Thrifted harem pants (originally ASOS), Primark top, H&M cardigan, Primark pumps, thrifted ring, gold name necklace
On Monday the oh-so-lovely Victoria from Lily Loves Lola left me a comment that really got me thinking…
“I wish I had room for such creativity. My new job seems dead smart – today I wore black pumps, black trousers and a stripy shirt. Seriously no fashion breaking look there! Grr.”
Hands up if you have the same problem! In offices across the world, secretly stylish folk are forced into shiny black trousers, straining white shirts and sensible shoes. I’ve suffered the same fate myself – I once worked in a council-run office with the most basic of dress codes – black trousers, black shoes, white t-shirt. I’ve never felt so stifled in all my life. My wardrobe was overflowing with white t-shirts in every shape you can imagine. I rocked ruffles, slashed necks, bell sleeves and once, polka dots, which saw me hauled in front of the boss for ‘inappropriate patterns’ (I kid you not).
It’s really easy to fall into the workwear trap – you buy 10 versions of the same thing and wear them day after day. Life becomes a monochrome nightmare and that red cardigan you just HAD TO HAVE 3 months ago now hurts your eyes. Luckily enough, I can wear whatever I fancy at work, but there are times I need to be smarter and I’m loathe to go back to black and white. Take a look at my top tips for office dressing and let me know how you flex your fashion muscles when dressing for work by leaving a comment. I’d love to know!
Bottoms up
If you’re restricted to smart trousers or skirts, look for interesting shapes to add a little drama to the daily grind. The harem trousers I’m wearing today have clever draping that flatters the figure, and the shorter leg length is great for warmer weather. I’m also a huge fan of pencil skirts – go all Mad Men by wearing yours on the waist and belted.
Top of the class
If you can get away with them, printed tees make your office outfit fun and fashionable. Look for classic cotton in simple, muted tones – spring’s nude colours look great against black. If you need to be smarter, chiffon blouses make for a softer look, or work that 50s secretary vibe with a silk pussybow shirt in a bright, jewel shade.
Best foot forward
Shoes are your secret weapons – I dare you to go as bright and bold as you can! If your office is fastidious about footwear, wear your most outrageous heels with wide legged trousers. No one will see them, but you’ll know how fabulous your feet look! If you like to keep close to the ground (like me), pretty flats in a range of colours and fabrics are essential. Leather gladiator sandals are great for the summer, but treat your feet to a pedicure first.
Divine details
From loud and proud cocktail rings to classic gold chains, accessories can brighten up the plainest of uniforms. If your outfit is classic, wear more than one statement ring to gaze at while you’re typing. Layered necklaces look stylish over simple tees and belts, bangles and hairbands are your fashionable friends. Even a Blockbuster video uniform (that I wore for 2 years when I worked there) can be made beautiful with accessories!
Excellent post. As a boring council worker i’m really quite restricted by what I can get away with, but I’ve decided to push the boundaries lately and be more adventurous than the black trousers and white shirt. I’m well known in our building for my brightly coloured shoes and having a massive bright pink flower in my hair! xxx
Great dots! and lovely skin toned shoes (I’ve walked past these so often, but never dared to buy them because I just don’t wear ballet flats). When I moved to the UK I was surprised that everyone was wearing the ‘office look’ at work (black trousers and long skirts!). I sometimes wonder if it comes from being used to wearing school uniform. But you are right, there are definitely chicer ways of looking good at work (although I just wear whatever I like).
Great post – I totally agree, particularly on the footwear (I have quite a large range of various coloured shoes!) & of course the jewellery – I’m BIG on accessories 🙂
I also have quite a large collection of ‘work’ bags – surely they can’t impose what kind/colour bag you wear, whatever kind of dresscode there is?
I currently work in a secondary school, with students aged 14-17 – our dress code is officially ‘smart/casual’ – there’s quite a variation in my department as to what we all wear. I tend to be the smarter side of ‘smart/casual’ – but always with a colourful twist or statement of some sort. I’m very lucky to not have the black & white restriction some have – don’t know what I’d do!
I did have a girl today (after they’d been begging to find out where my new ring was from) say that I was “the most stylish Miss ever” – which was rather nice!
http://www.heart-shaped-bruise.blogspot.com
PS. The main things I have to be aware of with my wardrobe, working in a school, is dress/skirt length & cleavage on show! Can’t be giving any of these hormonal teenagers ideas now!
Great post Jen. Food for thought for anyone who is stuck in that situation. I really like the top you are wearing today! x
you look smug and cute lol and it works well with the outfit i likey it gal
Oh, we’re both hareem queens today.
I’ve constantly been in trouble for flouting uniform rules since I started sustituting my fuddy-duddy pleated skirt for a gym kilt and peacock blue eyeliner during my first year at grammar school. The stuffy morning suit I wore as a restaurant manager was complimented by vintage 70’s platforms and fishnets.
Thank god I’m my own boss now. Maxi dresses, silk hareems and hot pants are my office wear these days.
Vix
xxx
This is really informative and was great to read 🙂 you really do have a way of reaching out to your readers
Don’t think I have seen those coloured pumps in primark, I always seem to stick to black ones! Time after time I go back and buy yet another pair
a great post seeing as i have just started working at an office where everyone looks fantastic and i haven’t got a clue
Oh i work in an office too & would normally wear leggins with dresses etc. dont this for years (was moaned at) so now im smart about it and wear body cons with blazers 😉 not much they can just cause it aint from next
Love the top is it Topshop? all looks like a good work outfit xx
Awh thanks hun 🙂 Great tips! x
I have just realised why I like you so much Jen! Apart from being generally fab and coming up with excellent, entertaining posts like this, I’ve just clicked that you don’t wear heels! I thought I was a fashion outcast for not being a 4-inch heel wearer, but I see you prefer being nearer the ground too! For some reason, this makes me very happy! haha.
Loving this outfit! My office does have a dress code, but I’ve been pushing it more and more the longer I blog (and it hasn’t been that long). I just feel so BORED otherwise!
I am definitely a flats kind of girl too :o)
Luckily I’m not restricted when it comes to work clothing (apart from occasionally having to wear a shapeless gilet) – pretty much anything goes.
I do admit to reverting to black or grey on the rare occasions that I’m called upon to look smart but that’s probably more my lack of confidence than anything else. I try and liven it up a bit with fab shoes and jewellery though.
Totally diggin’ the polka dots. And I just got a pair of nude ballet flats like that from Zara. I heart them so. Fabulous advice too!
Great tips and I agree about the shoes, while you might be forced into wearing the same black/white/pastel tones a jazzy bright pair of shoes just takes it up onto a totally different level.
I wish I was working somewhere that my “style” was dictated by the uniform I have to wear. Even nail varnish is a no no – very bad times.
Great post and advice!!
Accessories really can make or break an outfit.
I’m lucky there is no uniform or rules. Ripped jeans, big scarves anything goes. 🙂
btw, how quick is your hair growing!! jealous!
X x
Fantastic post. And I love those trousers on you… where do you do all your thrifting?? x
great harem pants i never seen them worn in real life :3
Lovely tips for how to make office wear fun and trendy! I work in retail so I have to wear a proper uniform, which I think in a way I prefer compared to having to wear a white top as that allows you to buy what you like but really restricts it at the same time – I’m dreading working in an office!
Such a brilliant post. I’m really lucky at the moment i can wear what i like to work. Most people in my office tend to just wear jeans and tees, but i like to make more effort and mostly dress up a bit(unless i get up really late!!)) Hope you are good Jen xx
Haha I love the fact that you accesorized with your blockbuster uniform 🙂 Can imagine you made it look pretty damn good! award for you over at my blog lady, go peek 🙂 xx
I agree with your tips Jen, if you have a boring work outfit then make the shoes fabulous. I love your dotted top. xoxo
Wow this is so cute! i really want some trousers like that xxxxxx
Excellent post. Unfortunately (or not) the uniform for a working geologist consists of all-weather gear, a hard hat, a hammer and a pint of beer! Can’t wait to get out into the working world, lol.
jen you have such great style! i love those pants, and i’m jealous that they’re thrifted. black is always so beautiful, and i love the scarf in the post below!
freshbrownies.blogspot.com
we have to wear business attire on mondays and i usually amped them up with ruffles, shoulder details…sky-high heels…and tights. 😀
and lovin’ the polka!
you i know do…
thanks by the way for the sympathies on my last post..i don’t know how i can bridge our gap..tried calling, leaving messages and e-mailng…if only i can fly to hawaii.
♥ vanilla ice cream ♥
I wish I work somewhere I don’t have to be restricted to boring dress codes! That’s why I always look forward to weekends:)
You gave some really great tips, I’ll probably add a little bit of bling and accessories to brighten up the work outfit lol:P
xx
great pants! I love them!
Oh Jen this is some of the most wonderful advice; I absolutely adore it! Almost as much as I adore your ensemble. Those harem pants are pure bliss!! 🙂
Great post 🙂 I work in Local Government but have managed to cultivate my work wardrobe over the last 10 years so it reflects my own ‘weekend’ style. I do dress for work more than anything else after all. I’m fond of working a 1950sesque vibe for work – shift dresses, pencil skirts, clinch belts – smart but ‘me’ at the same time.
Loving the harem pants – your posts and Vix’s have inspired me to finally be brave enough to try and do something with mine…
I have a uniform at work which is so not my style, cream jeans and pink ralph lauren shirt. I have tried to make it my own a bit though, I changed the jeans to skinnies, I wear some cute brown brouges, nice belt, bracelets and hair and make up make a difference.
When Im not at work though Jen, please can you live in my wardrobe and pop out every morning with some of your fab advice! 🙂
Netty
x
Hi peeps, at least you get to wear your own clothes. I’m a kids nurse and I have to wear a pink and white striped tunic, navy trousers, with a seam down the front, and black shoes! Pretty, am sure you’ll agree. I also have to tie my hair up of face and above my collar, min make up and no jewelry, except a wedding ring, if you have one and stud earrings! So I would actually like trying to liven up a black and white outfit!
Great post, sorry for whining!
Jo
ohh i wouldn’t mind that t-shirt at all!
I was pondering work wear the other day, not sure why as I have to wear uniform! Great post…and I love those trousers on you, you should wear them more!
Great tips. Office dress codes are so dull!
Vicki xx
Really great post and great tips. Loads of people find it hard to dress fashionably in a sensible office outfit, I know I definitely will if I ever work in one.
super cute outfits and way helpful! about to start my student placement and was looking for ideas of things to wear.. thanks xxx
http://www.desirefulfillment.blogspot.com
I’m on the lookout for pants like that! And I love the outfit, it just works so well 🙂 xxx
Oh my goodness – I love these hareem pants on you girly! You have great style! I tried a pair of them on in Topshop last weekend and wasnt so sure, but you totally rock them!
Lucie x
What a great post! I feel like I’ve finally got to grips with dressing for work, it’s taken me a long long long time to get out of the black bootlegs and v-neck jumper trap though. Tea dresses and cardis are my staple now, and always, always killer heels. 🙂
You look fab x
This is a great post. I have a problem with footwear though, in the library I’m on my feet most of the day which means I can’t wear the heels I would love to wear. I like wearing polka dot skirts, but I’m worried about pencil skirts incase they are too ‘risque’ (there are lots of teenagers who use the library who perve on me already! arghh!). I am sure I’ll get used to it. I like to wear colourful cardigans and nice accessories to brighten it up.