The way we dress can influence not only how others perceive us, but also the level of trust and professionalism we are able to convey. For this reason, even at work, it is essential to dress with care and attention.
But how do you build a wardrobe that communicates authority, elegance and confidence in daily interactions with colleagues and clients? Let’s find out together.
How to build a work wardrobe: what style are you?
Before diving into compulsive shopping in search of the perfect business attire, it’s essential to understand your personal style, what you feel comfortable with.
In fact, dressing well doesn’t just mean following the rules of fashion, but interpreting them in an authentic and personal way. To build your business wardrobe you can follow these 3 basic steps.
1. Analyze your current wardrobe
First of all, open your wardrobe and identify the items you wear most often. Are there colors or cuts that make you feel more at ease? Is there a detail that makes you feel more confident and professional? Are there items you can’t do without?
Once you’ve answered these questions, you can discard what doesn’t reflect your personality, emphasize what makes you feel good, and purchase additional items in a similar style. When buying clothes, you have a wide choice of designs, especially if you are looking for high quality clothes.
2. Create an inspirational mood board
Pinterest, Instagram and fashion magazines can help you clarify your ideal style. Just browse these platforms and save images of the outfits you like the most, then look for common elements: you may discover that you prefer minimal and clean lines or more daring and sophisticated details.
3. Build a strategic color palette
A coherent wardrobe is based on a well-studied color palette. The secret? Start with neutral tones such as black, white, beige, gray and navy blue, and then add a few color accents that express your personality.
Essential elements of the work wardrobe
A business woman’s wardrobe doesn’t have to be large, but it does need to be well-kept. Investing in a few quality pieces will make your wardrobe not only sustainable, but also more practical and versatile. Among the essential items are:
· a tailored blazer, a must-have to show off in any context;
· classic blouses, in silk, cotton or chiffon;
· tailored trousers, especially cigarette or palazzo styles;
· midi dresses, ideal for meetings or corporate events;
· midi or pencil skirts, a perfect alternative to trousers.
With just these few pieces you can create numerous different outfits. A blazer, for example, can either be worn with trousers, a skirt, or a midi dress, depending on the occasion.
Follow the trends? Yes, but without exaggerating
Fashion changes, but a work wardrobe must always convey confidence and professionalism. For this reason, it’s important to choose carefully and follow only the trends that integrate well with your style, that express your spirit without affecting your professional image.
Each season it’s a good idea to identify 2-3 trendy items to add to your wardrobe, without completely changing your style. These could be a more eccentric and colorful blazer, a piece of jewelry, a trendy bag, or even unusual kitten heels or chunky loafers.
Accessories: too often underestimated
Accessories may be secondary, but they can be indispensable for giving a precise direction to your look and enhancing it to the fullest.
A well-made belt will emphasize the silhouette, a scarf tied around a handbag will give a chic and almost Parisian touch to an outfit, and a pair of patent pumps will express femininity and confidence without exaggeration.
As you can see, sometimes even just one accessory is enough to make a difference.
Of all the accessories, quality shoes and bags are the focal point of any look. A pair of black or nude pumps, elegant moccasins or ankle boots can adapt to any situation and always make you feel impeccable.
And don’t forget jewelry. This is the final touch to frame the face and should also be adapted to your style: jewelry with a subtle and refined design is suitable for a more sober look, while others with a bold and statement cut are perfect for more casual occasions.
Dressing for different work environments
Every workplace has its ideal dress code, and knowing how to adapt without losing your personality is essential, if not a must. Let’s look at some examples.
1. Corporate company
If you work in a formal environment, it might be appropriate to wear elegant suits, midi skirts and silk blouses. Neutral colors are best, but you can add more colorful details with accessories.
2. Creative environment
In more creative environments, you can be more daring with colors, textures and prints. The important thing is to always maintain elegance, balancing bold garments with more sober elements.
3. Smart casual
In more relaxed contexts you could mix professional elements with more comfortable garments: a blazer over well-cut jeans and heels or a cashmere sweater with tailored trousers and moccasins are some interesting ideas.
Create confidence through fit and comfort
For an outfit to be truly effective, it must make you feel good. Self-confidence, in fact, also comes through comfort.
Wearing clothes that fit like a glove not only improves the way you look to others, but also your posture, movements and attitude. Therefore, before buying an item of clothing, it is important to have someone take your measurements carefully and try on the clothes, doing all the possible movements, such as raising your arms or sitting with your legs crossed.
Then, it’s best to choose clothes that enhance your body shape and, if necessary, consider having something adjusted by a dressmaker.
Finally, it’s best to avoid stiff fabrics that make you feel constricted, or synthetic fabrics that don’t let your skin breathe and give you the feeling of constantly being sweaty. Instead, it’s better to choose soft, comfortable materials that are pleasant to wear all day long.
In any case, the best outfit is the one that makes you feel your best, even when you’re not looking in the mirror. So, it’s a good idea to experiment and try out new clothes, until you find the perfect one for you.
