If you’re back on the hustle and grind, chances are that holiday zen has well and truly drifted into the horizon. The sting of PHB (post-holiday blues) hits hard grabbing a midday salad over a spritz, but there’s plenty to be invigorated by heading back desk-side. No more ill-fitting black and nondescript heels this year, ladies – dressing for the office should never feel like work, so bring that boardroom to life with our five tips below.
1. REVAMP THE CLASSICS
There’s a reason suiting is a perennial workwear staple – it’s flattering, errs on the right side of conservative and allows you to get through your day with ease (minus any skirt tugging). However, a sea of black on black on black does not a promotion make. You have room to move here creatively, so take it – try a subtle printed trouser with a femme blouse, balanced out with a traditional structured blazer (Joseph does incredible tailoring for work that’ll last you an entire career). The personality-plus among us can dabble in a head-to-toe print – again, think subtle, as you don’t want to stand out for all the wrong reasons. If you’re unsure, think of workwear like dressing for a wedding, for example – you want to look polished and sophisticated, but not attempting to overpower the Bride.
Country Road jacquard trousers, $199, countryroad.com.au.
Witchery navy soft blouse, $99.95, witchery.com.au.
Witchery classic navy blazer, $249.95, witchery.com.au.
Veronica Beard ‘Eva’ checked blazer, $718.47, net-a-porter.com.
Veronica Beard ‘Farrow’ checked trousers, $445.66, net-a-porter.com.
2. EMBRACE COLOUR
We know, we know – it’s a very repetitious rant, that of introducing colour, but this year you simply can’t dodge it. Colour is everywhere this season, so finding a tone for you is integral for a workwear refresh should you generally sit in a more neutral zone (read our guide to wearing colour here). Victoria Beckham is a master of colour in the office – think a crisp white shirt with a pink trouser, head-to-toe red layered with sky blue shirting, burnt orange trousers with tailoring. Start on the high street if it’s new territory, then build.
Stylist’s Tip: The Iconic’s dedicated workwear store is an expertly curated mix of basics and fashion-forward separates, or try Zara for a poppy cheap and cheerful update.
Joseph ‘Arran’ dress, $740, matchesfashion.com.
H&M wide-leg trousers, $59.99, hm.com/au.
Viktoria & Woods trench coat, $490, viktoriaandwoods.com.au.
Witchery satin slip skirt, $179.95, witchery.com.au.
3. RETHINK YOUR BUTTON-DOWN
The humble white shirt has resurfaced all statement-piece on us, quietly embarking on a pseudo-makeover last season into a more experimental phase. Still as dependable as ever, but with a bit more charisma – say a billowing sleeve, a wrap detail, a mish-mash of fabrications in amongst the straightforward silhouette. The perfect update against a tried-and-trusted pencil skirt or suit.
Stylist’s Tip: Try shopping on The Undone – it’s the perfect minimalist curation of workwear pieces all under one online roof.
Joseph ‘Arran’ cowl-neck shirt, $400, matchesfashion.com.
Zimmermann ‘Painted Heart’ shirt, $650, zimmermannwear.com.
Sass & bide ‘Chromograph’ shirt, $190, sassandbide.com.
Christopher Esber buttonless v-neck shirt, $590, theundone.com.
4. THE POWER FLATS
Once the ugly stepsister of the corporate heel (or simply a vessel to safely run for public transport), the power flat is shaking off that dowdy preconception. Sneakers that double duty in the office? You bet. Sculptural pointy-toes, ankle-wraps, prints, bows, embellishment – it all goes down a treat with a white shirtdress or your everyday neutrals. For a more flattering silhouette, best to stick to dresses and skirts to give the ankle a little airtime.
H&M white dress with tie belt, $44.99, hm.com/au
Saba ‘Kelsey’ satin sneakers, $109, saba.com.au.
Gucci ‘Marmont’ metallic cracked leather slippers, $810, net-a-porter.com.
Tony Bianco ‘Dion’ slip-on loafers, $179.95, tonybianco.com.au.
5. SLIP INTO A JUMPSUIT
Racing out the door? No more flailing around attempting to piece together an outfit in 2018 – it’s all about the jumpsuit. Constructed as a suit all in one, this no-brainer silhouette makes time-crunch styling a breeze. Look for styles with an office-appropriate neckline and fabrications that offer more sophistication and polish than a linen (which will crush in 0.5 seconds) – a heavier, more structured fabric is preferred to last the 9-to-5.
Country Road batwing jumpsuit, $149, countryroad.com.au.
Vanessa Seward pussy-bow silk jumpsuit, $388, theoutnet.com.
Michael Michael Kors crepe de chine wide-leg jumpsuit, $209.33, net-a-porter.com.
feature image via pinterest
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