The more organisations I work with, the more I’m finding that they are moving away from traditional corporate dressing and are allowing individuals to develop their personal brand through the way they present themselves.
I commissioned some research through Core Data Australia to find out the link between professional women and their image at work, and interestingly enough only 9% of women said they felt confident in a suit.
To create a working wardrobe that’s small, smart and versatile, that ensures you look professional without wearing a suit, these are the best pieces to start with:
- Two skirts: one statement and one basic
- Two blazers: one statement and one basic
- Two shoes: one black pair and one nude
- Five tops: two basics and three statements
- Two dresses: one statement that you can wear at a work conference, and one classic dress
- Two pairs of pants: one statement and one basic
- Two belts: one statement and one basic
Statement means a garment that is coloured (other than neutral), printed or embellished. Basic refers to neutral colours including navy, black, white or grey. Just ensure that the colour palettes all work together.
For example, this is how a basic blouse and statement blouse can be mixed in with a basic skirt and statement skirt. That’s only four options. Mix in the pants and the blazers and then different shoes and belt, and your combinations expand.
When you’re putting your outfit combinations together ask yourself two questions:
- How can I wear this in at least three different ways?
- How can I take this from office to evening?
Once you’ve put together all your outfit combinations, photograph them and produce your own e-book. Save this onto your iPad or iPhone so all you need to do each morning is flick through, choose your outfit — and go.
