Styling Tips on How To Revamp Your Work Outfits

[dropcap]W[/dropcap]hile life can get busy with schedules, endless paperwork, and a long list of errands to take care of,  sometimes the need to express our awesomeness through fashion can really give us the incredible outlet to let out the stress and express our creativity. And let’s not forget what a great boost of confidence it can give us when we put on those new Jimmy Choo strappy sandals we treated ourselves to last week or the amazing crochet blouse from TopShop that we bought on sale. One of our favorite ways to bring out our inner fashionistas at work is to take current (or past) trends and adapt it to our lifestyle. And today, it’s all about offering styling tips on how to revamp your work outfits.

First impressions do make a lasting impression so it’s very important to make a great one at your job interview, through your first day at the office, all the way to that important presentation with some of your biggest clients. Your personality and skills are the foundation of that impression. Your style, on the other hand, is the expression of it. So let’s look at the classic business attire and see how you can spice them up.

Now the classic business attire generally consists of some arrangement of a pencil skirt or elegant trousers, blouses and even two-piece suits. And there is nothing wrong with those combos. However, you can take it up a notch by adding a few interesting pieces here and there to fresh your work clothing.

Monochromatic Combinations

Now monochromatic simply implies shades of a single color. So how it would work is that you would essentially hone in on one color as the base and use different tints of that color for a complementary feel, while still adding a touch of contrast at the same time.

Monochromatic combinations are often a good choice if you are going for a business-like elegant look. Bright color combinations in particular, are usually the way to go as you won’t generally need to over accessorize. On the other hand, if you use darker tones, these will often require some simple detail in a more vivid color. For example, a red purse or a bold red lipstick, a royal blue jacket or a mustard yellow sash – the choice is yours. We recommend playing around with color – you will be surprised on how they can transform a look.

The Power of Accessories

Accessories have the power to improve and add a personal touch to any look. Here are a few accessories you can consider when picking out your outfit.

• If you’re planning to go for the classic blouse and a skirt or pants look, here’s a suggestion:

Opt for a nice necklace, an unusual pair of earrings, hat or a belt in an elegant, print motif. These awesome accessory pieces which can dress up a relatively tame outfit and make it look trendy and chic.

• A handbag is not only a functional piece to accommodate all those little things you need, but it’s also a fashion statement. While we know this will differ between each employment, we do still suggest a larger, structured bag as more suitable for a business look than a small, trendy one.  It tends to lend a more polished look to an outfit that works great for any work event or scenario.

The Magic of Prints & Retro 

Make an impression by choosing an unusual piece of clothing. And we’re not just talking about the colors.

Combine a simple skirt with a blouse which has some unexpected patterns. Floral or abstract motives are good choices to pick for creating a focal point. However, if you do go with this combination, try to minimize the use of big accessories. They might be too distracting.

 Fashion is always evolving from old trends. So don’t be afraid to refresh the retro dress you have in your closet that is just a smidgen oversize with a belt, which can help synch the waist nicely. If you’re feeling a little bit more daring, why not try the ‘60s dress style (like Joan Holloway Harris from the show Mad man) – probably the easiest way to achieve a classic vintage look. Feeling a little self-conscious about wearing something like this, here are plenty of elegant body shapers that can be worn underneath it. So definitely go retro.

Spice Up Casual Wear

Jeans can pass as a work outfit, but they should be combined with dressier shoes like heels or booties to dress up the casual outfit. If your workplace doesn’t have a strict dress code, go for the occasionl casual blouse. Just remember to keep an elegance cardigan or blazer on hand in case you need to meet clients.

The Simplicity of Heels

Now you don’t have to share Carrie Bradshaw’s shoe obsession, but you should have few pairs you love. In fact, high heels are one of the easiest ways to dress up any work outfit and give that boost of confidence.

Here is what to look for in a work heel:

• Pick a heel with a bold color or print. And let them peek out from your trousers or put on a nice dress or a skirt and walk with them proudly.
• If you prefer flats, avoid the loafer style, and go for a pointed toe flat. They still give that touch of elegance on the feet without jeopardizing on comfort in a business environment.