Making It Work: How I Took My Closet from College to Corporate

rodeo x sophie ratkovic @sophieratkovic

*note from the rodeo team*

MEET SOPHIE 👠

Sophie moved to NYC to chase her fashion dreams—and quickly realized her college closet wasn’t exactly “9-to-5 chic.” But instead of scrapping everything, she got creative. With a fresh eye (and a little Rodeo magic), she turned her sparkly spring break fits into a wardrobe that works.

This week, she’s sharing how she made it happen—no full closet purge required.

xx,

the rodeo team 💅☀️

*P.S. Still don’t have the app? Bold of you. Fix that below …
👇👇👇

I moved to New York City to start my dream job in fashion, I had a moment of panic staring into my college closet. I had more sparkly skirts from Cabo spring break than I did blazers for my corporate job–too many trendy tops and statement pieces, not nearly enough of anything remotely “corporate chic.” Starting my full-time job in fashion didn’t mean I had to burn my closet to the ground. A full wardrobe redo just wasn’t happening—and honestly, I didn’t need one. Instead, I took a hard look at what I already owned, figured out which pieces made me feel good, and started building from there. Turns out, with the right styling, the clothes I already had could totally work.

I didn’t need to gut my entire closet to feel put together at work—I just had to see it with fresh eyes. A lot of what I already owned was completely usable; I just didn’t realize it. Once I started focusing on fit, versatility, and building around core silhouettes, everything changed.

At the end of the day, if I’m not comfortable in what I’m wearing, I don't feel myself—and I’m not set up for a good day. Don’t waste your building a wardrobe that isn’t yours.

My capsule wardrobe started with the basics: matching sets, a crisp button down, neutral layering pieces that made me feel polished—even on the days I didn’t feel like it. Now I look at clothes entirely differently. When I shop, I think in terms of value, versatility, and cost-per-wear. Before purchasing, I often ask myself, can it go from the office to dinner? From winter layering to summer styling? If the answer is yes, it’s in the cart

Creativity shows up in the way I style the same pieces again and again. For me, it’s all in the hair and the jewelry. A slick back bun and gold hoops gives off a totally different vibe than a bouncy blowout and a claw clip. Layered necklaces, chunky jewelry, or even a bold hair accessory can change the whole feel of a look—and make a simple outfit styled and intentional. Getting dressed has become less about trends and more about how I want to feel that day. Lately, I have been trying to rely less on Pinterest and lean more into my own instincts. When I do want inspiration, I want it from real people with real style. That’s where Rodeo comes in. It’s my go-to when I want to see how people are actually wearing pieces—and maybe find that unexpected item I didn’t know I needed.

Fashion is still fun–even when you’re working 9 to 5. You don’t have to lose your style just because you are setting alarms and answering emails. My commute is my runway, and I fully romanticize my walk into the building every morning. Do I film my outfit on TikTok before catching the train? Absolutely. Not for anyone else—just because it makes the morning feel a little bit more fun. It’s also my way of documenting this chapter—how my style is evolving alongside my life and career–and sharing that journey with others. Platforms like Rodeo make that even more special, because I get to connect with people who are figuring it all out right beside me.

Style hacks I swear by: Add hoops to everything. The piece I keep reaching for? My wrap dress—it never lets me down. Closet MVP’s? Ballet flats that are actually comfortable, and flip-flop heels that I wear when I want a little bit of height.

Getting dressed in the morning is my small way of showing up for myself, even when everything else feels chaotic. Turns out, I didn’t need more clothes. I just needed a closet that keeps up and grows with me.