Staples For the perfect work wardrobe.
From the perfect 9-5 dress to the trusted structured blazer, these are the pieces to add to your closet in order to always look put together and make the best impression at work
Your work wardrobe is most likely to be the most used part of your overall wardrobe. Most of us spend most of our time at work, whether we work from home or are striving to take over the corporate world somewhere in a busy city centre. The items we wear for work so often become an integral part of our style and come to represent us to the people we meet and interact with everyday. With this is mind, it is important to put thought into ensuring that your work wardrobe is not only full of pieces that give off the right impression about who you are but pieces that also work hard, allowing you to create work looks effortlessly and quickly but still look like you took all the time and effort. Here are 3 pieces and styles (and 2 bonus pieces) to add to your work wardrobe that will do all the work of having you look great, appropriate and ready for that promotion from Monday to Friday or Saturday.
The 9-5 and Beyond Dress
If we’re talking about easy everyday elegance, nothing beats a dress that you can throw on and go. Its the ultimate in maximum style with minimal effort. The key to a good work appropriate dress is to keep it simple and covered up. This is not the moment to try to do to much. A simple no fuss silhouette, knee length or below knee and sleeves is a good bet that will work for most environments. A pencil silhouette that isn’t too tight or curve hugging is always a good bet for the workplace. Or try an A line silhouette for something that’s a little bit more expressive without being distracting. Add style and uniqueness through simple non distracting details like a square neckline and structured shoulders. The key to the dress will be in how you style it. Jewelry should be office appropriate so nothing too big or loud and clanky. Large studded earrings, a dainty necklace and wrist watch or bracelet are enough to say I look good but I’m here to work. Think Classy and understated. For Shoes, style for the weather with a pair of knee high boots for when the weather is cold or and flat shoes or sandals on hot days. When picking a dress for the office, as with any other pieces for the office, thing soft, comfortable that don’t irritate your skin, heat up too easily or make a lot of noise and fuss.
The Tailored Trousers
Whether yours is a more formal or relaxed workplace or even if you’re working from home but want to put on a work-ish outfit to get you in the right frame of mind, a good pair of tailored trousers will always work in all those environments. A pair of trousers will immediately scream workwear while allowing you the flexibility to style it up as you please fo the environment, the weather as well as your style. A well tailored pair of trousrs will work just as well with trainers and t-shirt as it will with a button down and heels. It’s a great base to show off a good blouse or blazer and some good accessories. In the summer, pair it with light cotton tops and tanks. When the temperatures drop, that same pair of trousers will work just as well with boots and a jumper. The power of a good, well tailored pair of trousers cannot be understated. There’s a reason for the particular emphasis on well tailored. And let me add good quality fabric. And here’s why. Well tailored means, well cut, well sewn and well ftting on the body, which for a pair of pants, not only ensures that you look smart and well put together, but are also comfortable all day long, Ill fitting trousers will not only spoil your day by making u=you uncomfortable, but also look bad to the eyes of everyone who sees you. And since your trousers are going to be working hard in your wardrobe all year round, it’s important that the fabric is a good quality so it won’t loose it’s colour, structure or fall apart after a few washes. Check the label and the reviews and go for fabrics that are designed to withstand constant wear. And don’t be afraid to spend a little more to get something good that you’ll have for years to come.
Neutral Coloured Blazer
There is something about a blazer that immediately says formal. No matter what you have on underneath, the moment you throw on a blazer, an outfit immediately feels office appropriate, which makes a blazer a work wardrobe must have. Now that’s not to say, you can wear ag underneath, even if it screams inappropriate for work. The point is if you are ever unsure what to wear to work, or you have already created an outfit that you’re not sure works for the office or that needs something to finish it, a blazer is your best bet. To really keep it appropriate no matter the office environment, stick with neutral colours like black, brown or beige. You can’t go wrong with these colours. A blazer can work all year round and smarten up even the most casual of looks. I personally love a double breasted cinched waist blazer but you can’t go wrong with a classic loose fit oversized blazer. It gives off that modern structured yet relaxed look. But if you want to make it a bit more feminine, just snatch that waist with a belt and you’re good to go. Blazers are timeless, especially when it comes to workwear and although styles have changed over the years as workwear has evolved, the blazer has remained a staple with a variety of styles and options always available. And because you can make it work with almost any outfit as a base, you’ll get plenty of wear out of your blazer, so take the time and the money to invest in a good one for you. A blazer can bring structure and elegance to any look and immediately make you look very gether like no other piece in your wardrobe. Plus when paired with your tailored trouser, you have an instant power look for the office that screams boss!
Bonus Staples- Some good accessories
The right accessories can make or mess up a look and especially in the office, accessories can give your outfit an easily elevated look which is good or make you seem like you’re more interested in fashion that your job and you don’t want that to be the case (even if it’s true or your job is fashion). The trick is to stick with a few classic and understated items that compliment your overall outfit without drawing too much attention. So it’s best to avoid jewelry that is too big, to costumey or too loud. Save those for the weekend events. In the office, your outfit and by extension your accessories should look well put together and offer a good impression about you without being the centre of attention themselves. To that end, the best bet is stud earrings, a dainty necklace, a simple watch or blacelet and a bag that matches the rest of your outfit or your shoes.
I love a simple pair of pearl studs and a leather wrist watch for everyday, because they scream elegance without being too distracting and work with almost every outfit. When it comes to bags, a black, brown or burgundy leather bag that is big enough to carry your laptop and other work essentials should do the trick just fine if you’re not sure what to go for. Depending on your work environment, you may be able to have some fun with your accessories but be careful not to go too far. Stick with the classics, gold, silver, leather and play with silhouette and colour in limited amounts to avoid coming off as unserious or unfocused.
