As we enter our second week in total lockdown (again!) in New Zealand, it's easy to get way too comfortable dressing in our favourite track pants with a nice top thrown on for our Zoom meetings 😉. Now bearing in mind our vaccine rollout is underway, we would hope that before too long we will be returning to the office, but how will we dress in the new environment? The past 18 months or so since the COVID-19 pandemic took the world by storm have really changed the way we live and work. Whilst there are still corporate standards in some roles, many organisations have relaxed their expectations around how we present ourselves and now casual Fridays are more like casual Monday-Fridays. This can cause confusion around what's considered appropriate - "am I over-dressed", "am I too casual"? Read on for a few simple suggestions.....
If your work allows denim but you're not sure if it's too casual, I suggest wearing a pair of jeans (not ripped), paired with a button-up shirt and a good blazer. Either wear with a heel, an ankle boot, or sneakers depending on your role. Alternatively, you can wear a nice dress with a denim jacket - this is a great way of multi-tasking that lovely dress you bought for a special dinner but never wear anymore. Again, pair with heels or sneakers.
A good pair of pants paired with a graphic tee, and either a blazer or denim jacket will be another great staple. Ensure they're machine washable to avoid costly trips to the dry cleaners. The style of the pants is less important than the fit - make sure they're right for you and not necessarily a trend item. I'd also recommend something with a bit of stretch as anything too tight around the waist might feel uncomfortable after a year of slothing 🤣. If you can afford leather, they're a great investment and are incredibly comfortable and stylish!
A couple of button-up shirts will stand you in good stead, too. Once again, machine washable is the way to go, and you can get some great fabrics that require little to no ironing.
Looking for a skirt option? A midi is always timeless! With only a couple of days until we hit Spring in the southern hemisphere, a light cotton skirt will be on high rotation, whereas in winter a leather skirt will be one of your best friends. The same rules apply to the skirts as the pants - fit and style are key. Don't be tempted by the latest trends - find the style that best suits your shape.
For another "Effortlessly Chic" look (see my book Effortlessly Chic - Your Essential Style Guide for a shameless plug 🤣), pair a hoodie under a blazer with a pair of pants or midi skirt. This can take an otherwise boring outfit to a much more fun and carefree level (image below is from www.instagram.com/beatriz84)
What are some of your favourite looks for casual work? Shout out below, or DM me, I'd love to hear from you xx