Work wear sometimes doesn’t leave very much room to be creative, and we can empathise with that. But just because you’ve got certain dress codes to adhere to doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try to have a bit of fun with it! To help inspire your dressing, we’ve enlisted the help of three local creatives, to see how they get dressed for their line of work. Take tips from them, and experiment with your own style.
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FASHION STYLING: AARON KOK, ASSISTED BY CHEE AN LYN / PHOTOS: FRENCHESCAR LIM / MAKEUP: HONG LING, USING NARS / HAIR: JIMMY YAP/KENARIS SALON, USING KMS / LOCATION: ANN SIANG HOUSE, WHITE LABEL RECORDS.
WATCH THIS VIDEO TOO:
STYLE DIARY – Fast Ways To Upgrade Your Work Wardrobe
Ed’s tip: To elevate your poplin shirt, look for unexpected details like ruched sleeves.
Earrings, $199, from APM Monaco. Antonio Berardi shirt, $680, from NET-A-PORTER. Bracelet, $785, from Monica Vinader. Skirt, $390, from Bimba Y Lola. Bag, $2,630, from Bottega Veneta. Ring, Beatrice’s own.
BEATRICE TAN
31, Founder of KLARRA
Fresh from her honeymoon, Beatrice breezes into our shoot with a charming sense of affability and a gorgeous post-wedding glow, that it’s almost so easy to forget that she represents the image of a modern-day boss. On top of maintaining engagement with her followers on Instagram, Beatrice is also the driving force behind local label KLARRA – which counts several local celebs as ardent fans of the brand’s minimalist and feminine offerings – and is always strategising how to take her brand to the next level. Given that she’s always switched on, her clothes embody a blend of efficiency and insouciant ease.
What has been keeping you busy lately?
“My work at KLARRA has been keeping me really busy every day. We are always thinking of new and innovative ways to better our collections and the user experience. I’m also always thinking about how I can grow the business, and I’m constantly on the hunt for fun, exciting collaborations.”
Describe your style for us?
“I would say I always gravitate towards something elegant and chic, but with a contemporary twist.”
What’s an item in your closet you cannot live without?
“There are too many to name! If I have to pick, it would be a white classic blazer. In my opinion, it’s one of the things that I believe every woman should own.”
How do you refresh your wardrobe?
“I tend to go for classic silhouettes, but I also look out for pieces with unique detailing. For me, it’s about finding a design that’s able to last you through several seasons, because the more mileage I can get out of each piece, there is less of a need to revamp my wardrobe too much!”
What is one style shortcut that you always fall back on?
“A basic black tank top tucked into a pair of wide-legged pants in any colour.”
Inject some romance back into your work week with soft ruffles.
Utilitarian details like cotton twill or patch pockets help toughen your look, and sets it apart from the boring CBD-approved cotton shirt.
Punch up your colour codes with the help of this vibrant floral shirt.
Ed’s tip: A graphic T-shirt instantly makes knife-sharp tailoring feel more approachable.
Ejing Zhang earrings, $250, from NET-A-PORTER. Jacket, $54.95; T-shirt, $17.95; and pants, $54.95, all from H&M. Shoes, $53.90, from Charles & Keith.
PRISCILLA ANG
31, Film Director
If there is anyone who understands the need for a wardrobe that works from day to night, it’s Priscilla Ang. Given that working on set often requires rigorous activity – and therefore, an outfit that can accommodate accordingly – she often keeps a dress or a statement accessory on hand to help glam up fast. That being said, Priscilla confidently states, “I try to make an effort to dress up because I take pride in my work.” Those are words to live by, in our books.
What are you busy with lately?
“I am directing a few local and overseas commercials, like the recently-launched KFC commercial. At the same time, I’m travelling to festivals to pitch for my first feature, AH GIRL.”
Describe your style for us?
“I tend to recycle my clothes, and I like mixing old and new pieces together. I like to be different and a little bit rebellious, so I don’t like to follow trends too closely. I’m also a very sentimental person, which probably explains why I love vintage dresses. If you don’t see me in chic vintage dresses, I will be wearing chunky earrings as a statement piece to go with my basics.”
What is the best purchase you’ve bought for yourself recently?
“I think the best pieces I’ve ever gotten were actually items that belonged to my grandma. In her younger days, they were some of her favourite outfits, and I love how unique the prints are!”
What is one style shortcut that you always fall back on?
“On a bad hair day, I always rely on a scorpion hair braid to tidy up my appearance.”
A graphic slogan in black and white makes for a great work-approved print.
Opt for a quirky look with this illustrated design, replete with bright bursts of summery shades.
Florals are a safe way to go when it comes to picking your clothes for work.
Ed’s tip: This season, freshen up your florals by opting for more artsy renditions.
Hair clip, $17.95 (pack of 5), from H&M. Ear cuff and rings, all from APM Monaco. Alighieri earrings, $598; and Stine Goya dress, $500, both from NET-A-PORTER. Bracelet from Swarovski. Shoes, $64.95, from H&M.
AIRIN LEE
28, Founder of ARLY
Airin wants you to look and feel your best, period. The hair and makeup expert is also the brainchild behind ARLY, which Airin describes as “a beauty consultancy that aims to promote conscious beauty and make people feel beautiful from the inside and out”. Simply put, she wants to help educate people on the products that they are putting on their skin, and how they can take better care of themselves by making more informed decisions. While all that sounds like serious business, Airin still keeps it fun with her love of fresh-faced makeup and fun prints.
Describe your style for us?
“I’m either always in white, or I’m always wearing bright colours. I like to look polished, without sacrificing being comfortable.”
What is the best purchase you’ve bought for yourself recently?
“The Cannes bag from Louis Vuitton. I’m a huge fan of the brand; and when I heard that they released a beauty case as a handbag, I knew I had to get it.”
How do you refresh your wardrobe?
“Accessories is the way to go. I always have a pair of extra earrings in my bag in case I need to show up somewhere fancy after work or at the last minute.”
In your opinion, what are the must-have pieces each woman needs to have?
“A pair of high-waist jeans, a navy blue cotton tee, a printed summer dress, and a set of gold accessories.”
What is one style shortcut that you always fall back on?
“As someone who wears a lot of colours, I rely on colour theory to keep my look in check. Based on what I’m feeling for the day, I’ll start with one piece and pick out other separates in similar or opposing-but-flattering hues. Knowing your skin undertones helps you choose the colours that flatter you.”
Layer this colourful knit underneath your blazer for a creative way to make your office look stand out.
Soft shades of pink, orange and cream complement women with cooler undertones.
Want a fuss-free way to get dressed for work? This dress can help! Pair this scribbly dress with strappy heels and a structured bag to head to the office.
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