Stereotypical office attire isn’t renowned for its fashion-forward characteristics. Frumpy blouses and itchy polyester trousers don’t exactly smack of elegance and luxury. However, you have no reason to forego your fashion sensibilities whilst donning office-appropriate workwear. Even if your workplace has a relatively strict dress code, there are always ways of enhancing your outfit so you can feel great, even on Monday morning.
Consider How You Want To Represent Yourself
Depending on your workplace and individual position, you may want to consider how you come across to your colleagues, management, customers and clients. The truth is, people do tend to judge a book by its cover, so how you present yourself is an essential part of your working life. Your outfit speaks volumes about your personality, profession and career goals; for example, a highly professional position warrants a highly formal outfit.
Don’t Be Afraid Of Colour
Standing out in a sea of employees can be challenging; however, a pop of colour can transform a dull office outfit into something spectacular, guaranteed to make you memorable. Consider colour psychology - colour is a powerful tool of communication, able to impact mood significantly. Sunny yellow will brighten up your office environment, whereas deep blue evokes an atmosphere of focus and professionalism.
Consider Wearing Heels
Gone are the days when a woman wearing heels was taken less seriously. The modern working world now associates heels with power and perseverance. Furthermore, a good pair of heels can add femininity and edge to a number of outfits. For example, a relatively gender-neutral outfit of cigarette trousers, a shirt and blazer is instantly elevated with a pair of elegant heels.
Blazers and Jackets
A good quality tailored blazer can add an element of fashionable professionalism to any outfit. Layer a patterned oversized blazer over a plain jumper dress or monochrome trouser and top co-ord for an effortlessly chic, office-appropriate outfit. Smaller, form-fitting blazers are excellent for adding structure and defining your waist - style a fitted blazer with a pencil midi dress to accentuate an hourglass silhouette.
The Power Of Layering
Layering is the key to any great outfit. The ability to mix and match fabrics, colours and prints makes for a stylish, exciting ensemble. It is also profoundly flattering and allows you to experiment with proportions. Layering also helps to keep you warm during colder months without drowning yourself in oversized knitwear.
Weather-Appropriate Clothing
Speaking of colder months, dressing appropriately for the weather is always advisable. Women’s cashmere jumpers are exceptionally soft, insulating and durable. Add a cashmere jumper or sweater vest over a slouchy button-up shirt, wide-leg trousers, or pleated midi skirt for a fashion-forward preppy-inspired office look. Furthermore, remember that your outerwear is just as crucial as your indoor attire, so invest in a high-quality trench coat, which is a fantastic choice of trans seasonal coat, favoured for its comfortable and practical design.
Statement Accessories
When in doubt, dress up pedestrian outfits with statement accessories, including scarves, necklaces and earrings. Statement accessories allow you to express your individuality while remaining professional and put-together. They also provide excellent conversation starters, which may help boost your colleague relationships. Consider adding a vibrant, patterned neck scarf to a plain black jumper and trouser combination as a fun, stylish focal point.
Work Trousers
Work-appropriate trousers come in a variety of styles. Finding a cut that is comfortable, flattering and appropriate can be tricky. Cigarette trousers are a timeless classic that can be dressed up or down; however, they are relatively tight, which many find uncomfortable. On the other end of the spectrum, we have wide-leg trousers which are not only incredibly comfortable and flattering, but they’re bang on-trend.
Opt For A Dress
For those who struggle to decide on coherent work outfits morning after morning, simplicity is key - in which case, a well-fitting dress or jumpsuit can do wonders. Midi dresses are perfect in terms of professionalism, sophistication and practicality. In warmer weather, you may want to opt for a floaty, feminine tea dress. When the weather becomes predominantly chilly, a form-fitting knitted dress with opaque tights and a waist belt for definition is a fantastic warm yet appropriate option.