As we step into a new year (and decade), it’s time to take stock of our lives and make resolutions that shape how we want the year ahead to be.
One of the resolutions we’re making — and it’s easy too — is to streamline your wardrobe to the essentials and the workhorses, i.e, pieces that are stylish, versatile and don’t lack comfort. To aid you in completing this resolution, we’ve rounded up 10 core items we believe should be in any modern working woman’s wardrobe.
With Singapore’s year-round tropical weather, the temperature is definitely a factor when it comes to making smart stylistic choices. Lightweight and breathable, linen tops should be high up on your shopping list as it helps wick sweat and keeps you cool. Read the clothing tag before purchasing though. Some linen outfits are made with polyester blends, which can trap rather than disperse heat and moisture.
Get: Bow Linen Top, $35.90, from Mango
Pencil-thin, towering stilettos are great to make you feel like a million bucks. But after a few hours of wear, our legs are screaming to be forgiven from the torture. Block kitten heels, on the hand, with its wider base and shorter height, are the antidote that still delivers on the fashion front. Best yet, opt for one with sculptural heels for extra style point.
Get: Square Toe Block Heel Pumps, $53.90, from Charles & Keith
Blazers are a workplace staple, we concur. But if the boxy silhouette is doing no favours for your figure, opt for an iteration that comes with a belt. This gives you the option of wearing it with or without the belt, depending on your mood and styling.
Get: Blazer With Belt, $119, from Zara
Life can be stressful so we take any chances to feel relaxed and at ease. Consequently, swapping the skin-tight tailored trousers you wear to work for a breezy wide-legged version still gives you the professional look while keeping you comfortable all day.
Get: Belted Wide Leg Pants In Purple, $44, from Pomelo
Chunky/ugly/dad sneakers might still be having their fashion moment but honestly, it’s only time that they die down as with any trend. Instead, go for the perennial classic – the white sneakers. Get those in slimming silhouettes, such as these from Converse, as they help to elongate the feet.
Get: Chuck Taylor All Star Leather Low Top, $109, from Converse
Jumpsuits are great complete outfits that we can throw on hurried mornings without fussing about styling tops and bottoms. However, not all jumpsuits are built with pockets, which is why we’re favouring the utility-focused boiler jumpsuits.
Get: Cotton Twill Boiler Suit, $59.95, from H&M
Skirts are another must-have. But instead of a restrictive pencil skirt, we suggest opting for an A-line pleated skirt instead. These would dance as you move and add a touch of femininity to your look. Finish with a simple blouse or a knotted T-shirt.
Get: Burgundy Pleated PU Midi Skirt, £39 (S$68.72), from Topshop
Akin to the little black dress, a white shirt should be a pillar in everybody’s wardrobe. Its versatility stems from its simplicity and can be styled in a variety of ways – tucked, french tucked, untucked or knotted. The white shirt’s understated quality also allows you to repeat outfits with ease.
Get: Oversized Shirt With Side Plackets, US$99 ($134.14), from Cos
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While chunky, statement or colourful earrings are great to show off your personality, it can often be distressing to find ways to pair them with your outfits. And if that sounds like you, or you simply don’t have time in the morning to mull over your OOTD, the classic hoop earrings are your best friend to get you in shape.
Get: Addilyn Hoop Earrings, $16.90, from Love, Bonito
Mini bags might be all the rage on social media. But in reality, these petite creations are more cutesy than practical. Large totes are the workhorse we can depend on to carry all our essentials and more. Choose a design that has multiple ways to be carried so that you can shift the load around without feeling the ache.
Get: Rabeanco Unni Large Satchel In Saffiano Black, $550, from Zalora
Text: Ho Guo Xiong