11 CASUAL WORK OUTFITS TO SOLVE ALL WORKWEAR WOES
Let's face it - no one loves having to think about what to wear the next day. If you say you do, you're either a liar or you might have already perfected your personal capsule wardrobe. But the rest of us, well, we do occasionally struggle. Things would be a bit easier if we only had to get dressed to go to the pub around the corner (or, would it?) but having to get dressed to go to work - and not knowing what to wear due to the lack of strict dress codes and the occasional wfh day - poses a whole other conundrum, stressful enough to ruin our mojo for the rest of the day. It's a dilemma that fashion editors have been interrogating since the beginning of time, and there seems to be a solution alleviating the stress of having to look the part whilst also feeling comfortable. World, reacquaint yourself with smart casual dressing.
How To Dress Smart Casual In The Workplace?
Once you get the hang of it, you'll see that simultaneously dressing in a smart and a casual way in the workplace is a simple exercise of pairing your wardrobe workhorses with a few polished pieces to dial up the comfort into something a tad more C-suite. For example: denim works but only if you wear it with smart heels. Your favourite white T-shirt is perfectly office appropriate if worn with a blazer. It's about striking a high-low balance, but never going too low. Working from home days have severely blurred the lines between what's appropriate to wear to the office and what isn't (hello, fellow gym gear Zoom-ers), but let the following outfit formulas inspire you to make your wardrobe work harder for you, at your desk as much as on your way to the afterwork drinks.
1. Canadian Tuxedo + Heels
Take your Canadian tuxedo to the boardroom meeting with the simple addition of a pair of heels. Also of note: make sure the denim separates are the same wash for a slick look.
2. Shirt + Statement Skirt
Whether you wish to wear your favourite holiday skirt (sorry, but we draw the line at the beach sarong) or have scored a new vintage find, match your look-at-me-skirt with a crisp, oversized shirt for a high-low appeal, apt for the office.
3. Grey Top + Grey Trousers
Going gaga for tonal get-ups? Opting for a grey co-ord will see you through any afternoon meeting. Finish the look off with gold jewellery and ballet flats.
4. Blazer + Capri Pants
Shorts? To The Office? The return of the capri pants makes that a possibility this summer. But, and this is a big but, everything else has to scream 'corporate' for the pedal pushers to be deemed workplace-friendly.
5. Wide-Leg Trousers + Sandals
Sandals are not reserved for ooo days only. Wear them with long trousers and a fresh pedicure for a sophisticated feel.
6. Twin-Set + Smart Skirt
Break up the seriousness of a pencil skirt with the fun-factor of some character knit pieces.
7. Maxi Dress + Trench Coat
This is a true throw-on-and-go solution to getting dressed. But don't mistake its simplicity for a lack of effort. This is the smart answer to getting dressed when you don't have time to waste in the mornings.
8. Suit + Basic T-Shirt
For a relaxed but put-together appeal, wear your tailoring with a box-fresh white tee.
9. Sundress + Cardigan
And how to turn your favourite sundress into office attire? By dressing it up with a cardigan (or jumper) in the same colour.
10. Blazer + Jeans
Blazer and jeans are a chic way to bring your sturdy legwear into the boardroom. Opt for smart footwear. and elegant accessories.
11. Dress Shirt + Skirt
A smart shirt will elevate most outfits. Tuck it into a denim or a maxi skirt for instant CEO energy.