Let’s take a moment and really give kudos to your work wear wardrobe. Think about it: these pieces slog to the office on the train with you, sit through overly long presentations with your boss, catch your coffee spills running to meetings – really, they’re working as hard as you are right? So if that blazer is looking as tired as you feel come 3pm Friday, it’s time to hit refresh. We’ve collated the best new season work wear items you need to impress upper management all for under $200.
The Blazer.
When a hero blazer comes along, (particularly when he’s under $200) snap him up. At this price point, there’s no reason not to stock up on all your key neutrals – black, white and grey.
Witchery Longline Tuxedo Blazer, $199.95 from Witchery (in store exclusive); Uniqlo Soft Jersey Blazer, $59 from uniqlo.com/au; Zara grey blazer, $159 for stockists call (02) 9376 7600;
Forever New Livia Step Hem Blazer, $119.99 from forevernew.com.au; Bardot Tropez Blazer, $99.95 from bardot.com.au; Topshop Premium Suit Blazer, $135 for stockists call (02) 8072 9300
The Blouse/Shirt.
Whilst the classic white shirt is ready to do the office hard yards with you from now until retirement, it is the first to show a stain here or there. A shirt and blouse capsule in various neutrals and block colours extends the need to Napisan your crew of whites every three days (yawn).
Country Road Neck Tie Blouse, $179 from countryroad.com.au; Trenery Spliced Silk Top, $119 from trenery.com.au; Uniqlo Oxford Long Sleeve Shirt, $49.90 from uniqlo.com/au; Zara red blouse, $89.95 for stockists call (02) 9376 7600; J Crew embellished cotton shirt, $148.64 from net-a-porter.com
The Trouser.
Calling all wide-legs, cropped skinnies and slouchy tailoring – investing in a handful of key silhouettes is an easy way to expand your work wear below-waist basics without breaking the bank. Get the A to Z and have a rotation of sharply tailored and slouchy styles on hand to suit your mood.
Country Road Wide Leg Pant, $199 from countryroad.com.au; Trenery Wool Flannel Pant, $179 from trenery.com.au ; Zara grey trousers, $89.95 for stockists call (02) 9376 7600; Forever New Georgie Slim Paperbag Pant, $89.99 from forevernew.com.au; Bardot Greta culottes, $89.95 from bardot.com.au;
Topshop Premium Suit Trousers $85 for stockists call (02) 8072 9300
The Skirt.
Shimmy on into pleats or pencils – your possibilities are endless on high street when it comes to the skirt. Get tactile and look for touchable fabrics or subtle design details to up the luxe (think broderie anglaise, jersey cottons and silk blends).
Country Road Trumpet Skirt, $129 from countryroad.com.au; Witchery Knit Tube Skirt, $99.95 from Witchery (in store exclusive); Zara white pleated skirt, $69.95 for stockists call (02) 9376 7600; Bardot scuba split midi skirt, $69.95 from bardot.com.au; Sheike Chloe Lace Skirt, $109.95 from sheike.com.au
The Dress.
Shirt and shift dresses are continuously on our work wear wardrobe guest list for a reason – they never, ever get boring and always make you look quietly professional. The key here is length and silhouette; a big no deal to anything too short or too tight. If it feels at home on a dance floor as well as your desk, best to leave it behind.
Bardot shirt dress, $119.95 from bardot.com.au; Uniqlo Gathered 3/4 Sleeve Dress, $59.90 from uniqlo.com/au; Uniqlo Rayon Short Sleeve Dress, $49.90 from uniqlo.com/au; Zara black dress, $89.95 for stockists call (02) 9376 7600; Sheike Mastermind Shirt Dress, $129.95 from sheike.com.au
The Accessory.
The pump and the tote – the ultimate accessory power couple. If the 9 – 5 grind has you weak at the ankles by hump day, don’t fret; a pointy toe flat of man-style loafer can always step to save you a blister or two by week’s end.
Trenery Canvas Folding Tote, $99.95 from trenery.com.au; Trenery Aileen Pointed Flat, $149.00 from trenery.com.au;
Witchery Caroline Heel, $179.95 from witchery.com.au; Witchery Jasmine Tote, $99.95 from witchery.com.au
Portmans Ruby Size Zip Box Tote, $69.96 from portmans.com.au; Portmans Georgie Pointed Flat Loafer, $89.95 from portmans.com.au;
Topshop Belt Buckle Holdall, $95 for stockists call (02) 8072 9300; Topshop Gallop Nubuck Court Shoes $140 for stockists call (02) 8072 9300
