How To Look Good At Work

Pinstripe trousers, stiff white shirts and clumpy court shoes- in terms of work wear, they’re hardly thrilling are they? What if you want to go out for drinks after a hard day at the office? Are you meant to turn up at your local looking like the Milk Tray man?

Of course not! You want something that makes you look sexy, yet efficient. Something that gives you the edge on all the other people in the office and gets them saying, ‘’Wow, I love your necklace/ blazer/ belt- where did you get that from?’’

This, my friends, is where I step in. Gone of the days of dull two- piece suits. And gone are the days of boring, plain shirts. Now you can go to work safe in the knowledge that you look so stylish, your boss will probably give you a promotion. And if you’re the boss, then be satisfied that you’re the most fashionable boss in town!

Seriously, Jane Dawson of online boutique BusinessWardrobe.com comments;

“Both the employed and unemployed want to have a more professional image to help them either retain or gain a job. This has created a work culture that is driven by both fashion trends and the need to stand out in a competitive job market.

“The majority of us spend the week dressed in office attire so the importance of the work wardrobe has become more evident. Investing in some quality key pieces that can be worn all year round makes sense for the bank balance in the long term”.

According to Dawson, one of the tricks of the trade is to buy classic pieces that won’t go out of fashion (so think blazers, plain shirts, pencil skirts) and accessorize with stylish belts, statement necklaces, snazzy ties. Key colours for Spring/ Summer 2010 include bright corals and yellows, so a shirt in these colours worn with a black pencil skirt or trousers will instantly update your look.

If you fancy something a bit glitzier, then think statement accessories. Monsoon stock a range of gorgeous statement necklaces, brooches and bracelets. For bags, you can’t go wrong with Penelope and Parker for Ruby Bow. They design chic laptop and work wear bags that are stylish and practical. For all of you fashion forward men out there, then head over to Topman for a vast array of ties, braces, scarves and belts, all designed to jazz up a previously boring outfit. The key is to let the accessories do the talking and not to overload with too many colours.

Zara are offering a range of smart men’s shirts, with styles ranging from blue stripes to a snazzy black and white number, which gives the illusion of a cardigan being worn over a shirt. Teamed with some straight leg trousers, a blazer and a pair of smart brogues, you’ll look very suave and sophisticated indeed.

For women, next’s ‘’Cool Blue Summer’’ range offers a variety of stylish, contemporary numbers that wouldn’t look out of place in a swanky wine bar. They’re selling a shirt layer knit dress for £35 and for £25 you can get a blue stripe roll sleeve shirt, which comes with a gorgeous bow across the middle. Team with some floral Cette Virginia tights to look as good in a swanky wine bar as you would stood next to the photocopier.

Damsel In A Dress, a new women’s range being sold in John Lewis, offers luxury timeless pieces at affordable prices. They sell dresses, blazers, cardigans, tops and trousers and each piece is hand- made in limited numbers so you won’t have to worry about seeing anyone else in your outfit. The pieces are smart enough to be worn to work, yet glam enough to wear out afterwards.

Alternatively, if you’re slaving away at your desk and the prospect of a lunch HOUR is as likely as snow in July, check out businesswardrobe.com – who not only have a crackin selection of workwear, but as an e-tailer can be accessed from the ‘comfort’ of your desk saving you time and shoe-leather.

Whether high street or superhighway, one thing’s for sure: workwear has never been more important to get right.

Words by Jessica King

All outfits featured appear courtesy of businesswardrobe.com