Fashion is as individual as you are, but unfortunately we all know that first impressions count and that we are judged on what we wear, and how we wear it. So balancing your personal style at work can be a tricky conundrum. People often go to one extreme or the other, either keeping is so conservative that they lose their individuality or being so fashion forward that they stand out like a peacock amongst the crows. In this article you will learn how to be on-trend in the corporate world.
How to be on-trend in the corporate world
Corporate with a twist
Obviously, what is acceptable varies from company to company and department to department but let’s make it simple. Unless you’re a lucky duck working in marketing, publicity or advertising, it’s best to aim for corporate with a twist. If in doubt, start with a small twist and gradually increase, if you see your boss’s eyebrows raised then twist it back down a notch or two.
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Triad Rule
The best thing is you don’t need to buy a whole new wardrobe, quite the opposite, your favourite navy winter suit or black shift dress just needs a bit of pizzazz and it’s all in the accessories.With a limited budget, spend less on your short shelf life neons and invest the savings in a timeless red statement pair of shoes
Let’s use the above two as examples. For the navy suit you could add a red belt and some red statement shoes, and then tie it all together with a third piece such as a red bracelet, earrings or a scarf – voila corporate with a twist! But it doesn’t all need to be matchy matchy, you can twist it even more with one of the three pieces being a contrasting triad colour. This is a colour that is evenly spaced across the colour wheel in the shape of a triangle. For cherry red this would be a cobalt blue or a sunflower yellow.
On-trend colours
Some of the most on-trend colours to twist with this season are tangerine, lemon, cobalt, turquoise and of course neons. The first four are pretty timeless and won’t date as quickly as the neon. So if you’re heading out for some retail therapy with a limited budget spend less on your short shelf life neons and invest the savings in some timeless red statement shoes.
Laura Lee
Great Article Sharon – I am a big fan of using accessories to express personal style at work, plus it’s a great way to update your wardrobe on a budget!
Laura
Sharon Hall
Hi Laura,
Thanks your so much for your kind words. I totally agree with you accessories are a very cost effective way to keep your look current and individual.
Happy accessorising.
Sharon
Jenny Langton
Great article, I work in finance which is a very conservative field for fashion – lots if black and grey suits. A funky accessory really allows you to stay on trend and show some personality without blowing the budget. My best tip for young women in the workforce is to invest in a couple of good timeless black or grey staples and accessorise according to the seasons trends.
Kasia Gospos
Time to update my accessories as well! Love the red heels!
Joanne Forsythe
I don’t think I’d ever be daring enough to wear the red shoes, but maybe I’ll try some on the next time I go shopping. Thanks for the great advice. I love the looks you show.
Sharon Hall
Hi Joanne,
I totally think you can pull of the red heels. Definitely try some on next time you go shopping, but make sure the are comfy so there’s no excuses not to wear them proudly. Be brave and maybe just start with red shoes with an all black/navy/grey outfit and see how you feel. I bet you get tons of compliments.
Let me know how you go and thanks for reading,
Sharon
Sharon Hall
I totally agree Jenny, thanks for your comments.
Sharon