Dear Mattie:
What can I wear in the office?
— Looking for new trends in Capilano
Dear Capilano:
Office looks depend on how conservative or casual your work environment is. I believe that it is important to look professional in your workplace. This season, there are many individual pieces in fashion that can be co-ordinated to create an office suit. How you match these pieces depends on your professional needs. Professionalism is a look. Let's start with tops. Polo shirts have made a comeback. They are the perfect tops and can swing from casual to professional. Choose the colour based on how conservative or fun your needs are.
Pastels are in fashion and dark colours, such as red, navy, purple and khaki, are great middle-of-the-road options. When you match the top colour with your pants or skirt, you have created a casual suit. Shirts can be dressed up or down with a pair of darker-wash jeans. White shirts should be a staple in every woman's wardrobe. If you want a bit more flair, stripes and patterns are trending this season. Blouses with ruffles and detailing bring your outfit up a few notches.
A new trendy piece this season is the tunic. It is a sleeveless dress that you wear with a shirt or blouse underneath. Add a belt and you have created a trendy office look with three interchangeable pieces. I am a fan of skirts in the spring and summer as it is nice to change your wardrobe for the new season. Skirts are awesome this season. The silhouettes range from a narrow pencil skirt to a billowing midi skirt to a flowing maxi skirt. Skirts now have a midrise waist, enhancing your shape. Feel free to add a belt. Scalloped and lace-trimmed hems are trendy this season. Many skirts have modern prints which allow room for your personality. One colour or tone-on-tone has a neat and lean look.
Don't worry if skirts aren't your taste. Pants work too. They are pretty simple this season and range from narrow cropped-at-the-ankle plants to longer flared trousers. Both are high-waisted. Pants this season are a versatile staple. Go for a basic pair that will match your trendier pieces. If you are allowed to wear jeans to the office, then a darker or mid-wash rinse is a better option than faded, torn boyfriend jeans. Save those for your own time.
Blazers are optional, depending whether or not your job requires you to wear one. If it does, then a style and colour that matches your outfit is good enough. If you prefer an extra layer for warmth or style, then have some fun with this lightweight outerwear piece. Crotchet cardigans are all the rage with the music festival crowd. Trendy blazers have a utilitarian look and resemble a shirt with military detailing. Pockets are placed in the front and lapels on the shoulders. Some are long enough to add a belt. Both these pieces add flair to your outfit as you come and go. Choose trendy pieces that co-ordinate with each other. This way you can dress up or down as your day requires.
Adieu,
Mattie
Mattie is a freelance writer and fashion expert. Reach her on her Facebook page of follow her on Pinterest at Mattie-a-la-Mode.
