What are you wearing to work today? Something fabulous? Or something you grabbed out of the dryer because the kids spilled their cereal and they haven’t gotten their shoes on yet, and OH MY GOD WE’RE GOING TO BE LATE IF WE DON’T LEAVE RIGHT NOW?

I thought so.

We all get dressed, every single day; it should be the easiest thing in the world. But dressing for a professional environment can be complicated, particularly when planning your wardrobe competes with changing diapers and making sandwiches before you head out the door. You have to match, be unwrinkled, and wear a different outfit every day, and if you’re at all like me, you stand in front of your closet and moan “I don’t have anything to wear!” at least once a week. If not more.

We’re going to change that.

My name is Susan Wagner; I’m a freelance writer and professional blogger and mom of two energetic boys. On a typical day, I am juggling carpool and groceries and deadlines. In between, I might unload the dishwasher, start some laundry, or marinade something for dinner. It’s hard to know what to wear for all that, especially if it’s at all possible I will wind up playing t-ball in the yard at the end of the day.

Like so many women these days, I am short on time–I don’t have all day to roam the mall looking for that Perfect Dress. I am also not interested in spending every dime I earn on a suit that I will only wear twice a month (if I’m lucky). But I don’t want people to look at me and think, oh, she’s on the Mommy Track. I don’t see any reason why we can’t all look polished and professional without breaking the bank or going berserk in the process.

I am a big believer in shopping your own closet before you head for the mall; chances are, you already own the perfect outfit for that meeting or dinner or interview. Even more than that, though, I am a big believer in shopping smart, in buying pieces that are well made and that fit properly and will last beyond the season or the trend. In the weeks to come, we’ll talk about what basics you need, how to make your closet work for the office and beyond, and how to shop smart on a budget.

The Working Closet is not about trends or celebrity styles; it’s not about spending a fortune to look good. The Working Closet is about finding what’s right for you, about creating a wardrobe that works for your body and your life and your budget. It’s about feeling polished and elegant and pretty no matter where you’re going. It’s about wearing what you love and loving what you wear. It’s about having a closet that works for you.

Have a question for the Working Closet? Send it to fridaystyle.susan AT gmail DOT com.