Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Office Wear Basics .. Part 2 .. Wardrobe Essentials

Continuing with our office wear series, we have put together a list of basic wardrobe staples that you should have for a fabulous work wardrobe.
Take cues from these next time you go shopping. 

The idea is not to just buy all these things, but identify what you are most comfortable with and find pieces that you can combine to create smart outfits. That is where your creativity and individuality comes in.

1. Shirts

Classic button down shirts that you can pair with skirts, trousers, jeans.
Tip : Buy a shirt that is big enough to stretch all the way across your bust without gaping.
Don't wear a shirt that gapes and shows your undergarments, no matter how great it is otherwise. Also, don't go by the size on the labels..see if it actually fits.

2. Skirts

Find a  shape that flatters your body type, be in sheath skirts, pencil skirt, A-line, or pleated skirts. Avoid flamenco, peasant type and mini skirts, even on casual fridays.
Tip : Never go too short. A few inches above the knee should be the max you can go.

3. Trousers

Again find a style that flatters your body type and pair it with shirts and formal tops to get a great look.
Tip : Hem your pants. If your pants are too long it just screams sloppiness. If they are too short, they look silly. See it like this -- you can never wear the same pair of pants with flats as well as heels.

4. Dresses

Dresses offer great versatility.. you can choose a style that is classic formal, or if you have trendy pieces like prints or bold colors, give them a formal look by pairing them with blazers and cardigans. Sheath dresses are your best bet, but you can also dress up your shift dresses as formals. Confused, see our tutorial here on the difference between the two types and how you can dress them up or down.
Tip : It is better to avoid lacy dresses or dresses with sheer details at work. Leave them for the night out.

5. Blazers (and jackets)


Very important. They make the attire look powerful and you can use them to dress up any outfit .. dresses, just a plain top and skirt or even denims.

6. Cardigans


Work in the same way as blazers. So if you do not like formal jackets, go for cardigans.
Tip: Solid colors, mid-length, non-chunky cardigans work best.

7. Kurtas

Comfortable, traditional, colorful yet chic. Do not require much effort.

8. Jeans

You got to have a pair or two of good, well-fitting jeans which you can dress up and go to work in them. Pair your jeans with a beautiful printed top for a casual Friday or wear it with a classic button down or team it up with a blazer for a  business-casual look.. the options are endless. What is important is to find a jeans that suits your body type, flatters your figure and fits like a dream. Dark wash, mid rise are great options. 
Tip: Stay away from dangerously low waist / acid wash/ ripped styles. 

9. Shoes

At least have a couple of good pair of pumps and flats in neutral colors that will work with all your outfits.
Tip : Have to be well-maintained, polished.

10. Undergarments
Vital basics -- NEVER ignore. Wear well-fitting, no showing undergarments.

Here is a great Pinterest board with some great work outfits.

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