Work Wear

Summer 2011: The Coolest Workwear for the office

I’m really excited today as I have just bought myself a new dress to fit into my summer work wear wardrobe for 2011. This summer has been a real struggle for me so far in terms of finding outfits that I can wear to work and still look summery but also work if the weather isn’t great, it’s a difficult compromise! I also always fond it difficult to look very boardroom like in the summer, skirts and flip flops are all well and good but they don’t really put me in the right frame of mind for that big presentation! My beloved white wide legged trousers are great and really chic but don’t work in wet weather so I’ve found an answer in short tapered trousers, I love the selection at Topshop as they do a great cut and a range of different colours including navy blue and a gorgeous silvery grey. I think the answer to your in work fashion worries for this year lie in the revival of the Jackie Onassis look, mid length skirts, silky blouses, and high heels are really the way forward, go for neutrals mixed with bright colours and you’ll keep the summer vibe without losing your boardroom look. Both Mango and Zara do a great selection of work dresses in bright colours, my own new purchase is this Mango 60’s style dress which has a great pattern and bright colours with a skirt that’s just the right length for work. If that’s a bit too patterned for you, you could try this cute little boat neck dress from Zara in a range of bright colours, Jackie O meets 2011, I would probably go with some more imposing heels than those in the picture but you could also pair it with flats for a more casual look. So in summary the solution to your summer work wardrobe dilemma is simple, cropped trousers or sixties dresses and lots of bright colours! At least until we all get to go on a lovely summer holiday and forget all about work for a little while.

After the hectic party season it’s back to work and winter wear for the New Year and I have to say I feel like my work wardrobe needs a bit of jazzing and brightening up, it just seems dull and grey after the sequins and glitter of Christmas. The sales were an ideal opportunity to do this and I have to say I did bag some bargains both in Next and Zara which has made me feel a bit better. But that hasn’t been quite enough for me and with the catwalks shining full of the colours and brightness of the spring summer collections I haven’t been able to resist the pull of some retail therapy to lighten up the dark winter months. I’ve been perusing some of the best high street collections and have found them to be full of great bargains to update your workwear. My favourite spring summer collection is from Next, I am loving their Amalfi range which mixes muted beiges with pinks and yellows to give you a real spring in your step. Check out their great high waisted trousers and block colour dresses which will take you seamlessly from work to wine! I also love the light chiffon blouses making an appearance at Topshop and Newlook, a great way to add some colour and class to you day wear without compromising on coverage if you want to keep warm. This bird print blouse is one of my favourite.

The trick to feeling like spring is finally round the corner really is layering and investing now in those cross season pieces that will carry your wardrobe through till the summer. Now is also the time to start looking out for the inter-season coat or trench that will get you through those cooler spring days and warmer winter ones.