Styling at the Office
Are you unsure what to wear to work? This week I’m looking at tips and styling ideas for work. Styling for the office depends on your place of work. Let's take a look at official smart work outfits, the do’s and don’t. You can then tweak your look depending on your own work rules.
Here are some key tips and advice to elevate your work look.
Blue wide leg trousers M&S £29.50, Blue relaxed fit blazer M&S £49.50, Blue bow neck tie blouse River Island £30
Grey knit neck tie blouse River Island £25 Sale, Waist coat True Clothing £31.99 sale , White shirt M&S £25, Sam Edelman £130, Silver trainers newlook £29.99, Silver earrings trend tonic £20
The Suit:
Invest in a tailored blazer, suit trousers or skirt and a work dress. The cuts will depend on your body shape. Get a fit that is comfortable, well fitted and well made. The more you spend the better the quality of the cut and make, the better you look and the longer it will last. Skirts and dresses should be knee length. Don’t go to short.
Colour:
Start with a good dark neutral like black, navy, chocolate or charcoal depending on your colour analysis. If you are more creative or dramatic and your work place allows for colour… you can invest in a second more colourful suit, but i’d still advise starting with a darker neutral first. You can add colour in your blouse or accessories.
Now look for your best light neutral, white, soft white, cream or ivory. This will be for your shirt or blouse. It’s important to remember your top should cover your shoulders and back in the office. Get the right shirt for your shape here.
Black Suit : Hobbs Black Casey Jacket £299, Hobbs Trousers with wool £129, M&S Ribbed Top , M&S Silk blouse £29.50, High neck gold top Ted Baker £59 & dark green, M&CO Jumper & Shirt £10 sale, Gold boots Oliver Bonas, Addidas Trainers £35. sale, LK Bennett Heels £199, Earrings Trend Tonic £20
Layer:
Layering can help with cooler times of year, but can also help you take a look from day to night.
If you are wearing a shirt and waistcoat, you can remove the shirt for an evening look.
Look for a fine knit jumper/cardi to be worn on its own, over a shirt or under a blazer.
Shoes:
Smart work/ court shoes should be closed toe, no open back with a small heel/ flat and in a neutral colour. However if you are less restricted you may be able to wear a boot or even a trainer. If you wear trainers to commute or are able to wear them in the office, consider elevating the look by picking a colour that harmonises with your look. For example adding a silver or gold detail to a black, white or coloured trainer will look smarter than a plain white pair.
A flatform trainer is a smarter style to try and can come with added height if needed.
If you are wearing a boot, keep it simple and elegant.
Whistles Teal dress £139
Tights Debenhams £10
Boots Joe Browns
Mango Skirt £45.99
Mango Blazer £49.99
Trend tonic earrings £20
Shirt Zara £27.99
Accessories:
Remember accessories finish a look.
Keep them simple and elegant.
Keep the metal inline with any metallic you may add to your look. EG silver trainer, silver earrings.
Scarfs, belts and bags are important to help create a well rounded look. So don’t shove any old bag with your look.
Make Up:
In a corporate environment keep it natural and elegant. If you wish to add a little emphasis on colour, pick either eyes, cheeks or lips.
A lipstick or coloured gloss can do wonders to our complexion when you have the right shade. Get in touch for a free dominant online colour analysis and receive your recommended make up shades using my Mary Kay makeup range.
When you have built your ideal capsule work wardrobe, you garment should create the following looks with ease. Taking you for your commute, to work, from lunch to a date night. A good suit will go with the following items to create three different look.
‘Casual’ T-shirt/ Hoodie/ Trainers
‘Work’ Blouse/ shirt/ blazer/Tank/ waistcoat
‘Out Out’ Heels/ Nice top/ Earrings
Would you like personalized styling advice based on your body type or office environment? 😊
