There are mornings when we wish we were subjected to wearing school uniforms all over again. Especially when we throw our cupboard doors (cupboard full of clothes, by the way) open and wail to ourselves, “I have nothing to wear!”.
Dressing for the office is a feat. They say you should always dress for success (this applies to all you superwomen in the corporate world) but getting your outfit right is part and parcel of the entire process. A little combination or a mix and match, perhaps, can help you look effortlessly chic without making an office fashion faux pas.
1. Say no to extremely plunging necklines. Women bosses are most offended by a show of too much cleavage in the workplace. As a matter of fact, 65% of woman bosses and 45% of male bosses say it’s their top pet hate. Eep!
2. Layering works! Pair a long tank or a tunic with leggings and say goodbye to the old boring top that sat untouched in your wardrobe for months. If need be, wrap a belt around the getup. Works like a charm.
3. Accessorize, accessorize, accessorize! Not many people can afford to deck out in head-to-toe Chanel but, add a designer purse or bag to your ensemble and you’ll feel like a million bucks immediately.
4. Pairing just about everything and anything with jeans can come off as sloppy. If you have to wear denim, wear a dark one with black or brightly-coloured heels. Instant chic factor.
5. Heels will make your legs look longer and more slender but please leave your pencil-thin stilettos or crazily pointed shoes at home! Those can’t be comfortable for a full day in the office after all.
6. The “LBD” (read: Little Black Dress) is a popular must-have for every woman. Still, what’s a pretty black dress without a pretty necklace, or two? Best yet, add layers of pearls around your neck. Audrey Hepburn much?
7. Ill-clad clothing can be a major turn-off. Don’t wear something that would show visible underwear lines or flash your bra straps. Unless if your profession is a stripper, it’s not sexy.
8. Some women can pull off red lipstick – especially the ones you see in full-page, full-colour ads in a glossy women’s magazine. There are hundreds of shades to choose from to compliment your skin tone. Get your palette right to avoid from looking clown-ish.
9. Necklaces, bracelets and earrings are inexpensive and are usually worth the investment but it’s better to not hang too much bling on you for the office. Unless if you work in a ghetto (East Side or West Side, yo?).
10. Make sure your clothes are properly ironed or pressed to avoid from already looking frumpy first thing in the morning. Also, frayed clothes? No. Fix it or toss it.
First impressions count. But dressing right makes lasting impressions.
