Corporate. Business. Business Casual. Casual.
There are many dress codes in the many offices across the UK and beyond and they are often confusing and difficult to understand. In reality, corporate or business attire is probably the easiest as it simply requires a suit, shirt and - for men - a tie. For everyone else it is often a case of "what do I wear?" come the morning.
Although my office is technically business attire for three days a week and "dressed down" on Mondays and Fridays, in reality - for women - it is slightly less strict than the code suggests. All of the men come in suits, shirts and ties three days a week.
As this post on Pink Bow says, "I shudder at the very thought of 'business suits'". *Shudder*
So what does a gal wear to make sure she looks smart enough to be taken seriously without having to look boring and - my worst fear of suits - frumpy?
1. Be smart. Even if your dress code says casual this is unlikely to mean that you can turn up looking sloppy.
2. Dress up. My favourite and work fall back is my collection of (mainly little black) dresses. They offer a complete outfit with just one item. Simple.
3. Hair and make-up. Hair should be clean and neat, either loose or tied back. Make-up should be subtle. Don’t over-do the kohl liner but don’t feel too confined either. I think it is important to let your personality show at work.
4. Accessorise. One statement piece of jewellery can take a boring work “uniform” into a unique and personal outfit. I would advise choosing just one statement piece and to keep the rest subtle. I love to put on a cocktail ring with an LBD for work, teamed with a simple pair of stud earrings.
5. Cover up. Bare legs don’t tend to look particularly professional, particularly not pasty bare legs. My favourites are black opaque tights that also have fabulous slimming properties which I know I have extolled before on here.
6. Slack off. If you aren’t happy in a dress or skirt, trousers are very acceptable for casual business attire. I would advise against jeans but you may want to take guidance from others in your office over this.
7. On top. If you have chosen a skirt or pair of trousers over a dress, you will need a top too. A thin jumper or polo shirt looks smart, as does a plain tee.
8. Best foot forward. We all know that girls luuuuurve shoes. So make sure you have some lovelies for your feet, whether you prefer flats or heels. I always think that heels look smarter but have to walk to work, so I keep a pair of heels under my desk and walk in in pumps. Sorted.
9. Keep warm. If your office is not a sauna – like mine – you may need something to keep you warm. A cardigan does the job perfectly. Alternatively, you could smarten up your outfit with a jacket. You could even keep a plain black jacket at work which will go with any outfit and smarten you up if the occasion arises.
10. Have fun. You are likely to wear your work clothes more often than any others in your wardrobe, so make sure you like what you have.
