Therefore, I decided the way around this, whilst still feeling stylish, is a good set of separates. Blazers over casual dresses, cardigans over smart dresses, smart jeans with a printed blouse. You get it. To start you off, here's ten items that I couldn't function without for workwear.
1) A black blazer
This is the key item for me. I feel like I can wear any dress or pair of jeans I want, and they're instantly smartened by a blazer, but particularly a black one as it literally goes with any colour. It's perfect for layering too... I also wear them over jumpers, or cardigans when it's cooler. And team with black bottoms/ skirts for a much smarter suit-like look. Finding a black blazer is easier... I guarantee every clothes store stocks one... but make sure it's right for you and fits well. Do you want it cropped or longline? Full sleeves or 3/4s? Shoulder pads? Jersey material? In fact, there are so many variations that it could be worth having two!
2) The perfect white blouse
An ultimate basic, but it shouldn't remind you too much of your school years... it needs to be flattering, and suit your personality. For me, the perfect white blouse isn't a straight cotton button up number, it's a little bit different... like a pussybow front or a subtle all over print. It will look great with jeans and a blazer but could really go with anything for any occassion.
3) The perfect floral all-occasion dress
Talking of any occasion... the dress below is the most overused item I own. Black blazer or cardi, coloured blazer or cardi, cropped jumper, it literally goes with anything, all year round, and because it's mainly black but with hints of most colours, it's so versatile. I also find the shape flattering on most women, plus I like how well chiffon washes.
4) Brown loafers
I wore heels on my first day of work but I haven't worn them since. If you have to walk around your office you'll see why... the discomfort just isn't worth it and they can easily make you feel overdressed. A decent go-with-everything pair of flats is essential in my opinion, and loafers like these are just the right level of smart/ casual. I have them in black too.
5) A black satchel
I only really wear across-the-body bags, but they're the most convenient for work as I like being hands free where possible. The perfect black bag goes with everything and is the smallest size you can get away with whilst still fitting in all your stuff.
6) A coloured blazer
A floral or striped dress and a statement bright blazer is an outfit I commonly go for. It's that bit more stylish than a black blazer, but doesn't look over the top. Just make sure you don't have too many colours/ patterns going on if your office is that bit more conservative, and choose a colour that really complements you; my favourite is a dark green.
7) The peplum dress
Peplums are a life-saver, hiding any size of flat tyre. They're also pretty smart and work-suitable as dresses, providing they are long enough, and they seem to come in a great variety of colours and prints.
8) Cobalt jeans/ trousers
If you're going to steer away from black/ grey at all on the bottom half, go for cobalt. Just like blue jeans, it looks good with most other colours, and I guarantee it makes you look happy! Ideal with a floral printed blouse.
9) A touch of animal print
If your office isn't super smart, animal print is a great way to naturally "tone down" smart outfits. For instance, a leopard print shirt with tailored black trousers, zebra print pumps, or an animal print cardigan over a smart dress. I love pencil skirts too, and I'd wear this one with a plain black jumper.
A breton top isn't only an essential when it comes to an everyday wardrobe, you see. They look amazing with bright coloured pencil skirts or trousers, or to make suits look that bit more casual.
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black blazer
white shirt
floral dress
loafer
satchel
coloured blazer
cobalt
animal
peplum
breton
Fifteen minutes late.. oops!!
Jess
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