Defining Your Workplace Style: 5 Tips For Working Women

Not so long ago, when going to the office, women had to follow strict rules; they wore tailored suits, silk blouses, heels, and stockings to work in one of a few possible roles. And even when pants and power suits became acceptable, there wasn’t a lot of creativity to office wear. But in recent years, office style has become a virtual free for all, with a wide range of attire acceptable depending on the office, and that’s made it harder to define a clear workplace style.

If you’re trying to complete your professional wardrobe or add some personal flair, you don’t have to read fashion magazines or obsess over skirt length. All you need are a few signature items to bracket the typical pieces. With these five style steps, everyone will be talking about your outfits at the water cooler for all the right reasons.

Check The Dress Code

Though workplace style has become more relaxed, most offices do still have dress codes because they help you make a good impression on clients, ensure that everyone maintains a professional appearance, and because it’s respectful to your coworkers to dress in a workplace appropriate manner. Before you invest in any new pieces of clothing, then, take a quick look at your office’s dress code. Some have restrictions on what color slacks or shoes you can wear, skirt length, and other minor details that should be observed, even if they don’t seem to be enforced.

Get Great Hosiery

Stockings aren’t very popular today, even in the workplace, but sometimes an outfit calls for them, and you don’t want to spend the entire day worrying about runs and adjusting the fit, so invest in some quality hosiery. They’ll give your outfits extra polish, and some stockings can also take the place of shapewear if you typically wear that under your clothes.

Pair Plain With Personality

Every professional woman should own a few key pieces, such as a white blouse and black pants, and you’ll get a lot of wear out of these items. That doesn’t mean you need to keep your work wardrobe too simple. Instead, pair these plain pieces with items that have more personality and that express your personal style. Whether that means accessorizing with chunky jewelry, a colorful blazer, or fashionable flats, you shouldn’t dull your shine.

Photograph Your Favorites

It may seem like an odd thing to do, but as you build your wardrobe, take photos of the outfits you love. This will help you identify the pieces you wear the most, mix and match those favorite pieces with other wardrobe basics, and choose new items for your wardrobe.

The pieces you love most will also help you give a shape and a name to your personal style, whether you’re boho chic or more of an urban diva.

Stuck? Think Beyond Black

If you’re experiencing uncertainty about what should be in your office wardrobe – maybe you’ve been stuck on repeat for years – one basic trick that can help is opting for dark colors. Like black, dark colors like plum, navy, and forest green read as conservative, meaning they’re appropriate for the office, but they can also help you figure out what colors you like. If you gravitate towards plum, consider adding some lighter purple accents, or try complementary colors. You don’t have to be a fashion maven to add a splash of color to your outfits.

Professionals come in all shapes and sizes, and they wear all kinds of clothes. Show your true colors, and let the real you shine through, in your work and your wardrobe.