There’s a saying that works in most professions – dress the way you want to be addressed. Now, most workplaces with a formal dress codes expect certain uniformity, but it doesn’t have to be repetitive, right? This season, experiment with some interesting ideas at work and stand out with your stylish office outfits.
From neons to bold prints like stripes, floral and geometric elements – business wear has undergone a peppy makeover and it’s high time we add a few sartorial flavours to the boring boardroom wear. As we move from winter to a probable intense summer, the change in office clothing is bound to reflect the mood. Designer Tara Bhuyan suggests, “This is a great time to go through your closet and stock up on pastel shades and a sorbet palette. Get some stylish pieces in organic fabrics like Eri (Ahimsa silk cotton), khadi, chikan, linen, pure chanderi and organza. Be it for a formal or casual wear, the use of pastel shades in stripes and polka dots, pastel shades in tie-dye works very well in summer. Pair a white linen trouser with a pastel stripe shirt with light pearl jewellery for a cool formal look or team it with a polka dotted tee with some bohemian jewellery for an easy breezy look. The idea is to wear breathable fabrics which are more pocket-friendly yet trendy. During summer the accessories that work well for me are nude cream/nude blush open footwear and a handbag teamed up with a cotton and linen short scarf.”
Make your nine-to-five dressing preppy with trousers. Whether plain or printed, they can be paired with tailored shirts/tops or layered with a jacket or even a tunic/kurta. Upgrade your collection of formal dresses by opting for printed formal dresses, recommends Anuradha Kumra, chief of products (apparels) at a fashion brand. She says, “There are a number of outfits that can be mixed and matched to achieve a workwear look that is elegant, comfortable and appropriate.
A shirt kurta teamed with pants creates a perfect contemporary workwear aesthetic. Play with patterns for an interesting visual effect by opting for ethnic printed tops and dresses. Whether paired with cigarette pants or high waist jeans, it’s equal parts of formal and fun. Adopt classic styles in cool neutrals for the summer. You can also revise the classic trousers and shirt combination by picking options that feature pastel hues. Break a white-on-white or black-on-black look with a pop of bright jewellery, bag or footwear to give the outfit some character. Throw on a scarf to add a little fun and colour to your outfit.”
A classic kurta is a perennial staple all through the year, no matter what the season is. It is effortless and can be styled in various ways for any occasion. Some of the other picks from the Indian section that is perfect for work wear are ethnic printed cotton dresses, tops, saris, anarkalis, linen pants, and skirts. While Indian wear at work is an interesting way to make a statement, try adding your own twist by pairing a cotton sari with a cotton top and a chic belt at the waist.
“An easy and simple way to dress for work is by pairing a kurta with jeans, palazzos or even a long maxi skirt. Accentuate this look with some baubles and you’ve got yourself a look that is comfortable and appropriate while not being too traditional. A maxi dress can be worn with a stole in a number of ways while experimenting with various colours to achieve a look that’s not casual or boring! Playing with colours can help you stand out amongst an otherwise monotone crowd. An anarkali worn as a maxi dress is a good example of a hybrid kurta. Add a thin belt to clinch the waist or just wear a printed anarkali with some beautiful jewellery to get the look right,” mentions Anuradha Kumra.
While you might be tempted to experiment at work, it is also important to balance the tone of your outfit to bring a sense of fashion to office without compromising your professional polish. There are a lot of ways to style these up which gives you a stylish yet polished business look, informs designer Meerika Dhawan. “With bold colours and prints being introduced to business wear, make sure you don’t go overboard. Wearing a pair of dark solid-coloured pants with an otherwise bright top would be fun and funky, yet appropriate for your next boardroom meeting. Spruce up your look with dainty earrings and rings or an understated chain, along with your favorite classic pumps. Teaming up your bright neon shirt with an understated formal skirt or pants, sleek hair-do and a smart formal bag can turn heads. Minimal makeup and accessories will complete your look. For your floral and printed dresses, you can layer them up with a formal coat and a smart pair of either nude or black pumps would do wonders. To keep the looks understated yet elegant, you can add more glam with a bold red color lip. Complete your look with a watch and a sleek updo to be the boss lady that you are.”
