outfit details: Similar Button-Up Shirt, Similar Grey Sweater, Shield Cutout Airy Pleated Skirt in Black, Loft Grey Tights, Black Suede Heels
Office style is often perceived as boring and limited. But, when I landed my first real job, I was so excited to finally get to wear business attire. I loved the look of suits, button ups, and polished wide leg pants and I was thrilled to finally have a place to wear them to. But after a few months of wearing the same professional looks day in and day out, I began to feel a bit bored with business styles.
Thankfully, with a love of style and the power of Pinterest, my style-stump was short lived. I quickly discovered ways to revamp my office look so that each morning I was happy to be standing in-front of my closet rather than stressed. Today I am sharing 10 ways to look more stylish at work so you can also get out of your office fashion rut!
10 Ways to Look More Fashionable at Work
1. Play with Colour
One of my biggest style flaws is my natural pull towards basics. I love simple neutrals, and believe me – there is nothing I love more than a great all-black outfit, but sometimes you need a bit of colour. Colours will always make a look appear and feel more fun, so rather than always sticking to basics occasionally challenge yourself to play with colour.
2. Inject a Little Geek Chic to Your Look
If there’s one look I’ve rocked my whole life it’s been the geek chic one. Growing up wearing gigantic glasses and being forced to wear turtlenecks year-round (thanks, mom) meant that my style always lent to looking a little… well, geeky. While I hated it when I was young, now I actually love all things geek and I fully embrace my geek-chic style. The best part about this style is how nowadays you can find pieces that elevate geek-chic into looking really sophisticated and smart. Next time you’re getting dressed, play with geek-chic inspired ensembles – rock a pair of thick-framed glasses, or grab a shirt with a peter-pan collar.
3. Wear something “On-Trend”
While not all trends may be office-friendly, some are great for elevating your office style. Pretty midi skirts, perforated detailing (like what’s on the skirt I’m wearing today!), and romantic Victorian inspired styles are just a few trends that work beautifully for the office. Some people hate trends, but I find that trends are a great way to keep your wardrobe feeling fresh.
4. Pair A Simple Outfit with a Bold Lip
One fool-proof way to instantly look more fashionable at work is with a bold lipcolour. When you just can’t tear yourself away from your favourite basic look, try elevating it with a bold lip colour. I have an affinity for wearing my black turtleneck with black jeans and black boots, but occasionally I just add on a bold red lip to make the look appear a bit more thought-out.
5. Grab a Pair of Wide Leg Trousers / Culottes
Two of my favourite styles I have really gotten into this year are wide leg trousers and culottes. They both have a really unique power-fit to them and always look chic at the office. Culottes are especially great for the spring and summer as they have a bit more of a playful look to them.
6. Meet in the Middle
Midi skirts are perfect for the office. They are comfortable to wear and always look appropriate. This flared skirt from Chicwish is an excellent piece for the office as it has both the appropriate factor as well as the style aspect – which is an unbeatable combination for us working fashion lovers.
7. Remember Power Accessories
Another way to easily step up your style game is through your accessories. Like I mentioned earlier, I have an affinity towards minimalist black outfits. These looks can appear basic but when you add on a few power accessories, the outfit is instantly transformed into something a bit more unique and a lot more stylish. Add on a stylish watch, a bold handbag, or a pair of chic loafers to elevate your look in seconds.
8. A Crisp Button-Up Always looks Chic
While a button-up may not be your favourite item in your closet, it is one that you’ll find to be useful and practical in your office style. I personally love chic over-sized button-ups as I love how they style over faux leather pants (my office is very flexible with fashion and leather is A-OK here) or tucked into a skirt. If your office is a bit more conservative than look for a button-up with a closer fit.
9. A Blazer Always looks Polished
Blazers are my favourite pieces to instantly turn an average outfit into something office-friendly. I love wearing a blazer with a long white button up and faux leather pants, or rocking a blazer over a t-shirt and dark wash boyfriend jeans. If you typically have to stick to more business styles rather than business-casual, than try finding a blazer in a bold colour to change up your look.
10. Don’t Forget your Personal Flare
One thing that seems to be a problem for so many of us is finding a balance between office-friendly and personal style. Keep your office look looking like you by adding in elements of your personal style.
Great post! I totally agree with you especially adding certain accessories which can instantly transform an outfit and completes the finishes touches. Having your own personal style and statement pieces can make you feel much confident with your wardrobe 🙂
Angie xx
Silk and Sapphire
Great look!
My blog: Street Style City
Also have a look at my photography page: Photography
I love how you styled this outfit, so cute that skirt is lovely I in love with detail!!
http://xoxobella.com
Such a pretty look! Love your skirt!
xx, Elise
http://www.sparkleandslippers.blogspot.com
I love blazers Bree and once I get to the size I want I am buying a couple… they really pull an outfit together. Also, I like the skirt here, it is cute and unique…xox
I wanted to thank you for the idea you gave your readers to share their older content on social media, I have upped my view by 3000 to 4000 more per month… it was a great idea. xx
Hey Launna! They do really pull an outfit together, you're so right – they are a perfect "completer piece"!
I am SO thrilled that that tip helped you out. I'll be sharing a lot more tips (tons about instagram and pinterest specifically!) on my new blog The Mint Edition once the move to wordpress is complete! xx
so nice pics; >>>
xoxo
i invite to me too
http://www.live-style20.blogspot.com
Great post and love your look!
Neeeed this post. I have the opposite problem– my office is superr casual and I hate wearing jeans to work every single day. These tips help me elevate my style a little bit without looking too out of place in my casual office!
Alyssa with an A
what a lovely post my dear
your style is so amazing and inspiring
simply love it!
lovely 🙂
with love your AMELY ROSE
Beautiful outfit! And lots of great tips. I have definitely been guilty lately of wearing the same outfit/style on too many times! Time to spruce up the wardrobe!
http://mintmilkshakememories.blogspot.co.uk/