Most of us have been saying a long drawn out goodbye to the holiday season but now it’s time to snap out of it and get back to work!
The rules of engagement for office and work wear have changed dramatically over the last decade, with the strict guidelines and guilt thrown out the window BUT some rules still apply- I’ve put together some dos and don’ts that won’t have you being gossiped about by the water cooler…
DO
Keep it simple: This sounds a little boring but if you are stuck on where to start on your work wear situation one rule of thumb is best when you’re unsure- simple is key. Plain, block fabrics that flatter your shape down below are a great starting point to build from. Gorgeous tailored trousers, pencil skirts and knee length styles will have you at the ready.
Blousing Around: Shirts are not just for corporate types- think clean, crisp linen and cotton in white and pop colours- team these with the staples I mentioned before and you are good to go and they always look chic.
Accessorise: If you think work and office wear is yawn worthy spice the look up with your own personal touches. Try statement necklaces on a plain grey knit with a pencil skirt, or vintage earrings with a tailored suit. Even basic black can have an eclectic edge with a beautifully printed scarf or antique brooch. Snap! Plus the more interesting the detail, the more points you are likely to score with co-workers.
Well Heeled: I know, some of you are groaning about the height situation but seriously ladies, would you get dressed with only half your outfit on? Shoes are SO important to an outfit and especially so with simple styles. Invest in supreme leathers and suedes and YES the higher the heel the closer you will be to that corner office! A heel lifts a look beyond the 9 to 5 and makes you look taller among your peers- the highest you can still stand in without looking like a stilt walker should do the trick! Plus, they can double for after work drinks (if your feet can still stand it!)
Suits You: A suit. Yes, a suit maketh the woman. There is something incredibly powerful to me about a woman in a well cut, impeccably finished suit. Go for wools, tweeds and twills- these fabrics will last the test of time and fit much better. The jacket and trousers or skirt can be mixed around and played with to give you even more options for the office.
Prints Charming: For the more fashion forward among you, playing with prints during the office slog can actually work (ahem) in your favour. If the style is simple and flattering you can afford to throw in a busy print to mix it up a little- be brave!
Check out Josh Flinn’s Office Wear Dos Gallery Here
DON’T
Flash the Flesh: This sounds like a no-brainer but sexy, revealing clothing is not work wear (unless your office is a gentleman’s club) Your lingerie should be left to the bedroom and keep racey/lacey styles for after 5 drinks- the whole office does not need to know your cup size as you stroll by…
Short and Not-So Sweet: Make sure to keep your length here. I know a cute pair of shorts or a barely there skirt makes you feel good but if you drop your pencil, there won’t be a bloke in the office who will offer to pick it up for you…and you know why…
Tight Squeeze: While you may have plunged thousands of dollars and hours in the gym making Elle Macpherson jealous, the courier or delivery man does not need to see ALL of your hard work! Keep a little to the imagination while at work and stick to styles that skim, not bear hug your body- plus it means you can have a little extra at lunch and no one will notice!
Sneaking Around: I know, the commute is a killer but please PLEASE leave your sneakers under the desk! Fine to get to work in, not to stay in. Flats are (annoyingly) fine if you must but be sure to slip on some stunners as soon as you make it to your desk.
The working world has long ago left behind stuffy rules when it comes to working that wear, but I think if you look smart and confident it will rub off onto others and you can stride managerially into that boardroom and knock their socks off (just make sure you left yours with the sneakers!)
Image: Stella McCartney Iris wool-twill blazer
