Fashion is an art and the fashion rules of today are all about inclusivity, diversity and self-expression. Everyone has a personal style that’s uniquely their own. Today’s minimalist, casual-cool and expansive office wear has enough room for everyone. Every day is an opportunity to express yourself. Simply suit up, show up and show off. Lucy Liu, a character in the 1990s TV series- “Ally McBeal,” once said something to Ally like, “I don’t have to work. I only work so I can show off my outfits.” After two years of working from home wearing three rotating sets of cuddly cotton jammies, most of us need a major business wear overhaul. Today’s office fashions are all-inclusive. The styles are best described as mix and match and anything goes.
Expressive Skirts
Skirt styles range from classic black minis to sultry midis and unexpected maxis. Straight skirts ending just below the knee have a slim fit and a flirty slit in the back. Sophisticated calf-length straight skirts are reminiscent of the 1940s, while long pleated skirts and circle skirts are straight out of the 1950s.
A vintage floral-print skirt can make such a strong fashion statement that it carries an outfit all by itself. Many skirts are sporting a high waist and deep pockets. Short skater skirts with leggings are both fun and comfy.
Pants: Baggy, Slim and Everything in the Middle
The latest pants include slim stovepipes cut just above the ankle. Basic skinny jeans and leggings are still on the scene, and they look fabulous with spike-healed pumps. At the other end of the pants spectrum are loose, slouchy and downright baggy pants that resemble proper trousers.
Besides being comfy, these trousers look spiffy with a collared shirt and a roomy blazer or topped by an equally baggy sweater. Baggy pants look surprisingly chic with fitted tops and body-hugging crop tops too.
If you appreciate baggy comfort but want to add some pizzazz, top a pair of trousers with a baggy blazer over a clingy top in a standout color.
Body-hugging Tops and Slouchy Silhouettes
Crop tops are back. So are turtlenecks, mock turtlenecks, high necks and V-necks. Feminine necklines are trimmed with lace, and there are tops that tie at the waist. With three-quarter-length sleeves and a lacy neckline, a top can look businesslike when topped by a blazer. Remove the blazer, and the same top is set for a night out.
Blouses with puffy sleeves can give your office outfits romantic appeal. Showcase the blouse and downplay everything else. By the way, vests have made a comeback and are showing up as tops paired with skinny and baggy pants alike.
A close-fitting top; that’s actually a bodysuit partners perfectly with pants of all types. As far as blazers go, most of them are baggy or long line styles with an occasional slim-fitting alternative. The classic denim jeans jacket is back, and it still goes with everything.
The Little Black Business Suit
One of the best wardrobe investments you can make is to manifest your ideal vision of a basic black suit. The best ones are so versatile that you can completely change the look with tops, shoes and accessories.
Shoes and Bags
Flirty spike heels can jazz up most any outfit and keep a low-profile style from looking drab. High boots in leather or suede have chunky heels and look classic when paired with a midi skirt or skinny jeans.
Handbags are all the rage right now and designed to hold everything. After working at home for two years, it’s easy to forget all the stuff you had to haul around every day when you were still going to the office.
A high-quality handbag will hold everything you could possibly need including lunch.
The insulated Luncher from Modern Picnic sports a vegan leather exterior, comes in three sizes and is an upscale alternative to the traditional lunchbox.
Glam Dresses for the Workplace
Dresses today include culottes and print jumpsuits. Trending dresses that tie at the waist are reminiscent of the DVF wrap dresses of the 1970s. For an elegant yet relaxed professional look, the minimalist sleeveless blazer dress in basic black covers all the bases.
Today’s styles come in bright and bold colors. Nevertheless, basic black is still the gold standard. It compliments every skin tone, and it goes with absolutely everything. Whether it’s a clingy knit top or a classy little dress, black is still king.
About the author;
This article was written by guest author Alice Johnson.
