Taking care of business: your guide on what to wear to work

Our personal style is a surprisingly powerful tool, not only when it comes to increasing our confidence but it's also incredibly clever when it comes to communicating. Style speaks, and as we head into a new year, why not speak the language of confidence, starting with a killer work wardrobe.

Work ‘uniforms’ are as varied as the people wearing them. If you are an entrepreneur, you’ve likely created a look that reflects the nature of your business and your personal style; traditional roles require a little more definition as they often come with a stricter dress code and then there are all the roles in between. So where do you start?

1. Respect the code - understand the dress code and work with it.
2. Find ways to inject your personality and personal style so you feel authentic walking down the halls. Corporate roles may very well require a suit but the rule book says nothing about not being allowed a killer bag and a fabulous pair of shoes. 
3. Create a look that is interchangeable with fewer pieces – prioritise your staples and daily hero’s. 
4. Impress yourself first. 


For the ladies

As with the gents, where formalities are required, a tailored suit is an essential inclusion in your wardrobe and with a variety of tops, shoes and accessories your personality will shine through.  
No formality required? Make sure you too, have a selection of great blazers which are easily paired with your favourite jeans and sneakers and swapped out with a pair of heels and some statement jewels for a quick change from casual to corporate.
 

Necklace - Witchery

Shirt - Witchery

Bag - Mimco

Where the dress code is more flexible why not play with a slightly more casual interpretation and try some tailored shorts for a look that’s all your own; belt up and add a statement heel for supreme confidence. 

Outfit - Witchery

Bag - Mimco

A midi skirt that sits high on the waist with ‘pockets for the win’ is another great addition to your wardrobe and versatile enough to wear it your way. Pair it back with something dressier like a silk cami or grab your favourite sneakers and a summer tee or tank for a chic sporty vibe.

Outfit -Veronika Maine

Bag - Mimco

Earrings - Sheike

Shoes, bags, watches and jewellery are the solution to adding interest and injecting your personality into your wardrobe, so with your basics sorted, this is where you can let yourself out to play. Even when the dress code is on the more formal side, accessories allow for unique and individual expression so find some signature pieces that speak to your sense of self. 

Bag - Myer - Olga Berg

Watch - Myer DKNY 

Necklace - Mimco

Shoes - Wittner

For the men

A tailored suit will never go astray in your wardrobe but if your role doesn’t require the formalities, a blazer or sports coat will be your best investment as it’s quite possibly one of the most versatile pieces in your wardrobe. 

Outfit -Country Road

Sunglasses - Mimco

Watch - Silvershop

Belt - Rodd & Gunn

The perfect piece to pair back with chino’s, linen pants  and denim, and easily thrown over a variety of tees, knits and shirts in ALL the colours. 

Outfit - Peter Jackson

Bag - RM Williams

Watch - Myer - Tommy Hilfiger

This seasons colour palette has a strong neutral base which is a wise choice when it comes to your jackets but if you enjoy a little more flare, play with prints and experiment with some colour if your budget allows; if not, neutrals remain your best investment. 

Outfit - Peter Jackson

Bag - RM Williams

Watch - Myer - Tommy Hilfiger

Belt, Socks, Sunglasses, Wallet - Rodd & Gunn

As you look for new ways to express your confidence through your wardrobe, in the words of celebrity stylist Rachel Zoe, remember, “Style is a way to say who you are without having to speak”. Let yours speak to a confident you; if not, it’s time to shop!