your 3 biggest tips for women trying to look cute but professional at work?
1. First, I would say fit is key. Pairing tailored pieces like a blazer or a pair of trousers with staples in your closet like a form-fitting sweater or classic button-down is an easy way to always look polished.

2. Second, I’m a big fan of one piece dressing. Having a few dresses or jumpsuits to reach for on a hectic morning when you have limited time can really help take the thought out of the experience.

3. Lastly, when it comes to professional work clothes I would suggest investing in a few pieces that you can wear for years to come—they’ll be the cornerstone of your closet.

What about if we WFH? How should we keep it classy but comfy?
Easy pieces like a cashmere cardigan or striped cotton tee pair great with a relaxed pair of jeans or wide-leg elastic pants. You’ll be comfortable while working from home, look pulled together on camera, and ensure you’re the best dressed in your neighborhood’s coffee shop line.

For those who work at more ~fancy~ offices, how do you suggest they incorporate more fun into their outfits?
Color is a great way to insert personality if you work in an office that has a strict dress code. I’m a big fan of monochromatic dressing, and doing a full suit in Bright Pink, Cobalt, or Kelly Green is a fun way to make a statement, but still be respectful of your office environment.

If money is an obstacle, what are the most important pieces to invest in first in terms of workwear?
If you’re just starting to build your work wardrobe, I recommend investing in a great neutral suit that you love. A suit can be worn thousands of different ways and will give you lots of mileage.

We can all agree that work appropriate shoes can be really uncomfy. Do you have any recs?
For casual meetings or if I’m running around town, I recommend the Adidas Sambas or Nora sneakers. If you’re looking for something more polished that you can also commute in, the pumps from Gray Matters are a great option.

Any other tips?
Comfort is key when getting dressed for work. Look for fabrics that are seasonless and wrinkle-resistant to make sure you can wear them all year round and  be comfortable, regardless of the weather.