By Red Dimaandal-Escamillas
The office workwear rules have changed. Buttoned-up suits, mandatory high heels used to be the norm–but for the last decade or so, we’ve been loosening our ties and changing workwear dress codes.
This brave new work world can be liberating, but it’s also in flux. The pandemic completely rewrote professional expectations, leaving a giant question mark over appropriate 2020s office wear. Flexible and work from home arrangements summon a casual, contemporary vibe, but return-to-work mandates point to older ideas of pressed and polished professional attire.
Gen Zs entering the workforce for the first time find themselves wrestling with the transition, rocking midriffs, mini skirts and athleisure outfits to work. But even for those who have been in the workforce for a decade or more, there’s uncertainty over what’s in and out.
How to build the perfect working wardrobe
Your focus when building the perfect working wardrobe should be on one keyword: versatility. Be careful in investing pieces you can mix and match, as well as dressing up or down.
With this in mind, it’s also best to stick to neutral colors–think along the lines of navy, black, grey, browns or khaki–with a few carefully-chosen pieces in an accent color to add personality.
Cheryl Tan Chua, the President and Brand Manager of Beautybox Corp, shares “In the beauty industry, I think the modern rules for work attire are all about blending professionalism with personal style. There’s definitely more freedom to wear trendier pieces like cropped tops styled tastefully with high-waisted pants or skirts, and slip-on sandals that are clean and chic.”
Styling tips for modern workwear
It doesn’t matter if your work is corporate or creative—the question of what to wear is always top of mind. The daily getting-ready process can be stressful, rushed, inspiring, or monotonous (or all of the above). But the end result of any office outfit formula should always strike a balance between appropriate and stylish.
“My main styling tip for workwear in a modern office is to find the right balance between comfort and looking polished. I choose pieces that allow me to move freely and comfortably throughout the day, then polish the look with clean shoes, minimalist accessories, and neat hair or makeup. Styling myself like this helps me feel confident and at my best while also feeling free and comfortable,” Cheryl adds.
For more styling tips, we listed more below to help you dress for work:
- Invest in quality pieces, ensuring longevity in your work wardrobe.
- Experiment with layering to create depth and texture in your outfits. A well-layered ensemble adds visual interest and shows attention to detail.
- Accessories are the finishing touch to any workwear outfit. Choose statement pieces that reflect your personal style and add a touch of sophistication.
- Don’t shy away from expressing your personality through your outfit choices. As long as your attire aligns with the dress code, don’t be afraid to incorporate unique pieces or patterns that reflect your individuality.
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