Maybe you’re not a model or a movie star, but the right clothes can make you look just as fashionable and dynamic, wherever you work. To get you started, our stylist has laid out 3 must-have pieces for the office and offered some great suggestions on how to wear them after work. Required to wear a uniform? We have some tips on giving that some style once you’re off the clock too.
3 must-have pieces for the office
If you’re looking for a more stylish work wardrobe, these three pieces make it easy to dress to impress and you can make them work after work, or anytime.
Pressed for time in the morning? With a dress, your outfit is nearly complete in one easy step, and you can go from looking totally professional to totally tempting just by changing your shoes. Our favorite work dress is definitely the
“secretary” dress. Named for its retro style, it’s classy and ladylike in one quick layer.
After work: Got an after-work date? In such a cute dress, you’re already dressed to impress, but you can spice it up just a little by slipping out of your prudent pumps and into coquettish
open-toed heels or sleek
knee-high boots for some real drama. Yep, it’s that easy.
Skirts are the epitome of femininity, and
pencil skirts are the perfect way to flaunt yours in the workplace without being too brassy. These skirts showcase your curves in all the right ways and they feature a respectable length, making you seem more sophisticated than…not.
After work: Pencil skirts aren’t so sophisticated that they can’t fit into a casual setting. If you’re off early for some afternoon shopping or a stroll around the park, pair it with a simple
cotton cami or, better yet, a fun
graphic tee. Keep a
cardigan handy for the breeze and cute ballet flats or
gladiator sandals to give your feet a break.
Nothing says you mean business like
tailored pants. They look professional whether they’re matched with a
jacket and
button-down top, a
lightweight sweater, or even a plain white tee and a
vest. They’re also really comfortable and you don’t have to worry if you didn’t get out of bed in time to shave your legs!
After work: Shed the jacket when you head to the club and shimmy into a
chiffon peasant top or satin cami. Trade your power pumps for a sexy,
strappy or colorful heel that you can hit the dance floor in.
3 “boring” pieces of work wear you can still wear out
If you’re stuck with work wear that’s more uniform than unique, there are a few simple things you can do to work around it when you’re going out.
First of all,
button-down tops don’t have to be boring. Plenty of designers are changing up the collars and adding pretty details like ruffles, puffed sleeves and smocking that make them just as cute for after work. If you’re stuck with something plain, create an evening look by adding
dramatic jewelry, like a
statement necklace or gem-studded
earrings. Going straight to the club? Loosen up by untucking your shirt, rolling up your sleeves and undoing a few buttons at your neck, but highlight your curves by adding a
cinch belt.
Though polo shirts are standard issue in many workplaces, the only place this top possibly looks fashionable is on the tennis court. There’s no saving it if it’s embroidered with your company logo, so just change it if you’ve got somewhere cool to be right after work. If it’s plain, we suggest you disguise the collar with one of the fringed, woven
scarves that are all the rage and tailor its boxy shape with a
vest.
Good news! Often matched with polos, the twill slacks a lot of workplaces require are more versatile than you might think. Dark twill pants can be styled up with just about any
cute fashion top, and pairing khakis with brightly colored and gem-studded tops creates a fun, vacation feel.
Snazzy shoes can do the rest, so roll up your cuffs to show them off.
