The modern businesswoman is self-confident, passionate, hard-working, and classy. We can debate endlessly on how looks aren’t all that important in the 21st century (a post-pandemic world where hoodies and sweatpants have gained momentum), but the truth is, they are.
Nowhere is this more apparent than in the professional sphere. If you want to leave a good impression, in addition to your skills, degrees and achievements, presenting yourself in a classy corporate manner is also where success lies.
Some are lucky to wear a uniform to work, but the rest of us struggle with the “What to wear to work today?” question every morning. Looking at the bright side (YES, there is a bright side), it’s possible to create our style while making class a part of it. Think of it kind of like establishing a brand’s image.
How Do I Look Classy at Work?
Easy – create a collection of stylish and comfortable clothes for work, and you won’t fail! On the plus side, you’d get to enjoy 9-to-5 comfort which is non-negotiable for the modern businesswoman who won’t hesitate to ditch the blister-causing stilettos in favour of convenient flats. Let your passion for your work reflect on your looks, and pick elegant pieces of quality, such as:
Versatile and Flattering Blazers
A woman can never go wrong with a blazer incorporated into a work outfit. It’s one of the simplest clothing elements that give off that mighty girl boss vibe that shows everyone you mean business. More to the point, it’s a trend-proof piece that’s always in style, so you don’t have to worry about how in or out of fashion you are.
The range of tailoring designs, cuts, shapes, and colours make it the perfect option to be creative with your looks. It’s just as great for “pants day” as it is for “skirt day”. So, you can solve the “what to wear” issue and create many outfits for every day of the week.
It’s just as easy to dress up and down, making it an ideal match for formal pieces like dress shirts and smart-casual ones like polo shirts or classic T-shirts for casual Fridays or post-work fun.
When choosing a blazer or any other clothes for work, for that matter, get something in a classic cut and colour. Relaxed fit and navy blue or grey tones convey top-notch professionalism.
Sophisticated Work Tops
Don’t think you’re limited to dress button-down shirts here. While they’re the most common choice of tops, there are other options you can use to your advantage and create varied work ensembles.
For instance, a chic white blouse with minimal details can work wonders for your professional image. You can easily pair it with any bottom in any colour and create countless outfits.
And, it’s only one of the many picks of workwear blouses in all shapes, designs, and colours. You can also go for a sleeveless shirt. While some may argue that bare arms are inappropriate in a professional setting, you can make it look acceptable and sophisticated with silk fabric.
Similar to high-quality fabrics like organic cotton and bamboo, silk is thermoregulating and doesn’t look unflattering like synthetics. Plus, it has that beautiful rich shine that can add an extra dose of sophistication and femininity.
If you work in a company with a strict dress code and “no show arm looks” are the norm, layer these shirts with a blazer. You also have the chance to pick a fashion-forward top like a structured knit jacket of choice.
If you need warmer layering options for the cooler days, rely on cardigans and cosy knitwear. Finish up with a neck scarf, a brooch, or a minimalist jewellery piece that never goes out of style for a put-together look.
Refined Bottoms
Some women prefer to wear skirts, while others like to dress up in pants. Whichever the case with you, rest assured there are plenty of models of both. However, depending on your specific work environment and dress codes, you may or may not be more in favour of one over the other.
If there are no rules, you have all the flexibility to style up your looks. Two of the most classic
options of clothes for work in terms of bottoms are the pencil skirt and the wide-leg tailored pants designs.
Leather pencil skirts are the latest craze, yet any fabric would do to create an outfit that makes you stand out from the rest. Create a monochromatic head-to-toe look with a blouse or button-down shirt in the same colour, or have fun mixing it up with pumps or block heels of a contrasting colour, then accessorise with a matching handbag.
A statement-making oversized necklace can help with giving the whole ensemble some dramatic edge. This is a great way to make the outfit more interesting if you went traditional with the colour choices.
Wide-leg pants are magical closet pieces when you realise how many possibilities they offer with outfit combos. You can match them with any top you can think of, from casual T-shirts to elegant blouses and warm essentials such as turtlenecks and sweaters.
Choose a design and top it off with a matching blazer for a signature office look. Put on a statement belt with an eye-catching buckle that peeks out from underneath. And tuck in that shirt for a seamless result, or don’t if aiming for a relaxed fit.
Chic Dresses
If you’re the dress kind of gal, then you’ll love creating looks with your favourite dresses as the bases. Considering it’s for a work setting, what you can work with is a business dress design in the perfect length, colour, and style.
Want an example? A shirtdress in basic colours, like dark tones, or a midi wrap dress in neutral tones.
Style them up with your choice of shoes, which could be timeless ankle straps or lace-up heels, teamed up with matching clutches. Wear them on their own or define the waist with a jaw-dropping belt – it’s your call.
If your workspace allows flexibility, you can have fun topping off the shirtdress with a leather crop tank or bottoms such as leggings or skinny jeans. It’s the perfect solution to make an over-the-knees dress work appropriate!