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office attire

Fashion

Refresh your work wardrobe without spending a cent

31st January, 2021

When you’re faced with another full working year ahead with a closet full of office attire that puts you to sleep it can make getting dressed for work just that little bit harder. When you feel like you’ve worn the same combinations over and over it’s time to mix things up and get excited about your nine-to-five looks again. Here are some simply and easy tricks for how to refresh a work wardrobe for free.

Pair things you usually wouldn’t wear together

It’s the year for pushing fashion boundaries.  If you’ve had the same work outfits on rotation for the last few years then it’s time to give them a new lease on life. Eschew your usual combinations and start experimenting. If there’s a shirt that you always wear with a particular pair of pants then make a point of trying to team it with a skirt. If there’s a go-to jacket that you wear to death try to make a point of reaching for another topper such as a blazer or trench. We tend to fall into the habit of reaching for the most familiar pairings so by making a conscious effort to do otherwise you’ll likely end up with something fresh and new. If you’re looking for one of the simplest ways on how to refresh a work wardrobe this is definitely one of them.

 See what you can repurpose from your going out looks

If you’ve got a section of your closet dedicated to going out clothes then it’s time to give them a chance to shine outside of the odd evening out. For example a dress that you’d usually save for a fancy dinner can be reworked by adding a structured blazer on top. As long as the hemline and neckline is still quite conservative (and it doesn’t have sequins all over it!),  you can definitely get away with wearing it to work.

A skirt with a button down melds corporate and cool

Borrow from your off duty wardrobe

I’m sure many of us have our clothes for the weekend and clothes for weekdays however have you tried weaving some of your casual clothes into your workday outfits? A simple white tee for example, can be worn with tailored black pants, heels and jewellery for a modern office look. Pop on a jacket on top and it instantly looks more formal. If you work in a more creative environment with a relaxed dress code, your favourite boyfriend jeans worn with a tailored shirt and heels looks chic with an element of cool. If you want a slightly more feminine look a floaty skirt worn back with a button down manages to look corporate whilst still being on trend.

Change up your accessories

We can fall into the rut of wearing the same accessories day after day which can contribute to feeling like it’s office wardrobe Groundhog Day. It’s lovely to have signature pieces that you never take off but sometimes it pays to incorporate something else into the mix whether it be a pair of earrings, a striking necklace or a great watch. A simple addition of something you wouldn’t usually wear can instantly change up a look.

Try having a few more bags in your work wardrobe rotation

Swap your bags around

If you’ve got a trusty work bag that you wear day in and day out try to challenge yourself to swap to another bag more often. It can begin to feel quite monotonous looking at the same tote all the time so switching to another bag such as an over the shoulder number or an oversized clutch can really lift a tired ensemble.

Experiment with your beauty looks

Whilst it’s great to mix and match your clothes don’t forget to refresh your beauty look too. If you wear your hair and makeup the same way most weekdays then make an effort to be a little more adventurous. Try an up-do as opposed to wearing your hair down and vice versa, wear a statement lip or introduce a pop of colour with your nail polish. It’s the little details that can elevate your office wardrobe and lead to it feeling rejuvenated.

How are you changing up your work wardrobe this year?
Fashion, Shop

Work appropriate shoes with loads of style cred

25th February, 2018

As I mentioned in this post earlier this week I wore heels all day, every day when I worked in an office. Granted I probably had a bit more leeway in the styles that I wore because of working in fashion but I was still conscious that everything had to be work appropriate. I know how difficult it was at times to find work shoes that were still on trend whilst not looking completely over the top for daytime whilst heading to the printer or doing a morning coffee run. These days however, there’s never been a better time for shoes that are totally ideal from 9 to 5 but are still cool enough to head straight to dinner or drinks after work without missing a beat. In fact, you may even want to pull them out for the weekend such is their style power. Here are some styles you should definitely become familiar with — they’ll up your work shoe game and turn more than a few co-workers’ heads in the process.

Kate Waterhouse street style balenciaga sock boots and maggie marilyn skirt

The slingback with edge

Kitten heel slingbacks have made a comeback and not only are they comfortable, you’ll find them in a variety of classic shades, and some with hits of colour to give them a sartorial lift.

Stylish work shoes Prada logo print glossed leather slingback pumps

Prada logo print glossed leather slingback pumps

Patterned mule

This style would look amazing with a cropped pant, but equally so with a dress or skirt —essentially anything that flashes a bit of ankle is ideal when it comes to the mule.

Stylish work shoes style Altuzzara Izy patterned twill mule

Altuzzara Izy patterned twill mule

Trusty loafers

Yes, you can wear flats to the office. Especially loafers which will save your feet and they look pretty darn stylish while doing so. Gucci do a great pair but as they’re such a huge trend right now, there are plenty of affordable options out there.

Stylish work shoes Gucci Brixton horsebit-detailed collapsible heel leather loafer

Gucci Brixton horsebit-detailed collapsible heel leather loafer

Classic pumps

A pair of classic pointy heels are work-friendly and can also extend to your off duty wardrobe. Black is of course a great all-rounder but for an alternative, try navy. It works equally as well but definitely has a bit more personality.

Stylish work shoes Gianvito Rossi 85 suede pumps

Gianvito Rossi 85 suede pumps

Sock boot

I love my sock boots (pictured above) and this coming winter I know they’ll come in very handy. They’re ideal for wearing with skirts and wide leg pants as they have a nice streamlined silhouette.

Stylish work shoes Gianvito Rossi cling suede sock boot

 

Stuart Weitzman cling suede sock boot

A touch of embellishment

Yes, a pair of black pumps is a failsafe as far as work shoes go but look for cute finishing touches such as a sweet bow to lift it and make it a little more interesting.

Stylish work shoes Ganni Sabine suede slingback pumps

Ganni Sabine suede slingback pumps

Cutout pump

This style means business! Whilst a super high heel would probably be better suited for those days when you know your desk will just be a few metres away these are sharp, chic and the kind of power work shoe you pull out for big meetings.

Stylish work shoes Jimmy Choo Vanessa 100 cutout textured leather and suede pumps

Jimmy Choo Vanessa 100 cutout textured leather and suede pumps

The Mary Jane

The ever adorable Mary Jane style shoe is a perfect style for the office but look for finishing touches such as a coloured strap or textured fabrication.

Stylish work shoes Gucci Sylvie grosgrain trimmed leather pumps

Gucci Sylvie grosgrain trimmed leather pumps

Tell me—what are your go-to styles when it comes to work shoes?