12 Ways to style up your office look when it's gloomy outside

Angela Goh

25 Apr 2017

If you need a workwear style guide for overcast (and maybe even wet) days, you've come to the right place.

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The navy blue jacket
Possibly one of the best colours you can wear on a wet day: dark blue. A bold choice, yet perfectly office-friendly, a navy blue blazer will take you through a dull and overcast work day feeling like the weather won't touch you.
Photo: Getty Images
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Patterns in neutral colours
If you're not the type to flaunt bright colours at work, try a combination of print and neutral colours. You won't look like you've gone overboard, looking like a paint palette, but you won't be looking dull like the weather either. If it gets cold in the office on rainy days, try some opaque black stockings to complete the look.
Photo: Getty Images
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Accessories in colour
Just because it's dark and cloudy outside doesn't mean you can't continue to accessorise! If you love your sunglasses, let them add a pop of colour to your lunch hour. And if you need to keep your neck adorned with something, try a bandana instead of a necklace.
Photo: Imaxtree
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Don't forget a sleek hairstyle
If you know you are likely to get caught in the rain on the way to work or to lunch in the afternoon, sport a simple pulled-back hairstyle to keep your locks away from your face. Don't want damp hair flying all over the place in a blustery drizzle!
Photo: Imaxtree
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Casual colour
If your workplace is a little more casual with its dress code, go for the sweet and feminine knit sweater + skirt combo to keep you warm and comfy at the office. You'll be feeling all safe and snug when it's storming outside.
Photo: Imaxtree
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Bright & cheerful
Cheer up the entire office on a rainy day with an outfit decked out in vibrant, happy colours! Trust us, your colleagues will throw compliments your way all day.
Photo: Imaxtree
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Bright & cheerful (cont.)
Bonus points for mixing and matching your accessories.
Photo: Imaxtree
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The full ensemble
Sometimes, it can be hard to suit up to the nines on a swelteringly hot day, so take the chance to do it when it's not blazingly sunny outside. Go all out with collars and jackets and long trousers and chic heels.
Photo: Imaxtree
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Match the weather
In contrast to going bold with bright colours, perhaps you'd be more inclined to match the weather with darker colours. Greys and blacks will help your embrace the cloudy skies!
Photo: Imaxtree
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Prints and prints
When in doubt, wear a lot of prints and textures. Leopard prints, stripes, gingham... make sure your bag flaunts some textured leather, too. Keep things interesting on a dull day!
Photo: Imaxtree
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Coordinate your colour
Stay comfortable and colour coordinated in a loose-fitting combo.
Photo: Imaxtree
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Stay unique
If it's casual Friday, embrace the dress code and try on something unique. Off-duty accessories like large earrings, casual prints... just keep things simple, too!Photo: Imaxtree

Dark and overcast outside? Feel inclined to deck yourself out in work clothes that are just as drab as the grey clouds? Don't. This is the perfect opportunity for you to dress to the nines in pieces you won't normally wear when it's blazingly hot outside. Break out the blazers, long trousers, and maybe even those expensive boots you've been saving for a cooler day... these will help you brace against the blustery winds and damp drizzle outside.

Tips for dressing for wet weather:

Covered shoes are a must! You don't want wet feet when you're wearing peep-toe heels or sandal wedges!
A long coat or jacket can be used as a temporary cover when you have to get from one place to another without shelter.
Make sure your bag is waterproof (or at least not an open-top bag or cotton tote).
If the weather is pretty stormy outside, tuck a small towel into your handbag, just in case you need to dry off.
Pick fabrics that will dry quicker. E.g: Don't pick heavy trousers that have a lot of body - you want slim and lightweight material to be hugging your legs.
A cute umbrella might just save your life!