Lets Talk Workwear
I am fortunate enough to work for a company that is business casual but I certainly know that is not the case for everyone, I also know that in this day and age, it can be difficult, especially for all my ladies out there, to dress professionally and still feel stylish. I am no stranger to professional attire and over the years I've put together a tried and true formula for creating professional workwear looks without sacrificing my personal style and I want to share my formula with you! With just a few pieces and silhouettes, you can create a plethora of stylish looks for the office!
The formula:
a well fitting but not TOO tight or TOO short bottom + a great blouse + a hint of print or monochromatic approach + a great blazer or coat (or both!) + a comfy pump or stylish loafer/flat = the perfect business professional look
Now, let's break it down.
a well fitting but not TOO tight bottom: this one is probably most important. Unless you're wearing a dress to the office, it's the piece that takes up the majority of your look and more than likely what people notice first. Thankfully there are some great options to consider; tailored pants are always a classic choice but don't be afraid to try a beautiful midi skirt or calf length pencil skirt. Be sure to pay attention to fit! You want your bottoms to fit comfortably but not snug and certainly not skin tight...the office is not the place to intentionally show off your curves friends! If you're fortunate enough to work in a slightly more progressive place of business, I also love the option of a tweed suit with a shorter, but still less fitted a line mini...styled correctly, the shorter skirt length goes unnoticed thanks to the polished nature of the look.
Pants:
Skirts:
a great blouse: this is your bread and butter ladies...a blouse can instantly elevate an outfit! Even if you wear jeans to the office, a blouse can help maintain the professional feel. A blouse is also a great opportunity to add some texture, color, and/or print to your workwear! A blouse can also be your biggest mistake if you don't pay attention to fit. I always feel terrible for the woman whose shirt is just a size or two too small and either pulls at the buttons in the chest or is too short and doesn't stay tucked in (a business professional MUST!) We've also all known or seen the girl who tried to get away with a top that's just too sheer for the workplace. Be sure to take advantage of your basics anytime you consider a work blouse that's even teeters on the side of sheer. Better to throw on a cami and be covered in all the right places than to be in a meeting embarrassed that the sunlight has made your blouse completely see through. It's also important to be considerate of sleeve styles. In most professional settings, tank tops of any kind are not appropriate and therefore of you feel the top is questionable due to the sleeve, its best to choose a different style.
a hint of print or monochromatic approach: you all know I love a monochromatic look and what better place to wear this style than at your place of business. The biggest reason I love monochromatic styling is because it gives a polished and crisp look to even the simplest outfit or pieces! I also love a great print though just be cure to keep your use of print to a minimum. Be selective and use print sparingly in your workwear so as to avoid being distracting or overwhelming to the eye. Also avoid prints that are too loud! Print can, at times, be a little too aggressive.
a great blazer or coat (or both!): to me, a blazer is like placing the last piece of a puzzle...it completes the look! different outfits might look better with different fits and lengths of blazers but if you're looking for the most bang for your buck, get yourself a classic black boyfriend fit blazer. I've also been seeing a type of 3 pieces suit styling for women as we get through the rest of winter and I LOVE the look...a perfect option if you're going the monochromatic route!
a comfy pump or stylish loafer/flat: my other favorite polishing piece to any outfit, it the shoe of choice. When talking workwear specifically it's best to choose a shoe that not only looks polished but is also comfortable for all day wear. If you MUST wear a heel I suggest a great pointed toe block heel for the best comfort and support...in fact, heel or flat, I suggest a pointed toe. It will elongate the leg for a more feminine look even when worn with a suit. I personally love using and embossed loafer or colored flat to add a little bit of color or texture to my less exciting outfits. It's a perfect way to add a little personality while maintaining the utmost professionalism.
It's really as simple as that! Event if you were to just get one of each piece, you could mix, match, and layer your way into a number of workwear looks! For an added bonus, don't be afraid to style your favorite sweaters with your professional pieces either to layer over a classic button down shirt or pair with a skirt or trouser for a a little added warmth around the office! I hope this helps give you all a little workwear inspiration and hopefully helps eliminate some of the stress that can come from having to put together a professional look with style AND class!
