Fashion

Style Masterclass: What to wear to the office

30th March, 2015

workwear

When you think about how often you spend in work clothes it makes sense to make sure your office wardrobe makes you look and feel great. However how often do you wake up in the morning, stare into your wardrobe and just think “I have absolutely nothing to wear”? Far too frequently, right? I think the key to a functional office wardrobe is having quality staples such as jackets and skirts, having the right basics to work back with them and having fun with accessories. As long as you’ve got the basics sorted, getting dressed will be simple. So, here’s where to start….

1. Invest in key pieces

It pays to buy the best quality staples you can as you’ll be wearing them all the time. This means investing in things like a blazer, a nice black pant, a pencil skirt and structured dresses (an LBD is especially great for going from the office to after work drinks). Get these pieces in quality fabrics such as wool as it will last longer. Also steer clear of polyester as it has a tendency to go shiny.

2. Have a rotation of tops you love

You don’t have to spend a fortune on tops but make sure they’re still well made. I love having round neck tops in various colours as I can pair them with either pants or a skirt. Also if the budget allows, silk blouses are always an instant way to make a pair of pants or a skirt look instantly pulled together. You can have fun and get tops in great prints such as stripes and polka dots but make sure you’ve also got neutral colours such as white, cream, black and navy.

3. Get quality work shoes

You can’t go wrong with a classic pointed black pump in suede or leather. Also, have a pair of shoes in a neutral colour. These two colours and styles should be able to be worked back with virtually everything. You can afford to go a little bolder with shoes sometimes by incorporating a bold colour or print but make sure the rest of your outfit is quite subdued.

4. Buy a great work bag

I throw everything into my bag so it needs to be big enough to carry all my belongings plus fit an iPad or a small laptop. I think a great quality leather bag is key in a work wardrobe as you’re carrying it everyday. Assess your wardrobe and see what colour will work best with what you own. I don’t think you can go wrong with neutral colours such as black, grey or tan. I’ve mentioned this in previous posts but I love having two handles on my handbag – smaller handles so I can carry it on my arm and a longer strap so I can carry it on my shoulder as it’s more versatile. If you’re going out you can always just pop a clutch into your bag to wear later.

5. Have great accessories

A gorgeous statement necklace is a great way to finish off an outfit. The same with belts in various prints or colours. Have a few key accessories that can be worked back with most of your work wardrobe and have them on rotation.

What other style masterclasses would you like to see in future?

 

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1 Comment

  • Reply Kim 27th May, 2015 at 9:38 pm

    Great ideas! Pictures next time pleases! Master class on casual practical fashionable day clothes!

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