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Monday 25 June 2012

What to wear to Look like you Mean Business

If you work in a corporate environment with a fairly formal dress code you’ve probably heard the saying “dress for the job you want, not the one you have.” One of the best ways to upgrade your image is with quality, classic accessories. It’s amazing how many people notice your accessories, before they notice your outfit. You can make an inexpensive dress look designer with the right accessories but sadly it doesn’t seem to work the other way. It’s worth spending more on a bag and shoes that you wear everyday of the week than on a dress you only wear once a month. Here is where cost per wear really makes sense. You see all you needed was the justification to buy that beautiful bag!
 
Start building your accessory wardrobe with a great work bag or feminine briefcase in a neutral colour that goes with all your workwear basics. Add classic court shoes, a smart laptop or ipad case, a stylish watch and pen. Go for colours like black, navy, tan and cream that will go with most other colours. Once you have a main “capsule” of accessories start to build a second one in another colour, perhaps black or navy for winter and tan or cream for summer. These items will last for years and shouldn’t be high fashion, they are an investment in your business wardrobe. It’s a great time to buy now during the sales too.
Here are some options which I have deliberately teemed with an inexpensive and a mid priced dress:

I’d love to know if you have invested in one of these classics. Do you feel more confident at work when you “dress up”?

3 comments:

  1. Hi Nicky, I came across your blog today when I was searching for capsule wardrobe ideas and I think you've found my perfect shoes! I've been after a pair of nude shoes but can't wear sky scraper heels. Can you remember where these nude kitten shoes are from? I love what you are doing here; you are an absolute natural. I'm trying to put together a capsule wardrobe - the sort you imagine French women with but I'm absolutely hopeless. I'll be taking a lot of inspiration from your site - thanks!

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    Replies
    1. Hi Rae, thank you so much for your feedback. They are Bury Closed Court shoes from LK Bennett, available at House of Fraser. I know what you mean about low courts, with so many high heels around this season!

      Good luck with the capsule wardrobe...a little tip, lay all your clothes out, mix and match them and take photo's of the ones you like, it will help you identify pieces you need to create your capsule wardrobe and give you a good quick reference guide to the outfits you like!

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    2. fab - thanks for the shoes heads up and tips about creating a capsule wardrobe; really useful idea :)

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