Five Great Tips to Spice Up Your Work Wardrobe
Ladies and gents, are you bored with your work wardrobe? If you're anything like me, I get bored easily because I really do try to keep key pieces that I can mix and match in multiple ways. But even mixing and matching gets boring - especially toward the end of a season. So, what am I going to do to spice things up?
Tip #1: Jewelry to Mix and Match
Ladies: Instead of shopping for new clothes, get some jewelry instead! Gold, silver, bronze, stones, gunmetal, you name it, it's out there. Long, short, thick, thin, it's out there. Mixing different colors, lengths or metals makes you stylish. Just because it didn't come together doesn't mean you can pair different pieces. And remember, matchy matchy is out. Put a long gold and silver chain around your neck. Get a colorful bracelet or multiple bangles and wear them all at once. If you can still type, think of how much you will be able to enjoy a chunky ring! You look at your hands all day, don't you?
Men: Invest in a good watch. Think of all of the money you save being a man because you don't have to buy earrings, bracelets, rings, and necklaces. So, lets just say that the ladies spend over $300/year on jewelry, why shouldn't you? And watches last a long time - let's say even three years. 300 x 3 = $900. And if you wear it every day, your ROI is next to nothing. Get some class!
The key is to find things that YOU enjoy and are excited to wear. Suddenly you are rejuvenated and can't wait to show off your new jewelry to the world!
Tip #2: Add Some Color If you've read my blog in the past, you knew I was going to say it.
Work attire can get boring because there are only so many shades of browns, blacks, and greys. If you look at your closet, aren't all of your blazers and pants neutral? There just isn't much variation available - that is professional enough to wear to work at least. (FYI a current fad - pants in rainbow colors).
Ladies: Why don't you pack a punch with an awesome pair of shoes or a handbag in your favorite color? Suddenly your neutrals are no longer boring! Adding color into your layers is another nice way to brighten things up as well. People will no longer be looking at your neutrals - they will be looking at your cheerful self. A note of caution - you will get attention, so make it positive!
Men: If you wear a tie, of course that is a perfect place to add color. But don't forget your oxford shirts. Try a purple (regal) or green (money) shirt. I'd say red, pink or yellow but chances are if you would be willing to wear those colors, you already do and this point is moot.
Tip #3: Add Texture or Patterns Having something visual to look at adds character. The next time you are going to buy a neutral, make sure it has something more than a matte finish. Every season has trends around textures and patterns. This year lace and leather are big trends. And if you hadn't noticed, nautical stripes are the biggest pattern trend this year and carries over from Spring into Fall and Resort seasons.
The same type of textures can be used for both men and women - velvet, leather and tweed are great starting points. Then, if you see something of interest, feel it and try it on! Texture is one of the best way's to make a classic different. Try mixing textures up, like leather on the collar or just the sleeves and knit for the rest of the top.
Ladies: Just so you know, leather skirts are on trend this fall. Of course we don't want to wear a leather skirt to work that "unclasses" us but MAYBE there will be a skirt with a softer, more professional silhouette. I'm just saying - maybe.
Leopard print is a terrific pattern option for you. It is no longer a trend but a classic. Now, leopard may not be appropriate in large doses for work but it will most certainly work subtly - like a belt, a cuff or under a blazer. And maybe you'll find the leopard print but in a fun color like red or blue. Two tips in one! Bonus.
Men: If you spot something that visually looks different, investigate it. It might be a waffle weave shirt or a mixture of textures built into one article of clothes. And what about a pair of blue suede shoes? You too, can have two tips in one.
Tip #4: Throw on a Scarf
Ladies: Scarves really are the most versatile thing to have in your wardrobe to bring your outfit out of boring and into amazing. I could go on for paragraphs but I already have in other blog posts. But really. As a belt, around your neck tied in multiple ways, a shawl for warmth and even as a hair piece. What is not to love?
Men: If I say you, too, could wear a scarf, what would you say? Even if you don't think you can't pull it off at work, you most definitely can before and after. So, start thinking about it. Let it sink in. And then give it a try.
Tip #5: Don a New Do
Ladies: When was the last time you changed your hairstyle? If you haven't in over three years, it's probably time. It doesn't have to be drastic like chopping off your long locks - but why not put in some layers? If your hair is already short, can you at least style it differently or add some highlights or lowlights. Maybe you can just add some bangs - or grow them out. A fresh new hairstyle can make you feel fresh too! Your hair really is your #1 accessory - so make it count! Know your face shape and ask your stylist for advice. If you need want to see what may look good in advance, I have a program that can put different hair styles and colors on your face.
Men: If your haven't changed your hair style in over a year, you should. If you are loosing your hair, wear it shorter, not longer, especially on the sides. And do I really need to say - NO COMB OVERS?? A bald head is better than someone who is obviously trying to hide something.
So go out now to spice up your boring work wardrobe. Let me know if you need any help! (monica@imagethat.biz)
Monica of ImageThat! Image and Etiquette Consulting provides consulting and training for businesses, organizations and individuals.
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