Listly by Joanna James
In the corporate world, where first impressions can make or break deals, choosing the right attire can speak volumes about your personality, competence, and ingenuity. Here are some guidelines to pull off stylishly sophisticated looks at work.
The very first and most crucial consideration when planning your workweek wardrobe is making sure that what you wear compliments your body type, as this is the golden rule for any high-functioning, confidence-boosting, and effortlessly glamorous look. For instance, if you have an hour-glass shape, you can’t go wrong with a preppy plaid pencil skirt and a crisp peplum top with a subtly cinched waist, and for those with more petite frames, button-down tops bordering towards oversized with stripes in neutral colours paired with slightly flared dress pants are perfect to create a more fulsome illusion. While comfort is important, don’t sacrifice a smartly tailored finish for extra wiggle room, and while you don’t want any sagging in the wrong places, clothes that are too tight will compromise your movement, concentration, and peace of mind! The ideal cut will gracefully skim your figure without snagging onto awkward places or giving you a slumpy shapeless appearance.
Dressing purposefully is essential to be taken seriously in the corporate world, and it’s important to observe the dress code of your organisation and any business events while also being original, trendy, and comfortable. For instance, a slim-cut black, grey, or navy-blue business suit is ideal for looking smart and demure at a business interview or important meeting, while outfits for networking events and parties can look like a sleek wrap dress or neutral jumpsuit paired with an elegant jacket or coat. Also, remember that business casual doesn’t follow the same lax protocol as everyday casual and should not involve ripped jeans, graphic t-shirts, leggings, or flip-flops! Rather, if you’re planning a casual stop at work, opt for pure, unfaded denim or comfy but classy palazzo pants paired with a ruffled blouse or classy rib-knit tee with a sporty blazer.
Getting together a chic, sophisticated, and office-appropriate style plan doesn’t mean you need to go through an entire wardrobe makeover and rush to the mall on an expensive shopping expedition! Your favourite thrift retro-chic sweater set and vintage monochrome tapestry jacket can be put to great use for accentuating a unique outfit that will revive old trends, while most of your basic tops, pants, and shirts need a little dressing up to pass as polished and professional. For instance, your white button-up shirt can be tucked into high-waisted beige dress pants and adorned with timeless gold accessories to create a stunning vision of effortless finesse.
While a neutral colour palette is typically favoured in the workplace, this doesn’t mean a strategic pop of colour isn’t welcome to add some pep in your step and zest to the day’s dealings. If you’re wearing a prim and proper pantsuit, make sure your blouse, scarf, or shoes are rich and warm in colours such as burgundy, camel, or olive green that contrast just right without clashing.
While bold prints and dizzying designs are not ideal for the more conservative corporate setting, understated tracings of polka dots, florals, stripes, and window pane can prove to be a refreshing change, as long as they are paired with the appropriate formal pants or skirt. If you’re looking for versatile and elegant office wear for ladies, venture no further than the likes of Nils Store.
Whether it’s a blush pink tie-up jacket cinched over a white sheath dress, a tie-dyed silk scarf peeking above your vintage blazer, or a stylishly chequered belted overcoat worn with brightly hued pumps, the best way to create a timeless and trendy statement look is to experiment with subtly eye-candy layers.
You can’t go wrong with minimalist jewellery pieces that elevate any outfit, such as delicate golden hoops that dangle over your frilly blouse, pin-striped dress pants, and runway-ready trench jacket, while a creative choice of handbag and shoes can also bring that essential burst of flamboyance to even most sombre get-up.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.