This week saw the return of many people heading back into the office so, the thoughts on 'what to wear' was naturally on everyone's mind. Over the years dress codes in offices have become much more relaxed, with some women wearing casual basics, jeans and a smart blazer, but this is all dependent on the sector you work in. Many people in corporate environments are still expected to dress smart. After the last two years of working from home and living in loungewear, I have found many of my personal styling clients want to look smart regardless of which area they work in.
Dressing well in the office will give you a boost of confidence and a feeling of power when you present yourself professionally in the workplace. I have recently worked with a few women in the corporate world on creating capsule wardrobes and all of them have opted for separate smart workwear wardrobes. I personally don't believe in having a separate capsule wardrobe for different parts of my lifestyle but this doesn't work for everyone as our lifestyles are all so different. In this blog, I have focused on creating a smart workwear collection including key basics of tops, skirts, tailoring, and smart jackets. All these pieces can also be adaptable to dress down with jeans to create some great wearable everyday outfits with trainers and flat shoes.
workwear capsule wardrobe: HOW TO CREATE YOUR OWN CAPSULE WARDROBE
The most fundamental rule to dressing well is to know your style and how to dress the best for your body shape. If you are struggling in this department then my styling services can certainly help you. I believe that, whatever you wear, comfort is key, so keep your look simple, stylish and smart as well as accentuating your true character and personality through your clothes. To create your own capsule workwear wardrobe, identify the key foundations that you need i.e basic tops and good tailoring pieces. These items are the building blocks to help you create multiple outfit options. Then think about the key neutral colours that you like to wear and add one or two brighter tones and maybe a key print. Once you have a good idea of all these things then you will see your capsule wardrobe coming together. In the below collection I have focused on the colours black, navy, ecru, camel and burgundy with the addition of a geometric print. All these colours compliment each other really well.
Below I have created a twenty-piece smart capsule wardrobe that can be easily mixed and matched to create multiple outfit ideas.
Product Links
Basic scoop top, Hobbs -Link
Jersey wrap top, Ralph Lauren -Link
Camel Polo neck -Link
White shirt, HM -Link
Burgundy wrap knit, Newlook -Link
Black pleated skirt, Finery London -Link
Camel skirt, French Connection - Link
Black shirt dress, John Lewis -Link
Geometric print belted dress, Karen Millen -Link
Camel Coat, M&S - Link
Black boucle jacket, Mango - Link
Navy Blazer, John Lewis - Link
Camel trousers, Hobbs - Link
Black slim ankle grazer trousers - Link
Black Mulberry tote bag, John Lewis - Link
Radley smart camel tote, John Lewis - Link
Burgundy knee-high boots Sosandar at M&S - Link
Black ankle boots, Clarks - Link
Camel courts, Marks and Spencer - Link
Black loafers, Dune - Link
Please note some of these products have affiliate links whereby if you make a purchase I will receive a small commission from the sale. This is no extra cost to you. This small income helps me to continue to do what I love and bring you great quality content.
Below You can see ten different simple and easy outfit combinations using the twenty-piece capsule wardrobe above.
A printed belted dress is great for most body shapes. It's a great versatile piece that can be worn with different shoes for day to office looks.
This Chanel inspired tweed jacket will look chic over any workwear outfit.
A neutral smart coat can be thrown over any outfit. I think camel colour is a great classic. This shade of camel will look great on warm skin tones. If you are a cool colouring then opt for a cooler shade neutral or an off white ecru colour.
This soft leather camel skirt is super smart, but it also adds an edge to your workwear looks.
Every workwear wardrobe needs a good classic blazer. Again it is one of those pieces that can be worn in lots of different ways.
A classic black pleated skirt can be worn in so many ways. wear it like this for smart workwear meetings or dress down with a T-shirt, denim jacket and white trainers.
A simple black shirt dress is so versatile. It can be layered over a thin polo neck. Remove the fabric belt and add a structured belt to give you more definition on the waist.
A nude court shoe is a great classic that will go with multiple outfits. It also cleverly elongates your frame; giving the appearance of long legs.
Still WORKING FROM HOME?
While I was compiling this blog a follower asked me if I would do a post on working from home style. Some of the above items can also be worn while working at home. Again comfort is key when you are working from home so wear elasticated waists for extra comfort on skirts and trousers. You can simply wear a nice top with your favourite pair of jeans. Another tip is to use your jewellery or hair accessories to elevate your top. Here are a few more smart-casual outfit ideas for WFH style using some of the tops from the above collection.
Product Links
Jeans, Lily from Marks and Spencer Link
Black buckle loafers, Jones bootmaker Link
Earrings, Oliver Bonas Link
Black faux leggings, Mint Velvet Link
Silver Loafers, Coach Link
Camel cardigan, HM Link
Cami top, HM Link
Footbed sliders, HUSH Link
Necklace, Oriela Link
Here's a mixture of workwear inspiration via Pinterest.
(Image credit: Pinterest)
I hope you found this blog post useful and that you feel inspired to create a great capsule wardrobe. Whether it is a separate workwear wardrobe from your everyday style or one that works hard for all occasions. I would love your feedback on this blog in the comments below. What kind of capsule wardrobe would you like to create? I would love to know! You may also enjoy reading relaxed workwear outfits for women
Through my professional personal styling services, I can help you create your very own capsule wardrobe of considered outfits that work effortlessly for your lifestyle.
Many thanks for reading!
Jas x
Σχόλια