GUIDE :: OFFICE WARDROBE BASICS

Perhaps it's the new year, perhaps it's the unseasonably cold weather and my inability to brave the elements for outfit photos but I've decided to do something a little different.  

Over the years I've had the opportunity to work in a few offices and have picked up a couple things style-wise. Even still, dressing for a new job can be tough. It's not as though the corporate dress code provides any insight beyond the basics - no shorts, no tees with swears, no flip flops. Once in your new workplace picking up what goes and what doesn't will be easy. In the meantime, consider how you can build a collection of pieces to choose from day to day, pieces you'll be happy wearing on repeat and that won't break your budget.

My philosophy for dressing for an office environment is: dress professionally, look like yourself while doing it. This approach has developed after 4 years in varying office environments - charity, financial, defence & agency; all women, all men, all scientists and all millennials. We must all walk before we run, so let's start with the basics shall we?

Make a list, cross off the items you already have. Keep your pieces fairly basic initially, sticking to neutrals that will mix and match easily. This will allow you to stretch your wardrobe further. Use jewelry, accessories and a few pieces of clothing you give you pops of colour and personality. I tend to gravitate towards minimalism and monochromatics however if your basics include patterns, feel free to sub them in along the way.

Next week we'll take a closer look at some options for bottoms to choose from - hope you'll follow along.