From The Straits Times    |

Some mornings it seems virtually impossible to peel yourself away from the comfort of your sheets and pillow, let alone contemplate your wardrobe and try to construct a stylish, professional and new outfit of the day. Well, because we love to help you all to live a more stylish life with ease and flair, we’ve come up with some 30 second outfit ideas that will seriously help you out when your brain has yet to kick into gear and you haven’t had a chance to brew your morning coffee (or hand over your cash to the nearest kind barista). Take a few deep breaths, stretch it out and open your eyes to a new, super swift morning routine:

 

 

1. Play a game of contrasts

So, we’re pretty sure you have a go-to pair of pants in your wardrobe. Whether these are streamlined jeans made for your body, or cigarette-style work pants, if you have these as your base, basically anything goes. Contrast the slim fit with an athletic sweater (yes, with the freezing office air-con, sweaters are a Singapore essential) or a nonchalant, sports-style jacket plus a pair of feminine heels and you’ve got yourself a perfect fashion fix of high and low. 

We’re in love with Margaret Zhang’s concept of a uniform, relaxed pants, open-toe boots, a camisole and a fierce jacket. 

 

2. Invest in a statement dress that will go the distance

Don’t you just love dresses? Seriously, when we find The One, (or several perfect Ones) we are tempted to wear it every time it’s freshly washed. Off the back of last season’s 70s bohemia trend, suede is still oh-so-in. We love that some of our high street favourites have been making this accessible for all budgets. 

Suede dress, $631, by Iris & Ink on The Outnet, shop here

3. Balance the elements

Think you can’t work your favourite flirty, floaty weekend dress during the week? It’s all about balance, cancel out the femininity of the dress with a bit of masculine bite. Try a blazer or a bomber paired with your favourite weekend dress and you’ve got yourself that 30 second showstopper down pat. Loving the off-the-shoulder trend? Pair it with some high-waisted pants and you’ve got yourself a formal neutraliser to the more risqué top. 

 

A photo posted by Tiffany Hsu (@handinfire) on

 

A photo posted by yasminsewell (@yasminsewell) on

 

4. Go monochrome, then belt up

Pick a tone-on-tone colour combo (it doesn’t have to be black on white) and then dress in it head to toe. If you need a pop of colour or a cinch in at the waist to balance out voluminous pieces, add in a brightly-hued belt. 

 

5. Mix in menswear
Tailoring is an instant lifesaver during hectic mornings. Nothing looks more put together than a blazer and tailored pants. Take inspiration from some of our favourite street style stars like Margaret Zhang and Caroline Issa on how to work this look with total ease. Make note of fresh womenswear suit designer Racil, a name to watch on the tailoring scene, she has us coveting those perfectly structured jackets in the most desirable and unique colourways.

 

A photo posted by RACIL (@_racil_) on

 

6. Earrings maketh the woman

Another designer to watch, Paula Mendoza’s instantly recognisable earrings and bracelets have shown us all that dramatic jewellery is no longer reserved merely for evenings out and gala dinners. Throw caution to the wind and rock a pair of these matte gold earrings at your desk, just because you can. Trust us, a statement pair like these will ensure that even if you’re wearing navy trousers and a white shirt, your presence in the boardroom will not go unnoticed. 

 

A photo posted by yasminsewell (@yasminsewell) on

 

A photo posted by Paula Mendoza (@paulamendozajewelry) on

 

For more ways to ensure you leave the house on time, see our tips on how to make yourself more effortlessly organised right here.