It’s easy to run out of business-friendly outfit ideas. But with the right staple garments, dressing for the office can be a fashionably-appropriate event.
Trying to find the perfect balance between your favourite pieces and those that are appropriate for the office can be a daily struggle if your wardrobe doesn’t include the right foundations. Keep reading to learn more about to foolproof your office outfits, no matter your industry, age, or season.
What is Formal Business wear?
Certain corporate environments and industries tend to stipulate that their employees follow formal dress codes. While you won’t be required to don your tuxedo or ballgown, you will have to dress like you are attending a formal appointment.
It is best to stick to two-piece suits, knee length skirts and dresses, minimal makeup, simple hairstyles and conservative accessories. Avoid wearing bright and bold colours, loud patterns and an overwhelming amount of jewellery.
What is Business Casual?
A business casual dress code can be tricky to negotiate. In theory it’s the perfect blend of formalwear and a casual wardrobe, but finding the right balance that leans more towards business, rather than casual, is vital for an office setting.
Still, the best place to start is by styling smarter pieces like midi skirts, structured blazers, button-down shirts and tailored pants (with sneaky pockets for your vape pen), with comfortable ones like sweaters, cardigans and closed comfortable shoes. However, you should still avoid wearing leggings, short-shorts, ripped jeans, graphic tees, sandals, mini skirts and casual sneakers.
6 Foolproof Work Outfit Ideas
For many people, having an extensive workwear wardrobe is not financially feasible. Instead, it’s worth investing in a number of essential pieces that can work well together in a variety of combinations. If selected properly, you should be able to wear many of the pieces outside the office, too, expanding your general wardrobe.
#1 – Solids & Stripes
You don’t need to be Anna Wintour to know that combining block colours and stripes is a classic outfit move. A coloured striped shirt paired with solid pants offers endless outfit possibilities, but choosing a neutral colour palette will give you a more formal aesthetic.
A striped top is a wardrobe staple and carries you through the seasons. For a breezy summer look, pair it with white tailored pants, stylish loafers or heels and your best sunglasses. For a winter go-to option, swap out for black pants, heeled boots and a sophisticated blazer or winter overcoat.
#2 – Invest in the Classics
Some garments are considered classics for a reason. They have stood the test of time, maintaining fashionable popularity year after year. Filling your wardrobe with these classics will guarantee you have a fashion-forward outfit to hand at all times.
A structured blazer is a fantastic way to elevate any outfit, from the corporate office to a stylish social event. Button-down shirts are considered by many to be the workhorse of the wardrobe thanks to their huge versatility in casual and formal settings. Finally, loafers are the perfect blend of function and fashion, with their iconic design and immense comfort ideal for any occasion.
#3 – Tonal Dressing
Tonal dressing is building an outfit by mixing and matching shades from the same colour family. You can create an incredibly stylish, neutral look with depth and interest using various shades and materials when done right.
A staple white T-shirt or button-down shirt perfectly matches dark camel wide-leg trousers, a lighter caramel blazer, and a pair of comfortable loafers. Mix and match linen, silk, and cotton materials to add depth and finish with a handful of minimal accessories.
#4 – Layering
Layering your clothes is more than just a clever trick to stay warm during the cold winter months. In fact, it’s useful in workplace settings when you want to create the perfect blend of formal and casual attire.
Throw a chunky knit jumper over the shoulders of your dress, or opt for a chic waistcoat to wear under a matching blazer. Regardless of how you choose to layer your look, make sure you can remove items as needed throughout the day to stay comfortable.
#5 – All Black Everything
In the fashion realm, there’s nothing more chic than an all-black outfit. It’s a simple yet sophisticated outfit you can put together with minimal effort – guaranteed to suit any and all occasions. Mixing materials and making the most of your accessories is the key to avoiding a stale or boring look.
Tailored pants, black loafers and a black fine knit sweater will have you ready to command any boardroom, while a black skirt paired with a flirty silk shirt and black heels can take you straight from the office to cocktails with friends.
#6 – The Staple Trench Coat
If you’re struggling to decide on a stylish and versatile jacket suitable to take everywhere, the trench coat should be at the top of your list. It’s standout design and brilliant functionality makes it a worthwhile investment in your wardrobe. Choose a trench in a neutral shade like black, white, camel or grey to have an easy throw-on-and-go option for any outfit when heading out the door.
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