Work outfits are perhaps the bane of anyone’s fashion creativity, because there’s so much that you cannot do. And so what can you do? Schlep on a grey suit and some basic blouse, grab a black handbag and head to the office looking like every other working woman on the MRT.
Thankfully, designers and street style stars have got a couple of cool ideas to help you rethink and rejig your work wardrobe. Take these practical tips, and try one or two for yourself to see. You’ll be surprised at what you might find.
Images: Showbit
READ MORE
17 Gifts To Treat Yourself With, Starting From $6
A Diamond Expert Shares His Secrets On Buying The Best Diamond Within Your Budget
Learn Kate Middleton’s Best Travel Secrets
Breeze into any room in a brightly coloured wrap dress and watch as heads turn in envy.
Pictured: Diane von Furstenberg SS18
Rugby player shoulders exude power and gravitas, which is great for when you need to seal some deals.
Pictured: Ellery SS18
The easiest way to tell the world who you really are? Have your name proudly sprawled across your items! Not only will it set you apart from the pack, it’s a great way of owning something a little less ordinary.
Show up to work in a sharp suit, because you’re a woman of power and you should own it in your appearance.
Pictured: Givenchy SS18
Everyone is going to be wearing the same thing (read: cotton blouses and polyester jackets), so why not switch it up a little with interesting textures and patterns.
…bright, bold, boss-like. And nothing is going to help you look more in-charge than a beautiful red suit.
Specifically, get a waistcoat and wear it with tailored trousers for fresh take on the work suit.
Pictured: Louis Vuitton SS18
Buckle up into a cool pair of pants and you’ve won 50% of the battle. All you need now is a simple shirt and a jacket and you’re ready to charge ahead at work.
The key to working a fun look? Allowing one print to take the stage, and working the rest of your separates around it. Pull out pieces in complimentary tones, experiment with little details (such as the layered tops and the bright blue shoes here) to make your outfit extra cool.
Pictured: Marni SS18
Those neutral-coloured plaid patterns? That’s business for sure. But those playful feathered trims and that beautiful pair of red heels? 100% pleasure.
Instead of relying on a power jacket (nothing wrong with that), try layering two blouses together. It keeps you warm, and allows you to play with layering different prints and colours together.
Pictured: Prada SS18
Want to go for a vacation but your boss won’t let you? Wear your vacation wishes all over your dress. Even if you’re stuck in the confines of your cubicle, at least you can rely on a fun dress to liven things up a little.
Toughen it up with a structured jacket and no-nonsense pumps, so you don’t look like a runaway bride.
Too much accessories can spoil a look, so colour-coordinate them to harmonise them with whatever else you’re wearing.
As long as your pastels come tailored and in the form of grown-up pieces, they can be worn to the office without looking too girlish.
Pictured: Victoria Beckham SS18
Rainbow coloured knits are a fun thing to throw on with a business skirt.
Do you usually cuff your shirts? Try rolling your sleeves up instead. Often seen in pressed trousers? A pair of linen pants might be a fresh way of switching things up. In a world that emphasises on poise, sometimes it’s nice to let loose a little.