Are you ever stumped by the challenge of finding an outfit that’s both office-appropriate and stylish? Exploring the concept of professional chic can help remove the daily hurdle of creating work-ready ensembles.
1. Look Your Best: The Art of Professional Chic
Striking the perfect balance between work-appropriate and confident, stylish attire sometimes seems like a difficult dilemma. Fortunately, professional chic is an art, not a science! Here are some tips and tricks for perfecting this fine art:
- New versus Old: Finding the ideal outfit does not always mean buying something new. Raiding your closet for timeless pieces is a great way to spruce up your work wardrobe without having to hit the stores. Don’t worry if a few items are a few years old, as long as they’re in good condition, are work-appropriate, and you’re comfortable wearing them, you can look your best.
- Colour Coordinate: Choosing colours that work well together is key to creating an attractive outfit. Of course you don’t have to limit yourself to 2 or 3 hues, but some combination of neutrals, minimal pops of bright colour, and prints that aren’t too loud can help you look professional.
- Accessorize: You don’t have to spend a fortune on a few key accessories. Adding a scarf, a necklace, or a bracelet can pull an outfit together, and help express your own personal style. Accessories are also great for livening up an older outfit, while subtle patterns like stripes, dots, or checkered variations add a touch of pizzazz.
- Truth in Shoes: Shoes are something you don’t want to skimp on. Looks matter, but comfort is essential. Find the perfect shoes for you – ones that are comfortable enough to last you the entire day. Quality leather and man-made materials are your friends here!
Having the right “professional chic” look can put a little pep in your step – knowing you both look and feel great is an invaluable confidence boost. With these tips, you’ll never be in danger of looking like you just rolled out of bed and made it to the office.
2. Find the Right Balance: Navigating the Professional Dress Code
Understand the Company Culture: Before you make any decisions about what to wear, make sure that you know the norms and expectations surrounding professional dress at your company. Look at dress code policies, observe what other employees wear, and respectfully ask your boss about acceptable wardrobe choices.
Dress According to the Occasion: Each situation will have a slightly different set of standards for professional dress. Evaluate the situation to determine what is expected. For example, you might dress more formally for a meeting with senior leadership than for a casual lunch with coworkers.
Know What Not to Wear: Professional dress codes do not usually have a uniform for each workday, but they do all have certain elements that should be avoided. These might include items like:
- T-shirts
- Jeans
- Hats
- Flip Flops
- Exposed underwear
Don’t Fall into the Un-Professional Gap: Many employees make the mistake of confusing “casual” with “un-professional”. Even when the office has a relaxed dress code, it is important to avoid sloppy clothing like ripped jeans or stained t-shirts. Exercisesome form of judgment when deciding what to wear.
Accessorize with Confidence: Accessories such as jewellery, rings, and scarves can be used to add unique style to your look. However, it is important to ensure that these accessories remain professional. For example, avoid overly flashy jewellery or accessories with inappropriate messaging.
Think “Professional”, not “Boring”: Just because something is professional does not mean that it has to be boring. From clean fitted blazers to intricate necklaces, you can still have style and remain professional. But always remember to check the company dress code policies first.
3. Style Up Your Work Wardrobe: Time to Get Creative
Your work wardrobe speaks volumes about you. Whether it’s the blazer you wear to an important meeting, or your dressy work clothes ‒ the combinations you put together should make a statement.
To make the most of it, here are some simple ways to style up your work wardrobe and get creative:
- Mix and Match: Invest in some versatile pieces and dress them up for maximum effect. Layer a sleek long cardigan over a white button-down shirt and add a statement necklace for extra pizzazz.
- Power Prints: Punch up your work look with bold prints. A printed wrap dress may be just the bold touch to keep an otherwise drab work wardrobe from being too boring.
- Add a Pop of Color: Brighten up your look with a pop of color. A striking red skirt or a sunny yellow blouse can take your work wardrobe from drab to fab.
- Go for the Accessories: Finish off your look with stylish accessories. A pair of statement earrings or a chic power suit blazer will inject the much-needed zing into your work wardrobe.
Incorporating some of these tips into your work wardrobe will surely give you the boost you need to look chic and feel confident heading out to the office.
Choose from a wide array of key pieces that can be mixed and matched and you’ll be sure to impress and stand out with your work wardrobe.
4. Expert Tips for Mastering the Professional Chic Look
Your style should be the perfect balance between your inner fashionista and your inner professional. After all, the goal of achieving the professional chic look is to ensure you give the right impression in your career. Here are some expert tips to get you on your way!
- Mix & Match
Choose pieces from your wardrobe that quietly say you are serious about your career. Avoid mixing too many patterns or styles in one outfit, but don’t be too basic either. Add something that stands out, like a statement necklace or bright colored top. - Know the Occasion
Dress appropriately, and remember that the occasion will influence the choice you make. The general trend should be a bit more formal than casual in a professional setting. Choose silhouettes that flatter your figure, but remember: there is no such thing as one-size-fits-all. If it’s all too much for you, trust a stylist. - Accessorize, Then Re-Accessorize
Good, relevant accessories make an outfit pop. Invest in good quality belts and handbags, as well as classic, versatile, smart jewelry. Ever thought of styling a necklace over your shirt collar? How about an unexpected watch? - Keep It Clean & Simple
Simplicity is fashionable. Arrange clothes with a few curated pieces such as a dress with a blazer paired with classic heels and a clutch. Don’t be afraid of retro-inspired looks, either; you can easily pull them off the right way with key elements that stay true to the vibe. - Be You
At the end of the day, it’s your vision of the professional chic look that will make you stand out. Be mindful of the corporate dress code (or whatever applies to your company) and don’t be afraid to express yourself through the right clothing. That’s what will make you shine.
Focus on making the perfect mix of smart details and stylish cuts — and make sure you feel comfortable and confident when you wear your professional chic look. After all, your clothes should represent your personality and desires in your career.
When it comes to work-appropriate dressing, you are in charge. Embrace the pieces that reflect your personal style, and feel amazing wearing the office professional chic that still feels like you. Dress smart to make the most of your work day, and have some fun with it.
