Work is where we spend a significant portion of our lives, which is why it’s important to feel confident in the way we look during the day.
Many people feel restricted by office workwear, but even in a very professional job, what you wear doesn’t need to be boring.
There are lots of ways you can switch it up, keep it interesting, and have fun with your style and look.
Here are a few ideas on how you can refresh your work look in 2017:
Continue Adding to And Building Your Capsule Wardrobe
Capsule wardrobes are wonderful because you only need a small number of high quality items, but you’re still left with a lot of different variations in regards to outfit options.
Start with a few staple items; trousers, a couple of different styles of skirts and formal dresses.
I err on the more classic side, rather than adopting the latest trends. But the best scenario is when you are able to find a piece that maintains that professional, classic look but incorporates a bit of a style of the moment (whether it be a print, texture, color etc.)
For the top half, browse formal shirts and blouses for women and choose items based on your style, shape, and budget.
If your budget allows, add in a versatile coat, blazer and cardigan to incorporate.
Go for dark neutral colors that look professional; you can’t go far wrong with gray, navy, and black but be sure to throw in a statement piece here or there.
Whenever you pick up an item, decide if it will work well with all of the other pieces you have.
A well thought out capsule wardrobe will allow you to wear any skirt, dress or pair of trousers with almost any shirt, blouse or jacket.
Don’t Forget Accessories
Accessories are a fun way to display your own personal style.
While you are obviously not going to walk into work dripping in jewelry or overtly bold, distracting pieces, depending on your job’s dress code, you may instead elect to wear one or two pieces.
It could be a necklace, a neck scarf, or a bracelet. You can also switch up how each of your outfits looks with the shoes and bag you choose too.
A few pairs of heels and several stylish flats should be sufficient and don’t forget things like belts, tights, and your watch.
Hair, Makeup, and Nails
Many professional workplaces will condone hair in unnatural colors or styles or even too much makeup.
But that doesn’t mean you have to avoid either altogether.
Most of us watch Youtube tutorials before trying new makeup techniques and at most daily, neutral smokey eyeshadow, mascara and a natural lipstick should more than suffice.
Still very ‘work appropriate’ but will make you look your best put together, confident self.
For nails, I avoid distracting nail art and opt for a sheer nude, french manicure or flattering color like plum and my nails at a reasonable length and shape.
While you may not be able to wear your hair in a bright green mohawk, but you can still play around with different styles to change up your look.
It’s fun and stops you from getting into a style rut and with each season, I like to take inspiration from the runways of Paris (though let’s be clear, my hair hasn’t changed much from the longer, attempt at sleek style I adopted in college!)
Do you work a job which restricts the type of clothing you can wear? How do you find ways to express your style?
