How to Dress for Work

Zara blazer | Spree dress | Forever New clutch | Aldo heels | Michael Kors watch | Zuri earrings

People often think that dressing for work means that your outfit needs to be completely boring.  I have to admit, when I walk through some stores that sell corporate work wear, my heart sinks.  It is as though these awful clothes completely zap you of all your personality and, quite literally, your colour.  Black and grey work clothes with unflattering cuts dampen my mood.  This is the last thing you need in a professional environment when a career is on the line.  Rather than having your wardrobe cause you to feel dull and uninspired, you really need to feel strong, confident and ready to march into a boardroom and be noticed.  A women that is not only brilliant at her work but also arrives at the office having but some effort into her appearance are normally the ones that are taken seriously and are also admired by their co-workers.

To do this isn't difficult and it won't break the bank either.  I have a few key tips that can revolutionise your work wear and your professional performance at the same time.  To begin, let's start with the foundation:  at work you want to be respected.  This means that your super short skirt can stay at home.  Remember that "three fingers above the knee" rule from school?  Use it!  We don't want to see any cleavage and no backless dresses either.  Personally, I don't even think your shoulders should be exposed at work.  If you want to wear a backless dress or top with straps, I would suggest a blazer or a cardigan to cover this.  These are also essential items for a professional girl's wardrobe so it's worth finding a few with great tailoring in your favourite colours.

While you may have minimum amount of skin exposed this does not mean that your outfit need be boring.  Incorporate colour, print and patterns into your clothes.  Do you love pastels?  Are you crazy about floral print?  Do you look and feel best in turquoise?  Add these to your wardrobe.  A crisp white shirt paired with a bold red pencil skirt and nude heels are super classy and will have every girl feel confident enough to take on any challenge thrown at her.  Midi skirts are also widely available now which makes them accessible to every girl on every budget.  These are a great way of ensuring you have enough length, remain gracefully feminine and ready to rock the boardroom.  

I hope that I have managed to encourage you to incorporate more of your own personality into what you choose to wear at work.  Don't be afraid to be noticed as the classy girl you are.  At the end of the day, you've worked so hard to get where you are so take pride in yourself.  You deserve it! 

Arum Lilea's guide to Dressing for Work

 Identity cardigan | Mr Price shirt and skirt | bag borrowed from my sister | Sass Diva accessories |

Aldo heels

Hi Girls

Most of my friends have just finished university and entered into the professional working environment as lawyers or accountants.  We have been discussing the wardrobe changes required for the transition from studying to working and I thought I'd share my tips with you.

You've worked hard to enter a profession.  Your image should reflect your work ethic.  A girl with a sloppy shirt portrays a person satisfied with sloppy work. 

Don't be afraid of colour.  Many people believe that work clothes means you are restricted to black and white but you can break this misconception with pretty colours and still look professional.  

Don't show too much skin.  Keep your hem line fairly close to your knee, no thighs please ladies!  It's a good idea to keep your shoulders covered too.  A great way to do this is to wear a cardigan.  This keeps you looking polished and prevents shivers from the office airconditioner too.

Make use of a bag that's a practical size.  You may need to rush around with your laptop and it's never a bad idea to have a pair of flats in your bag either.

Simple accessories are perfect for work.  Great earrings, a watch and a bangle is more than enough.

  Try to keep your hair off of your face.  You can have fun with the way you do this by making use of a headband, braids, a sophisticated ponytail or a sock bun.  Just because you keep your hair off your face doesn't mean you need to look boring!

I hope these tips are helpful!  Let me know what you think.

xxx

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