Workwear Heroes
Every great wardrobe needs a few hero items that you reach for again and again so you are always feeling ready for business! It really makes a difference to how you feel and move through life when you feel confident and a big part of that is what you wear.
Confidence comes in two parts, internal and external and the great thing about clothes is they can be used as a shield almost. You can create an instant and impactful image with what you wear and that’s why it pays to pay attention to your work wardrobe.
Classic shirt dress - image @symphonyofsilk
Elevated Pieces
Over the past few years in my work as a personal stylist, I have seen inside literally hundreds of wardrobes. Even when I’m working with people at the top of their game - seriously senior professionals, the story is still the same. No one really takes the time to look at their wardrobe as a whole. Instead they shop randomly in snatched pockets of time and end up with a disjointed wardrobe. No wonder most people only actually wear around 20% of their wardrobe!
So the items I’m suggesting today are the key pieces I recommend to make sure you always look polished and professional in Summer 2023 at work.
A smart blazer (or two)
Blazers and jackets are the backbone of all wardrobes and instantly create an outfit. Even if you are wearing jeans and a tee, b y throwing on a nicely tailored jacket you look puled together.
I suggest one in a summer pastel colour or a bright colour and one neutral.
Veronica Beard do the most beautiful and iconic jackets. You will find similar on the highstreet
Boden Rose Pink Blazer
2. A Summer shirt dress
Chic, easy and cool (in literal and sartorial terms!) a shirt dress is a great addition to your work wardrobe. The fact it’s based on the traditional shirt makes it super smart and polished and should work in even the most formal offices. There is a shirt dress out there for everyone, from long to short, stiped to plain and in brights or neutrals.
Claudie Pierlot navy midi shirt dress
Ruched and more fitted shirt dress by Veronica Beard
Green Ikat sustainable cotton dress by New Day Originals. This would work in a creative environment in Summer.
3. An absolute essential - smart wide trousers
I often have people who are petite and 5ft 2’ or thereabouts saying they cannot wear wide-leg trousers but it just isn’t true. A high-waisted, wide-leg worn with a heel is a great way to look taller. Some brands do different lengths including Mint Velvet, M&S, NEXT and Boden. Otherwise it’s pretty easy to get a pair tailored to give the perfect length.
These are very elegant and stylish and a surefire way to make your wardrobe look fresh and up-to-date.
Theory are the masters of elegant tailoring
Love these pink trousers from Whistles paired with neutrals for a Summer work look
These M&S trousers keep selling out but are back in stock.
4. A silk or linen blouse
Linen and silk are elevated and help to give you that polished, professional appearance.
New-in pale pink ruffle shirt at Me&Em
This pretty linen blouse from Wyse London comes in other colours.
My Summer work essentials. Hope that was helpful.
If you’d like help with your wardrobe please get in touch here. I work with busy senior professionals who need to look good but lack the time to pull together a great wardrobe. I am taking bookings for wardrobe edits in August and personal shopping for the autumn/winter season in September.