Office Style: 25 Looks to boost your confidence at work

We’re sure there’s that one colleague at the office who, despite her 3 children and a full-time workload, always looks enviously perfect in the style department, not a hair out of place. She oozes confidence and complete control in her chic heels and put-together ensemble. It’s high time you do the same for yourself!

Sure, you may not have the opportunity to free yourself from the imposed dress code at work, but tell yourself that having your own personal style at work does not require a sharp knowledge of fashion or the budget of Victoria Beckham. A few simple tricks, some intelligently selected pieces, and a good combination of colors and patterns will leave you feeling like you know what you’re doing.

Bet on good basics

Do not bother to adopt wacky styles – you want to draw attention to your elegance, so don’t make everyone think you aren’t taking your looks seriously. At the top of the list are fitted trousers, slightly tightened at the ankle and preferably ones that make you look taller. Your jacket needs to look impeccable and not like it’s swallowing you up. You can then bet on a stock of pretty collared shirts, silk blouses or t-shirts, provided you choose them in quality materials, and that they look good with timeless pieces like a belted trench or cropped jacket.

Take into account the person you are

Are you a magnanimous person, a stubborn person, a no-nonsense person…? Take into account your role at work, the people you mingle with, the people you will meet at business meetings – how would you like to come across to them?

Also, take into account your body type. If you are have a bit of a rounder body, avoid pant trousers that give volume where you do not need it, and lengthen your silhouette with nude pumps. Choose loose blouses that will subtly reveal your décolleté. If you are petite, banish wide pants and jackets that are too long.

Mix colours subtly

Work with simple colour combos. For office wear, nothing beats the classics: black, beige, navy and white, which you can mix with pastel colours like powdered pink, pale yellow or sky blue.

If you feel bold, dare to wear bright colors, but don’t go over the top – stick to just one vibrant piece at a time.

Find the right accessories

Accessories are a must-have to finalise, boost or twist an ensemble and take it to the next level. So make yourself happy! Belts, bags,  jewellery… you can choose them in classic, colorful or printed styles to add a little more personality to your look.

Liisa Sarfati

Read more:

Work Style: How to rock the smart casual office look in denim jeans?

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