The world of workwear has evolved significantly over recent years, so if you feel unsure about how to dress each morning, know you are not alone. Ideally, you will want to present a professional and stylish appearance, but many people differ on what they consider to be professional in today’s corporate climate.
While some corporate offices remain the professional environments we know, many have switched to a more casual approach since the global pandemic shifted office life. Many brands are embracing this new approach to business wear and creating collections that reflect a more relaxed silhouette that is still appropriate for the boardroom, including women’s workwear by David Lawrence.
Why Dress to Impress?
Many working women have a clear divide between their work wardrobes and play wardrobes, with very little overlap. The beauty of fashion and personal style is the ability to create the perfect first impression in all facets of life.
Fashion leaves a noticeable imprint on those around us and gives us all a voice for self-expression. While this voice may be loudest in social environments outside of work, having the opportunity to showcase your personal style in the corporate office is the beauty of dressing for function and fashion.
What to Prioritise
There are many different ways to switch up your traditional work wardrobe to introduce exciting, unique, and interesting pieces to re-inspire your creative ideas while still remaining formal and professional.
Tailored with Surprise Elements
A standard suit silhouette can be instantly elevated with the right accessories and finishes. While a perfectly tailored suit will always be sophisticated and elegant, incorporating surprise elements like an eye-catching pin on your blazer, dressy buttons, or a flash of color with a bold handbag are small but effective ways to introduce a flair of personal style.
Additionally, you can wear clothing pieces with added fringe, textured materials, or monochromatic color schemes that make a subtle but fashionable statement to your traditional work fit.
Find the Perfect Silhouette
When looking for any new wardrobe pieces, both professional and casual, it is extremely important to consider your body shape and personal preferences to find the right silhouette for you. Your main goal should be purchasing pieces that provide a balanced and proportional finished look.
For example, oval-shaped bodies will find broader shoulders and a contrast collar does a wonderful job of strengthening your shoulder structure and drawing attention to your neckline. Alternatively, those blessed with wider hips may want to accentuate their upper halves with eye-catching details and relaxed pants to draw the eye up.
Ultimately, you know your body best and what makes you feel most comfortable and confident. Fashion guidelines are not set rules but are merely suggestions for those who feel unsure where to start.
Trusted Brands
Finding brands, retailers, and collections you know and love is vital in building a professional wardrobe that allows you to feel stylish and confident. Not only will they provide garments that are high-quality and worthwhile investments, but they will likely provide many fun and fresh ideas for modern pairings.
A simple silhouette will never let you down in the office. This includes A-line skirts, crisp tailoring, and nothing that is too extravagant or over-the-top. While patterns are not necessarily the most common feature, stick to geometric shapes or straight lines as they give off an authoritative presence.
Neutral Layers on Hand
If you have ever worked in an office before, you will know the frustrating battle of either being too stuffy and hot or absolutely freezing throughout the day. The easiest way to combat this neverending issue is through clever layering.
Wearing pieces that can be added or removed throughout the day will give you better control over feeling too hot or cold. Regardless of the time of year, many style experts recommend bringing a neutral-colored cardigan or jacket to the office that can be layered well over different bases should you need it.
The Right Color Palette
Color plays multiple roles in the wardrobe. In a formal business environment, neutral block colors like gray, black, nude, and navy blue are typically more acceptable, often dominating the bulk of your work clothes.
However, these neutral tones tend to create a universal ‘invisible’ look that diminishes personal expression and causes us all to blend together. It may not be acceptable to experiment with a wide range of bright and bold shades, but you have more freedom than you may think when it comes to introducing small pops of color. The key is choosing a palette that suits your skin tone and hair color, as it will instantly make you look youthful and lively with minimal effort.
Prioritise Comfort
There is nowhere more comfortable than your home. To make leaving your cozy bubble for the office easier, it is worthwhile embracing the three pillars of modern workwear: fashion, fun, and comfort.
Ditch the traditional suit and instead opt for an elegant and office-appropriate dress or jumpsuit. These effortless options are ideal to throw on and go for those days you don’t have the time or patience to style anything more. Furthermore, they are easy to accessorize with beautiful jewelry, a statement belt, and the perfect shoe.
