Nailing The Office Dress Code

While many are still in place, office dress codes have shifted over the years. 20 years ago, professionals were visions of monochrome power dressing. Now, our busy lifestyles mean we need looks that can transcend work and play.

Nowadays, the office is just another runway — a chance to show off your style, if you know how! Here to offer their fashion advice on how to nail your office dress code is QUIZ:

Dresses

They’re super-versatile and can be dressed up or down, so of course dresses would be a firm favourite in your office wardrobe!

If you’re meeting a client or have a stricter dress code to follow, your go-to is a chic midi dress. Stay away from lace, bold prints or bright colours as they can make you look like you’re dressed for a night out instead of a day in the office! Stick to plain styles or subtle prints for versatile looks you can work throughout the year.

For dress-down days or more relaxed workplaces, choose casual dresses. Jumper dresses will work well through autumn and winter when paired with tights and heeled ankle boots. Shirt dresses are another great choice, as their collar will naturally make them feel smarter.

Tailoring

We might have pushed the suits to the back of the wardrobe, but that doesn’t mean we’ve forgot about tailoring all together! Trousers are having a moment right now, so make sure you have a few great pairs in your wardrobe for those days when you need to look effortlessly chic.

Chic and feminine tapered trousers have a really flattering cut. They’ll hug your figure and subtly show off your shape, and will look great with both smart flats and heels. Wear your flats day-to-day and switch them for heels for that all-important meeting. Trust us, your feet will thank us!

For a cute, girly look, choose culottes and frill hem trousers. Just like dresses, shy away from bolder prints and colours and stick to classic checks and stripes.

But what do you wear with your trousers? For a more casual look, wear them with a loose-fitting plain t-shirt and slouchy cardigan or plain jumper. Loosely tuck the hem of your top into your trousers at the front. To create a formal look, swap the t-shirt for a smart blouse — an embroidered shirt would be the perfect choice for an on-trend look.

Denim

Outside of work, we live in jeans and now, we can introduce them to the workplace. That said, you have to know how to style them right.

To keep your look professional, avoid heavily ripped styles and light wash denim, as they can be too casual. Keep it classic with plain, rip-free denim. It’s wise to choose a darker wash to give a more formal vibe.

When it comes to tops to wear with your jeans, keep it smart. Pair your jeans with a smart-casual shirt or blouse and wear with more formal flats and a chic blazer.

It can’t hurt to double check with your manager whether you’re allowed to wear jeans — you don’t want to run the risk of making a fashion faux pas!

Shoes

When it comes to the shoes you’ll slip on for work, take your pick from three main types: flats, boots and heels.

Loafers are the perfect choice of flat shoe for work. Smart yet stylish, they can be worn with trousers, dresses and jeans. You’ll definitely need black loafers, and it’s wise to invest in a nude pair too.

When the weather is colder, you’ll need boots. Over knee boots teamed with a jumper dress and tights is an on trend look for winter 2017. Heeled boots are a great option, as they’re both formal and versatile, although flat boots can also work.

And what about heels? You’ll need to choose a sensible heel, so leave the sky-scraping platforms at home. That doesn’t mean you have to wear kitten heels though; mid-heeled, closed-toe shoes are the perfect choice. Strappy sandals are your perfect day to night office choice – team with wide leg trousers for a chic daytime look.

What are you waiting for? Start putting together an enviable work wear wardrobe and cement your status as office style queen!