January and February are the month's to power through to a whole new level—at work and in your personal life. Nothing quite ignites positive change like a wardrobe reboot, because what you put on every day immediately affects the way you feel. Fact.
You hear the word "workwear" and you think dull, school uniform-esque outfits that you wear whilst you endure a boring day at the office. But your work wardrobe doesn’t have to be boring.
Since the new year I have had numerous clients ask me how to update their workwear wardrobe that won't break the bank and won't take them out of their comfort zone of cold weather dressing. There is a formula to your working wardrobe that I want to share with you. Whether you are going back to work after having a baby, have got a new job or even work part-time, there are a few rules you can follow to make your life easier every morning when you get up and get dressed. No more opening your wardrobe and not knowing what to wear, and how to put outfits together. You need styles that 'multi-task' for you and enable you to look smart and sophisticated for all work occasions. Follow my styling directives to ensure that your wardrobe goes the distance...
Stick with the 7 HERO pieces below to ensure you tackle those early-morning workwear dilemmas.
EDITS WAYS TO WEAR
1. A printed shirt -
Reinvent the classics with a hint of print – it’s a simple switch that makes all the difference. They look best tucked into skirts and trousers or under a a great fitting suit.
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2. Leather pencil skirt -
One of this season’s most supreme power pieces, it’s time to let your skirt do the talking, styling with a simple cotton t-shirt and brightly fitted blazer. A white shirt with a crew neck or v-neck jumper on those colder days in the office. Or with your printed blouse as above or chic plain blouse tucked into the pencil skirt. See also hero piece number 3 below for another way to wear this piece.
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3. Sleeveless waistcoat -
These have been around for a couple of seasons now but I do think that they have longevity and are a chic way to smarten up your look. It's a great separate and brought in a colour means it can be worn with black trousers and lots of different tops underneath. Ranging from white shirts, t-shirts, printed blouses and even stripey tee's. I love this pink one from River Island, don't be scared of belting it to show off your waist.
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4. A pinafore dress -
This might remind you of being back at school, but believe me you will want one in your life when you realise just how versatile they are throughout these winter months and then can be reinvented for summer. The pinafore dress is my new go-to piece. For work you can layer it up with printed shirts underneath, polo necks and even a stripey tee for a new nifty way of layering. When nothing else in your wardrobe will do, this dress shape will put you firmly on the stylish map at work.
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5. A great blazer jacket -
This is a wardrobe staple for anyone, whether working or not. I suggest every women finds their perfect little blazer - it can change an outfit instantly. I love that you can mix it up with different pieces, depending on your workday, meetings, dress it down with dark wash jeans or using it within a suit. If you dare to have one that is patterned of in a bright colour, this will of course get you noticed, but can be used so effectively to enhance a simply black trousers and white shirt outfit. I suggest going to Zara as they have a fabulous range of different types of blazers at the moment, at great prices.
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6. A great pair of black trousers -
Why are these so hard to find? They are either too wide, too long or the fabric is too cheap! I have advised clients to buy these Boden ones time and time again as they are so flattering and a great length.
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7. The slip-on mules -
Now seriously who can wear heel's to the office, or work everyday? It's just not feasible or doable when you need to walk to appointments, to the station, around shops all day. A perfect pair of flats for work is now perfectly acceptable. When Gucci's backless mules became the shoe of AW15, it was inevitable that this year the humble flat would get a make-over. Like any worthy wardrobe staple, they go with everything. Polished enough for the office, wear with wide-leg culottes, fitted trouser suits or a midi skirt and you will look thoroughly modern and smart with your footwear update of the season.
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For my inspiration follow my pinterest board - Workwear wardrobe re-boot
If you need help with your workwear wardrobe, contact me now for more information on styling sessions at your home, shopping trips and online shopping magazines.