- Power looks require power investments, especially when it comes to classic pieces that make up the foundation of a polished professional's wardrobe. As part of our <a title="BE Polished" href="http://www.blackenterprise.com/style/"><strong>BE Polished</strong></a> style series, we highlight key apparel and accessories that will ensure your office look is always on point. <i>—Sirita Wright </i>
- <strong>HER COAT: </strong>A nice swinging trench never goes out of style, and one that has a relaxed silhouette and belt flatters most body types. This <a href="http://www.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=0&viewAllFlag=&catalogId=33057&storeId=12556&productId=2662561&langId=-1&sort_field=Newness&categoryId=208526&parent_categoryId=203984&pageSize=20" target="_blank"><strong>Topshop coat </strong></a>($137) also has an added timeless accent, a detachable faux fur collar, taking you from end of spring into fall and winter with pizazz.
- <strong>HIS COAT:</strong> This is a definite must-have investment, being both versatile and wearable in all seasons. You can wear it on a cooler day before the winter frost comes, layer it with fall items or wear for rainy days. Try a coat in a seasonal blend like this belted<a href="http://www1.bloomingdales.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=555312&CategoryID=23142" target="_blank"> <strong>Shades of Grey trench</strong></a>, ($264; Bloomingdales) for a sleek, timeless look.
- <strong>HER WATCH:</strong> Whether you're in the boardroom, classroom or in the field, this watch will work magic, adding that special touch to any look. A statement piece in rose gold follows a timeless trend and works well for formal or casual occasions. Try this <a href="http://www.michaelkors.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=prod9990054&parentId=cat7502&masterId=&index=25&isEditorial=false&cmCat=cat000000cat145cat35701cat7502"target="_blank"><strong>Michael Kors </strong></a>watch ($295), which flatters all skin tones and works with any ensemble.
- <strong>HIS WATCH:</strong> There is nothing better than when a great watch peeks from the edge of a man's sleeve, showcasing his style and personality. Any man's watch is an investment piece and should be of good quality. The textured band is a big trend this fall, like this emerald green, crocodile-banded <a href="http://www.neimanmarcus.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=prod109250004&parentId=cat540731&masterId=cat000533&index=50&cmCat=cat000000cat000470cat000533cat540731&isEditorial=fal" target="_blank"><strong>D&G Zermatt watch</strong></a> ($195; Neiman Marcus).
- <strong>HER BAG:</strong> The oversized, classic bag is essential for the working woman. This fall, the satchel silhouette works wonders when it comes to style and functionality. <a href="http://www.endless.com/dp/B004Z035BM/181-1425247-9574548?ie=UTF8&creative=395033&suppressRedirect=1&linkCode=asn&tag=dealtimendles-20&creativeASIN=B004Z035BM&ref_=asc_df_B004Z035BM1698062" target="_blank"><strong>This one, from Ivanka Trump's</strong></a><strong> </strong>line ($175), features quilted leather and a detachable strap. The neutral color allows for everyday wear and can be dressed up or down.
- <strong>HIS BAG:</strong> Bulging pockets and hands laden down with everything from your PDA to your lunch simple just won't work when it comes to presenting a polished professional look to the world. A great alternative to a briefcase is a messenger bag (not to be confused with the "man purse"). Keep all of your work and tech essentials in one central location with something like this <a href="http://www.colehaan.com/colehaan/catalog/product.jsp?sizeDescription=&catId=100&productId=433609&productGroup=433610#" target="_blank"><strong>Cole Haan carrier</strong></a> in a neutral and durable leather. <a href="http://www.colehaan.com/colehaan/catalog/product.jsp?sizeDescription=&catId=100&productId=433609&productGroup=433610"></a>
![HER LITTLE BLACK DRESS [LBD]: Every woman needs a deliriously sexy, little black dress that can be worn in the office and out of it. A dress with ruching or draping is possibly one of the most forgiving and versatile pieces for any body type. Try something like this Aiden Maddox dress ($220) for the perfect LBD.](http://cdn.blackenterprise.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2011/09/EssentialDressWoman.jpg "EssentialDressWoman")
- <strong>HER LITTLE BLACK DRESS [LBD]: </strong>Every woman needs a deliriously sexy, little black dress that can be worn in the office and out of it. A dress with ruching or draping is possibly one of the most forgiving and versatile pieces for any body type. Try something like this<strong> <a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/aidan-mattox-drape-neck-sarong-skirt-dress/3175440?origin=category&resultback=1824" target="_blank">Aiden Maddox dress</a></strong> ($220) for the perfect LBD.
![HIS BASIC BUSINESS SUIT [BBS]: Having that perfectly tailored basic business suit (BBS) is the best option, not only for polish but to provide numerous mix-and-match options for other looks. It's always good to find one in a seasonal material such as a cotton blend, in a solid black, navy, or grey tone like this one from Bar III ($299; Macy's)](http://cdn.blackenterprise.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2011/09/EssentialSuitMan1.jpg "EssentialSuitMan")
- <strong>HIS BASIC BUSINESS SUIT [BBS]</strong>: Having that perfectly tailored basic business suit (BBS) is the best option, not only for polish but to provide numerous mix-and-match options for other looks. It's always good to find one in a seasonal material such as a cotton blend, in a solid black, navy, or grey tone like this one from <a href="http://www1.macys.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=586917&CategoryID=17788&LinkType=#fn=sp%3D3%26spc%3D128" target="_blank"><strong>Bar III </strong></a>($299; Macy's)
- <strong>HER </strong><strong>SHOE:</strong> A pair of classic black pumps is timeless, but don’t forget to add a nude one to your collection. Nude pumps add height and a sleek silhouette to feet and can be worn with almost any outift. A round or almond toe is great, but this fall try a pointy toe shoe like this <a href="http://www.endless.com/dp/B004X4JQJA/ref=asc_df_B004X4JQJA1688323?tag=dealtimendles-20&creative=395033&linkCode=asn&creativeASIN=B004X4JQJA" target="_blank"><strong>Charles Jourdan Collection platform pump</strong></a> ($245; Endless.com) It combines the chunky heel with the pointy toe platform that can be worn from the office to your afterwork soiree.
- <strong>HIS SHOE: </strong>Step up your shoe game with the classic oxford. Today's versions are sleek and grown up, not too stuffy and aren't the shoe of grandpas past. Go for a leather neutral like brown, black or grey such as this <a href="http://www.zara.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product/us/en/zara-us-W2011/118190/454547/VINTAGE%2BOXFORD%2BSHOE" target="_blank"><strong>Vintage Oxford </strong></a>($99.90; Zara)<strong>.
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- <strong>THE WILDCARD CLASSIC: </strong>It's always good to have an item in your closet that embodies a classic trend that seems to always come, go, then come again. For men, it's the statement tie in a popping print, such as a <a href="http://www.neimanmarcus.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=prod139820041&eItemId=prod139820041&cmCat=search&searchType=MAIN&parentId=&icid=&rte=%252Fsearch.jhtml%253FNtt%253Dtie%2526_requestid%253D11686%2526N%253D4294966780" target="_blank"><strong>paisley</strong></a>, and for women, it's all that is leopard, a hot trend this fall for shoes and accessories. Spice up any ensemble with what could be considered the "new nude pump," with this <a href="http://piperlime.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=759864012&tid=plfr1r&redirect=true" target="_blank"><strong>leopard-print Sam Edelman shoe</strong></a> ($140; Piperlime).
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<li><strong><em>Visit </em><a href="http://www.BlackEnterprise.com/style">BlackEnterprise.com/style</a> <em>for more Fashion Week coverage as well as features on how you can upgrade our professional style profile!</em></strong></li>
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Posted: September 14, 2011
