When talking about office style, many people imagine dull pictures like the image of Lyudmila Prokofievna before her miraculous transformation. Depersonalizing jackets, full-length skirts, monotonous shoes and completely inexpressive colors - that's what comes to mind first.
But it's time to debunk this unviable stereotype that does not stand up to he althy criticism.
Our article will be useful for those who work in organizations with a strict dress code, strive to look stylish and want to learn more about how to create harmonious looks for workdays and important events.
Basics of style
Office style implies conciseness, rejection of excessive decorativeness and some rigor. The business environment has its own laws that apply to the appearance of employees.
Many argue that it is unacceptable to judge a person by his appearance. But in fact, everyone subconsciously reads information about the interlocutor by his appearance. Well-groomed hands, discreet make-up, neat clothes, well-placed accents, correctly selected accessories and shoes - when it comes to business, every little thing is important. A well-dressed person looks solid, inspires confidence, producesthe impression of a serious and reliable partner with whom you can do business. Negligence, which is acceptable and even desirable in a friendly atmosphere, encourages openness and easy communication, but does not fit in with the image of a business person.
Stylists advise you to follow some simple rules when choosing clothes for working days. Give up what does not sit well on the figure, hinders movement. In no case do not try to flaunt sexuality, this is unacceptable in the office (although it is quite appropriate to emphasize femininity). Choose your color scheme, which will fit into the concept of business style, and at the same time will suit you personally according to the color type. Try to make a wardrobe of things that are in harmony with each other so that you can get different looks.
Acceptable colors
Office style clothes should not be too flashy and bright. Along with the classic black, blue and gray, other color schemes are quite acceptable:
- eggplant;
- burgundy;
- dark and milk chocolate;
- emerald green, olive;
- shades of beige (ivory - ivory, champagne);
- white color for shirts and blouses.
Bright luminescent shades are not allowed.
Prints and patterns
As for prints, there are a number of restrictions. There should not be any flowers, birds, cats and ethnic ornaments in the business wardrobe of a business woman. The print can only be geometric, but you should not abuse it.
In somecases, a cage, a herringbone, a goose foot is appropriate. But contrasting combinations like red and blue Scottish tartan should not be allowed. Office clothes should not ripple in the eyes.
Basic wardrobe
The main thing and, perhaps, the most expensive purchase can be a classic trouser suit without extreme design solutions. At the same time, the jacket should sit well, fasten freely with all buttons. Pants are better to choose a straight silhouette or gauze. Flared hips, culottes or tapered bottom pants are out of place in the office. The length is preferred full, to the middle of the heel.
Get a pair of blazers in different colors. An elongated frock coat is also acceptable.
It is worth buying a few shirt-cut blouses made of dense opaque fabric. The tie collar style is also good, as long as the bow is not too voluminous.
A business woman's wardrobe is unimaginable without a few skirts. There is a length limit: not more than 5 cm from the knee and not less than 20 cm from the floor. No. 1 among skirts is a classic pencil. A-line skirt is acceptable provided it fits well.
Sheath dress can also be classified as a must have. It should be sewn from high-quality fabric in one of the basic shades. Along with it, a sundress has become widespread, which can be worn over a blouse.
Makeup, manicure, hairstyle
A girl working in a serious organization, office style must withstand, as they say, to the tips of her nails.
The best solution for make-up is nude gamma. Pick up an eyeshadow palette in peach brown or grayish pink. Blush should be used in a minimum amount. Contouring is inappropriate at all, as are extended eyelashes with a volume exceeding 2D. Particular attention should be paid to the eyebrows: they must be neat and well-groomed.
When choosing a manicure design, give preference to a classic jacket, this is the best option. You can make a monophonic manicure of beige, milky or peach color. It is better to refuse rhinestones, varnishes of bright colors and intricate painting. Nail length should be short.
The choice of hairstyles is not as limited as it might seem. Owners of curly hair, especially long, it is better to weave curls into a braid. Loose hair is acceptable only if it is not very long. Of course, they must be in perfect condition. In addition, curls can be pulled into a low ponytail, laid in the form of a shell, braided into a French spikelet. Two ponytails or two pigtails are out of place in a business environment. When coloring hair, give preference to natural tones.
Accessories and shoes
There are several important recommendations for choosing office-style shoes. The main rule and the key to a successful solution is the rejection of trends and design chips. A straight, stable heel, not too thick, but not a stiletto, a slightly narrowed toe, the absence of sparkling decorative ornaments - these are the features of the right shoes. In the off-season, when it is still dry outside, but already cool, and there is no heating in the office yet, you can put onwork black ankle boots. But winter boots, especially with fur, are considered bad manners. Change of shoes required.
Give preference to black or another dark shade. In recent years, beige shoes have gained considerable popularity, which go with almost everything and visually lengthen the legs.
Shoes are also needed in the summer season. Open toes and bare heels are not allowed.
Some women find it difficult to walk in heels for he alth reasons. You can pick up loafers, brogues or ballet flats, but in this case, most styles of skirts will have to be abandoned. Whereas the pairing of pencil and flat shoes has long been popular in urban fashion, it is still out of place in office style.
Buying a bag should be given special attention. It is better to spend money on a solid quality thing once and carry it for several years. A not too voluminous doctor's bag is preferable, a tote made of good leather (but by no means made of textiles), a laconic setchel or kelly from a reputable manufacturer. In recent years, the envelope has also become quite popular.
Shoulder bag, clutch, hobo and even more so a backpack - these are options not for the office.
Lingerie
Speaking of office-style clothes for girls, you should even focus on this. Firstly, at any time of the year, a business dress code suggests the presence of stockings or tights. The color scheme is limited to flesh and black. In summer they should be with a minimumdensity, but you can't do without them.
With extreme care should choose a bra. It should not have folds, lace and other voluminous decor protruding through clothing. Protruding straps look vulgar in absolutely any situation, and even in the office underwear peeking out from under clothes is one of the main taboos.
Stocking lovers should also be careful. Before you go to work in a new thing, try it on with a dress or skirt, sit on a chair, bend over slightly to make sure that the top edge of the stockings does not peek out from under the hem under any circumstances.
Business Best
Office clothing style for women has three directions. In general, they are similar, but have features.
Business Best is the strictest business dress code. It regulates the choice of clothing for the most important events: high-level negotiations, international meetings, meetings of shareholders of large companies. Basically, this regulation concerns top managers and politicians.
Clothes can only be plain, restrained, preferably expensive. The height of the heel should not exceed 5 cm. As a decoration, you can wear a dim scarf or a laconic brooch. From rings, except for the engagement, it is better to refuse. Bare knees and shoulders are prohibited (sleeve length must reach at least the elbows).
It would seem that sheer puritanism and facelessness? In fact, this direction is deservedly considered the most elegant. Great cut, perfect fit,The finest quality fabrics are what make business suits from the world's leading manufacturers truly luxurious.
Business Traditional
A slightly more democratic option is designed for everyday work. This office style for women allows for striped or polka dot blouses. The sleeve may be short.
Knee-length sheath dress can be combined with a jacket of a different color. Complement the image of the boat.
Business Casual
This is the most free version of the office style. The photos give an idea of what is appropriate in this case.
This dress code allows you to wear not too bright classic cut jeans to work. Heel height can be almost anything, but not more than 8 cm. Accessories are appropriate: jewelry with small stones, good jewelry.
And yet the basis of the wardrobe should be classic suits and dresses of basic restrained shades, when choosing shoes, a heel is desirable.
Unconditional taboos
There is a list of what has no place in office women's style. Key points worth remembering.
- Lace, guipure, even in the form of inserts.
- Clothes made of leather, plush, knitwear.
- Knitted sweaters.
- White shoes, sandals, over the knee boots.
- Deep neckline, open back, mini length.
- Translucent clothes.
- Inscriptions, large brand logos.
Competently choosing a wardrobe, you can gain confidence andfeel among partners, colleagues and competitors, as if in their own element. And the work itself will bring much more pleasure.
