Key Aspects to Consider When Building Your Fashionable Workwear Wardrobe
What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of workwear? If dark colours, bland designs, and monotonous looks are some of the images that appear, you’re not the only one. The reason we’ve come to associate work clothes with something dull over the years has to do with how professional landscapes used to be in the past - more focused on function and less on aesthetics.
And this is where the professional landscapes of today prove to be at an advantage: they reflect individuality and comfort as much as professionalism. That said, it’s not surprising today's work clothes evolved into practical and fashionable workwear, creating a cohesive and captivating result. If you’ve been asking yourself, “How can I look fashionable at work?” know that it’s possible and easy to achieve with the right pieces.
With the various trends that come and go and the different options of professional apparel available, the best way to choose your work wardrobe pieces is to adopt a strategic approach that blends the right dose of fashion and function.
Be Aware of What’s Acceptable in Your Workplace
The lines between casual and professional have certainly blurred over the past few years, and even though cosy and snug or relaxed fit items may be welcome in some workplaces, it doesn’t mean they are all open to this kind of dress code, or that anything goes.
To be able to pick out the appropriate fashionable workwear, make sure you know what’s acceptable and what’s not in the company where you work. This would help define the choices and assist with having a more hassle-free shopping experience. In addition to narrowing down the style and design of the clothing items, as well as their fit, it could make it easier for you to choose the appropriate fabrics and colours.
Remember There’s No Going Wrong with Staples
Anything classic and timeless should make its way into your work wardrobe because it can make for outfits that are easy to combine and assemble. Neutral colours (e.g. white, black, navy, grey), sophisticated tailored pieces (e.g. blazer, trousers, long skirt, tidy dress), classic designs and sewing, are factors that define items that rarely go out of style, and you can seamlessly incorporate them in your existent wardrobe. As far as footwear goes, loafers, flats like Mary Janes, low-heeled ankle boots, slingback pumps, and heeled mules are all elegant and practical options.
Know Your Style
Knowing what you like when it comes to style is the starting point you need when browsing through the endless options of women’s corporate wear and selecting your go-to items. Just because the workspace requires a certain type of clothes doesn’t mean you have no say in which items you get to wear - keep in mind fashion is about self-expression, and the stylish work clothes of today are crucial in showing off more of your personality.
Although tailored pieces are the norm in most corporate environments, you still have some flexibility and freedom to express your style. You don’t have to be all about classic tailored clothes to still look fashionable and professional - you could opt for the modern takes on the classics to achieve this. One example would be the collarless shirt design or a long-sleeved blouse instead of one with the classic collar.
Be sure to use some fashion blog inspiration, and do a bit of research to find out which elements of the work clothes for women, you like and could use to define your style. If you don’t work in a company where there’s a strict dress code with little to no chance of flexibility, you could also express more of your preference and taste through the colours.
Not everything has to be neutral - a little colour here and there could work wonders for your overall look. To be on the safe side, implement it in small doses. When in doubt, add a pop of colour through the accessories, unless you dare to do so with one of the clothing items, like say the shirt, or the shoes. A striped or checked shirt is another surefire way of spicing up the look while still keeping things in the confines of professionalism.
Invest in Multi-Functional Designs
If you want to have a wardrobe that ticks all the boxes, then your focus should be on versatility. This can be accomplished by opting for pieces of ladies’ work clothes that you can easily incorporate into your 9-to-5 as much as the after-work life.
Shoes that can be worn comfortably for hours on end, accessories that can serve for style as much as for function (like scarves that add colour and warmth), and jewellery aren’t the only solutions that deserve your attention - there are also the separates that can be mixed and matched. Think of a work shirt, a blazer, or a shirtdress you can style down with a relaxed-fit pair of jeans and sneakers. A bag that fits in your work items, as much as the rest of your daily life’s essentials is also worth the investment.
This isn’t only pleasant on your budget, but the environment too as it makes for a more sustainable and eco-friendly move. And, while we’re at the budget, let’s point out that looking neat and stylish doesn’t have to stretch your budget. Of course, the high-end pieces of fashionable work clothes offer the quality and durability you require for a lasting wardrobe, but if you can’t fully incorporate expensive items, then select the shorter lifespan items in a more affordable option.
This could be anything you don’t plan on using many times. This is an ideal solution for those women who would like to keep up the step with the ever-changing trends and inject some much-needed changes in their looks now and then without breaking the bank. Not to mention, you’d be able to create a curated collection of items that make for memorable outfits.
Prioritise Comfort
Anyone who wants to wear an outfit that exudes professionalism should focus on comfort and fit as much as style and design. You can look and feel your best only when you’re comfortable and at ease, so be careful with the fabrics and the fit of the clothing you choose. Anything too restrictive or too loose shouldn’t find its way into your wardrobe. Same as anything that’s not breathable, which makes you feel hot and sweaty, as then your attention would be on the discomfort rather than the work tasks that lie ahead.
More Lifestyle Articles
