Late twenties public servant. Mid atlantic state with 4 distinct seasons. 2/5 time spent in a more casual bis-cas office, 1/5 time in the field (could be in a city, could be at a landfill), 1/5 time meeting with public officials/presenting at public meetings, 1/5 time lazing about/friends and family-ing. I would like to own fewer things but my job demands three discreet dress codes. * black cashmere wrap/scarf used constantly. So fancy looking but so cozy. This is my number one top most beloved item of all time that I have ever owned. * 2 pair nice jeans in blue and black for office and weekend (cycled into field wear as they crap-ify * black sheath and blazer for meetings, interviews, funerals, etc. * skirt suit (mine is a light grey wool pencil and blazer) remove blazer, adjust shirt and shoe fanciness as needed for varying meeting formalities. * 2 nice blouses (can be worn with jeans or suit for internal or external meeting days or for times I'm in the field but supervising a contractor instead of mucking around) * nice, well-fitting cotton tshirts (I go for jcrew perfect fit t's - as they become crappy they get cycled into field wear) * neutral cardigans in warm and cold weather weights. Old ones become weekend, then field wear * crew or vneck sweater in silk-cotton-cashmere for cold weather, silk-linen for warm weather. They generally stay at the office for chilly days/last minute must look nicer than planned moments. Older ones become weekend wear * semi casual dress or flowy skirt for weekends, office fridays that become date nights in warmer months * old sweatshirts, for field work and lazy weekends * 1 pair shorts for summer fun times * low black pumps * 2 pair flats (one loafer, one ballet) in different neutrals * nicer boots for cooler months * rain and snow boots * sandals * steel toed boots * carhart jumpsuit + a million long johns and warm socks * nice trench/raincoat * high vis rain coat and boots * nice winter coat * 1 super comfy but professionally passable outfit for the first day of shark week or plane travel (mine is ponte leggings with a tunic, my giant scarf, and a bat-wingy cardigan that I swear is chic. All black) * one piece swimsuit for gym and recreation

.... In hindsight this seems like too long a list, but I've already written it out and truly can't think of which of these things are expendable.