Capsule Wardrobe for Work (Female Edition)
Covid has changed our way of conducting business, discussion and even interviews. With no where to go, some traded their heels for slippers; exchanged tailored suit with comfortable sweatshirts; swapped laptop bag with canvas tote bag to enjoy the comfort and the need of versatility when it comes to managing different roles in life. No matter you are working from home or working in the office, this article is for you if you want to reinvent your wardrobe. Do not forget, you can still dress to impress when it comes to LinkedIn video recording and email profile picture!
#1 Blazer
A good blazer should help elevate your style and look a little more polished without trying very hard. Knowing your body shape and style would help you make a better choice and look into details when you are purchasing one. Each prints convey a meaning, each colours gives you and others an impression and the colour combination can boost your creativity and productivity.
Three key things to pay attention when you are getting a blazer: First, the shoulder seam should end on your natural shoulder and no visible ripples. If it does, do not purchase or go for tailoring. Two, whichever length you choose, could be oversized double breasted blazer or trench coat, be sure it doesn't rest in an unflattering place and keep the proportions of your overall look in mind. Third, knowing when and where you need to use the blazer determines the material and lengths you should go for. Linen and cotton blazer is lightweight and breathable, suitable for warm weather. On the other side, wool and polyester mix and help keeping you warm.
Below are six different types of blazers with different styling for business formal and business professional. Depending which industry you are in, you can have fun styling with accessories such as earrings, belts, scarfs, glasses, watch and necklaces. Remember, dress appropriate business attire based on different settings shows you did your homework about the host or the company.
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#2 Button Up Shirt
I am sure you heard of the word 'White Collar' that describes people who are working in the office. In this day in age, people who are dressing button up shirts are perceived as someone who are serious about their jobs. With influences from media and different cultures, it is no longer restricted to wear white to formal settings anymore. Instead, there are non-traditional ways to style an office outfit too! Scroll through the pictures below for more.
If you're a button up shirts lover for work, take into consideration the fabrics and fit. Linen is a good material but it creases easily. Cotton would be your best friend because this natural fabric allows air to pass through, absorb humidity and it is very comfortable for a 6-7 hours period. However, some button up shirts are mixed with viscose or polyester, therefore the price is cheaper. Any concern for shirts that mixed with man made fabrics? Is less breathable. Next, for fitting, make sure the shoulder fit is just right, not too tight nor too loose. Same goes to the waist line, you can choose to have slim fit or regular fit, but make sure there are no excessive fabrics.
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#3 Pencil Skirt
Pencil skirts have been existed since 1940s. It is always the staple piece that makes you look feminine, sophisticated and elegant. It is very versatile to dress up or dress down, a great investment! For professional setting, take note that the skirt should at least hit your knee cap. If you are petite, the length of the skirt can hit below the knee but not all the way to the calf because you are going to look visually short with the wrong length. Another thing to pay attention is the fit. A good, thick material and cutting helps skims your curves instead of hugs them tightly till the panty lines are visible.
Professional doesn’t have to be boring. A black checked skirt with white blouse and blazer are classics; however, a modern geometric prints with contrasting colours can be the focal point too! Don't forget to use the colours effect on outfits too. If you have a broader shoulder than hips, wear darker colour on top so overall you look proportion, while you have heavier bottom than top, wear brighter colour tops to look balance. View the pictures below to get inspiration how to mix and match with a pencil skirt.
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#4 Blouse
Blouses for work are widely available in the market. For work purpose, choose fabrics that are not see through and higher neckline to avoid unnecessary attention. To make it more fashionable and fun, choose prints and details like ribbon, belt and earrings that will help others to notice your confidence. If you have a larger bust and you prefer light colour blouse, style it with darker colour blazer to look balanced and vice versa.
Below are the pictures selected from Pinterest for work blouse suggestions. Overall there are only three colours from top to toe. That is because your speech and conversation should be the focus rather than your outfit or appearance.
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#5 Suit
It is always better to overdress than underdress especially if you work in conservative industries such as finance or accounting which requires details in job. Both pant suit and skirt suit in conservative colours such as navy blue, black, brown or beige are acceptable.
From my personal point of view, I normally recommend first time suit buyer to get a plain design so it can matches with varieties of existing button up shirts. Questions you should be asking before getting a suit are: Which occasions am I wearing this suit? How often am I wearing it? What are the patterns I prefer and my fabrics' weight? Because a high quality suit typically cost RM2000 and above, this investment deserved a proper planning and consideration.
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#6 Dress Pants
Not a skirt person? Dress pants are here for you. Same as choosing the pencil skirt, do take note of the colour choices to minimize the wide shoulder in visual and expand the narrow hips based on visual too. A high waisted dress pants in bootcut or straight cut can help curvier body to outline the shape. For flatter bottom half, choosing dress pants that define the waist by using a belt can also create the illusion of bigger bottom.
I assume many ladies would prefer to be visually tall or having long legs. Thus, pairing dress pants with pointy heels would gives that extra inch. However, if you do not like to wear heels, wearing a cropped jacket would help creates the illusion of having longer legs too! Last but not least, is almost impossible to have flat tummies with so much of good foods! So how to hide it? First, you can choose a darker top and higher waist pants. Second, choose a flowy top and match it with fitting jacket and necklace. Guess what? The attention would be on the necklace or jacket instead of the tummy just like the pictures below.
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#7 One Piece Dress
Not a skirt person? Dress pants are here for you. Similar to choosing a pencil skirt, do take note of the colour choices to minimize the wider part of your body and expand the narrow part based on visual. A high waisted dress pants in bootcut or straight cut can help curvier body to outline the shape. For flatter bottom half, choosing dress pants that define the waist by using a belt can also create the illusion of bigger bottom.
I assume many ladies would prefer to be visually tall or having long legs. Thus, pairing dress pants with pointy heels would gives that extra inch. However, if you do not like to wear heels, wearing a cropped jacket would help creates the illusion of having longer legs too! Last but not least, is almost impossible to have flat tummies with so much of good foods around! So how to hide it? First, you can choose a darker top and higher waist darker pants with nice pair of glasses. Darker colour can minimize or camouflages the tummy while the glasses are used to distract the focus from looking at the tummy, colourful or bigger scale earrings work too! Second, choose a flowy top and match it with fitting jacket and necklace. Guess what? The attention would be on the necklace or jacket instead of the tummy just like the pictures below.
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#8 Working Heels/ Pumps
Working heels don't have to be expensive, but it must be comfortable to support you and your body for the walking you have to do. Open toes heels are only acceptable in casual settings and creative industry, so be aware of company's shoes guideline. Also, i have trained five starts hotel where the Human Resource mentioned to me the staffs will wear flips flops inside the office and changed it to heels when they have to work outside the office. I mean, this is pretty smart in relaxing the feet for a while but don't. Don't do it!
In these pictures, I have selected only cover toe heels. You can definitely play around with the colours BUT not too bright, no shining jewelries, keep it subtle. If you are looking for new heels, I would suggest kitten heels, round toe heels, pointy toe pumps and two-toned heels. The most appropriate heel height for work is at 3.5 inch or below. Don't get me wrong, flats are totally fine too at work!
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#9 Accessories
Accessories such as handbags, sunglasses, necklace, earrings, watches and belts are an important element to boost your style confidently. A elegant style personality would choose pearl necklace, neutral colour bag and watch. Creative style personality don't mind to pair colourful necklace with geometric patterned pencil skirt. Dramatic style personality could wear cat-eyed design sunglasses, monochromatic work outfits and animal prints flats. Last but not least, romantic style personality often wears flowy material, pleated design and pastel colours accessories.
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#10 Traditional Costume (Optional)
Malaysia is a country rich in cultures from different ethnicities. Personally I find it unique that traditional costume are part of formal wear. Therefore I would like to include this category to countries that apply the same. The pictures include batik, punjabi suit, kebaya, and cheongsam.
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Hope this article gives you inspirations for your work wardrobe! Do share this information to your connections who needs style guides:
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