The Sunday News
Rutendo Chidawanyika
SEASONS seem to have changed and it looks as though we will be have an early winter. Therefore, I want to advise to start stocking up on winter clothes.
Getting to work wearing right can be tricky at most times, let alone when the temperatures are so icy that all you want to wear is a tracksuit. However, the good news is there are a number of ways you can look smart while still feeling comfortable at the office.
A good appearance is a must for the office, it will help you gain the right kind of attention and a lot of success in the future. The trick is not to wear too much heavy clothing because it tends to ruin personality. Spell your magic at work this winter with your unique attires; with the following tips.
What you wear on your way to work does matter. If you’re comfortable or warm during your ride or walk to work, you have less of a need to catch up once you arrive in the office. As long as these accessories aren’t old or tattered, they tend to look nice and professional — so you don’t have to rip them off the minute you walk through the door. A nice colourful scarf and leather gloves should be able to do the trick.
Black girl magic
Everyone resorts to black clothing in winter. This is a fact. It’s hard not to wear; black pants, dresses, coats and even sweaters are the staples of every working wardrobe. But this winter we are switching it up, instead of black why not go for navy, grey, olive or berry shades which are much more flattering. You can team up these colours with black. The bold fashionistas can continue in mustard, fuchsia or even bright red. It just depends how you wear it. Black is bomb!
Invest in a fancy coat
Though tempting to throw on a bomber jacket when it’s cold, save it for the weekend. At meetings in the office, the first thing anyone will notice is your coat, so make it memorable. Invest in a smart wool or cashmere option and a vest or light jacket underneath if necessary. Get a durable quality coat that you can wear over the following winter seasons. Black, nude and maroon are always a good choice. Olive or cream seem to be trending, as well as prints and patterns on coats; houndstooth and check.
Ugg boots are to be left at home
There is always someone who comes to work in ugg boots over their tights. Don’t let it be you. We get it, it’s cold, but you still have to dress appropriately unless you work in the fashion industry. By all means commute in sensible footwear, but stash the offending items under the desk unless they are office appropriate. Do wear ankle or knee high boots provided they look good for work. Flat suede over the knee boots look great with a chic jumper dress. The socks and sandals look in the office are a definite no, no.
Roll neck/ turtle neck
After years in the style wilderness, they are back! You can wear one with pretty much anything, but we all like a very fine knit either layered under a dress or tucked neatly into a leather skirt. Swap blouses and shirts for an elegant roll-neck, preferably in cashmere in classy looking shades such as stone or camel (nudes) or browns (as some know them).
Layering
Outside its freezing and the office goes from icy to tropical before lunch. The answer to these ever changing temps is clever layering. A neat little jumper over a shirt or a thin cardigan belted over a dress, stops you having to strip off in the rest room. Layering is a great trend and keeps you warm. Just be sure to co-ordinate your colours well and pair your material textures properly.
Keep a shawl or extra blazer at work
Your office will get chilly in winter so having a shawl or an extra black blazer may save you. A shawl can double as a blanket and you will still look professional if you walk around the office with it wrapped on your body. Don’t tie the shawl around your waist, it’s not a good look.
You need to know the dress codes that recommend various types of business attire for the office. For winter you can always go for a black dress with a white coat. The best way to dress up is by keeping your personal style. You should keep in mind that light colours are very appropriate for office wear. You could select a dark inner colour coat.
Office wear should show your personality as sophisticated. You need to express yourself through your outfits. —Additional information from online sources.
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