After we style our hair, but before our morning Americano, we must get dressed. Each season brings amazing options, from the playfully printed to the chicest sportswear. We want to wear it all. And yet, when choosing our trends of choice, we must first consider our settings.
Not every style fits in with every workplace. Just because you’re working in a corporate environment doesn’t mean you need to be without style, nor does working from home need to mean workout wear and pajamas. Our office-wear guide will help you work looks from the runway to your corner cubicle, open concept or kitchen table with ideas for corporate, creative and home work spaces.
Corporate
From the fringe frenzy at Dior to the colour blocking schemes at Jil Sander, much of Spring 2011 fashion is bold. Despite the drama, the season also marks a return to fashion simplicity. With a minimalist comeback, fashion girls working in the corporate world need not feel limited.
Inspired by menswear, designers paired black with white for androgynous looks that were starkly simple but clearly current. A.L.C’s Tapered Jersey Pants have the right slouchy-meets-tailored look for any office. Mid-rise jersey with a drawstring waist and front pleating, these cool semi tapered pants have neat draped slit pockets.
Contrast your black pants, with American Eagle’s Favourite Shirt ($14.95) in white. Made of soft stretchy cotton, this Oxford-style button-up has a chest pocket and double-button cuffs, which make it uber-preppy (in a good way). Complete the look with J. Crew’s Satin Bow Tie ($52). Expertly hand-finished English silk satin, it’s time to get suited up and looking sharp.
Creative Space
Bring on the feathers, rock out in neon and load up on print on print, because in a creative space, almost anything goes. From Prada to Miu Miu and beyond, designers clad their models in layers of fruit prints and polka dots.
Take a cue from the runways, and look spot on with ASOS’s Wilma Draped Pant ($82). The silky pants in black and tan cheetah print have back and hip pockets and a stretchy waist (bonus). Add another print to your outfit with the Black Stallion Blouse ($78) in black and ivory. Mix the horse print top with cheetah print pants, and you’ll be sure to stand out in this wild wear.
Finally, to sparkle in your printed apparel, clasp on Dannijo’s Lilith necklace ($488). Made by hand with love, the bib necklace has rock chains and Swarovski crystals to balance even the boldest of patterns.
Home Office
Although the line of sweats may come in all the season’s colours, fashion girls working from home must beware of the Free City slump. So toss your hoodies aside for outfits that bring together the best in comfort and style.
Having a major fashion moment, Proenza Schouler offers its wearers not only the latest “it” bag, but also amazing crew neck tees. Available in cream and black narrow bar stripes, the Striped Tee ($375) long sleeve top is a true classic wardrobe staple.
Stay casual-cool wearing your nautical tee with J.Crew’s Minnie Pant ($98) in henna. Deemed the magic pants that look good on everyone, the bi-stretch fabric create a slimming fit that you’ll want to wear day after day.
What’s your favourite office-appropriate look? Tweet us @rockitpromo
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