Inject some glamour into your office wardrobe this season. Nilima Marshall reveals boardroom tips to help you dress for success.
Winter may be here, but that doesn't mean you can let the temperatures drop when it comes to your workwear wardrobe.
Stylist Kelvin Barron explains how you can adapt your existing closet with a few little tweaks, to embrace this season's key trends.
"Set your own rules and stick to what you're comfortable with," Barron advises. "Office-wear can be quite regimented, so you need to evolve and create your own sense of style."
Tailor made
Tailored clothing doesn't have to be all about drab suits and plain shirts. Barron suggests bringing some life and personality into office-wear. "When buying a suit, opt for vibrant colours to stand out from the crowd. Plain shirts can be given life with print pencil skirts and monochrome trousers."
If you wear standard dark suits and skirts, Barron recommends adding statement accessories to make the look younger and more fresh.
To achieve the androgynous look, take it a step further with smart shoes and sharp two-piece. "Androgyny can look powerful in the office," says Barron. "Think pinstripe blazers with short-sleeved shirts and studded brogues."
Brighten up
Barron is gunning for glints of metal in the office. "A metallic blouse has connotations of being powerful and strong, which is great for an office environment," he says.
If you're a girly girl at heart and prefer the feminine touch, try softening sharp, structured styles with mellow hues. "Baby blues, mint greens, delicate peaches and soft pinks are the perfect way to liven up your autumn/winter wardrobe which is typically dominated by dark colours."
Perfect pattern
If power suits don't work for you, it's time to think beyond the office, and Barron advises looking to your animal instincts for inspiration.
"Animal print is great for an office environment – it screams feisty and hard-working," he says. "But I would advise muted accessories to keep things serious." Or, for more sophistication, unleash your wild side through the accents of your outfit. Think serpentine clutches, lizard-scale cuffs and exotic heels.
Heritage style prints, stripes and tartans are also key pieces to be stored in the autumn/winter wardrobe and florals are a great way to embrace femininity and diversify your fashion portfolio. "
Work those accessories
Be your own boss and don't be afraid to make a statement with accessories. "An oversized clutch is a must-have," says Barron. "They're sleek yet practical and have plenty of storage space.
"Also, think of an oversized satchel – this carefree bag is durable yet stylish, and will last for years, through all the wear and tear you put it through during winter."
Don't be afraid of bringing jewellery into your work look, either – providing you keep it appropriate.
"A lot of women assume pearls can be dated, when in fact they can be fun, fresh and edgy," says Barron.
If you're looking for something more modern, chunky rings and ornate collars could be the answer to your prayers. "
Step up to the mark
A job well begun is half done – now to find the perfect shoes. Boots and pumps speak office chic, but if you want a touch of catwalk glamour, dig out those sleek heels. "A cigarette heel gives an outfit edge and adds subtle sex appeal. This is the ultimate in power dressing and can really liven up a simple black trouser suit," says Barron.
"For an effortless vibe, go for luxe gold metallic shoes. Whether you opt for embellished pumps or stilettos, these shoes take you from plain to polished in minutes."
