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Dressing for work can be tough, especially when you have a penchant for more sensual outfits that play up your curves. But before you resign yourself to boring and drab pieces, you’d be happy to know that it is possible to look sexy yet work-appropriate. Nope, it doesn’t involve dressing provocatively, but it won’t cramp your style either. Here are some tips for you to easily take your outfit from work to play. Bonus: They won’t get you in trouble with HR.
Tame a sexy dress down by choosing black
Don’t choose vermilion red or cerulean blue slip dresses if you’re getting ready for work as these bright shades will instantly cast unwanted spotlight on you. Instead, go for black. This hue is fashion’s secret tip to look sharp at boardroom meetings — sophisticated and classy, you can evade criticism while wearing a black side-slit dress that subtly flaunts your legs. The good news? You’ll also appear slimmer because black is just an all-round flattering shade. A win-win situation!
Shop the look:
Dress: Knot-front silk dress with side slit details by Raey, US$489 (S$670), via Matchesfashion
Shoes: Leather “Godiva” pumps by Sergio Rossi, S$1,028, via Farfetch
Bag: Woven leather bucket bag by Zara, S$279
Earrings: Leather logo earrings by Fendi, S$780, via Brownsfashion
A blazer is always the best bet
When in doubt, cover up (in style). If you want to rock a sexy red dress at a party after work, you can. Simply throw on a chic blazer. In fact, the blazer is a great #stylehack when you have a work meeting and you want to look like you mean business. Just slip it off when you’re out the door at 6pm. There, you’re good to go!
Shop the look:
Dress: Checkered slip-dress by Miaou, S$263, via Farfetch
Blazer: Double-breasted checkered blazer by Zara, S$89.90
Shoes: Leather buckle pointed-toe shoe by Toga Pulla, S$548, via Farfetch
Bag: Shearling shoulder bag by Fendi, €2,900 (S$4,649), via Mytheresa
Go for midi bodycon dresses with sleeves
Bodycon dresses are #totes sexy. But, those that show off your décolletage, arms and legs all at once should only be kept for after office hours. If you want to flaunt your figure in one, go for those with longer hemlines and sleeves to retain a professional image.
Shop the look:
Dress: Ina ruffled ribbed wool midi dress by Khaite, £885 (S$1,589), via Net-a-Porter
Shoes: Flat shoes with bow and faux pearl detail by Zara, S$99.90
Bag: Lambskin leather wristlet clutch by Aesther Ekme, €285 (S$457)
Earrings: White gold ear studs by Carolina Bucci, S$398, via Brownsfashion
Pair off-shoulder tops with flare pants
If sexy dresses are not your thing, go for a stylish off-shoulder top instead and show off your gorgeous neckline and collarbone. To make it work appropriate, wear the top with a pair of tailored flare pants.
Shop the look:
Top: Off-the-shoulder cotton poplin top by Zara, S$59.90
Pants: Wool-blend flare pants by Chloé, US$1,126 (S$1,543), via Matchesfashion
Shoes: Crystal-embellished velvet pumps by Alexachung, £395 (S$710), via Net-a-Porter
Bag: Tweed and leather “Puzzle” shoulder bag by Loewe, £1,725 (S$3,099), via Net-a-Porter
Bracelet: Gold-tone pearl bracelet by Rosantica, £185 (S$332), via Net-a-Porter
Earring: 18kt gold, pearls and diamonds single earring by Gucci, S$1,740, via Farfetch
Show off some décolletage, but not too much
There’s no harm in flaunting your décolletage with V-neck tops and dresses, or shirts with a scoop neck. One thing to keep in mind though: Make sure the dip is not too excessive. A rule of thumb is to keep it slightly above your bust line. If it dips below that, be sure to cover up with a tube top. Keep the rest of your outfit modest and complement your look with some statement necklaces.
Shop the look:
Dress: Patchwork checked wool-tweed and crepe dress by Acne Studios, £700 (S$1,258), via Net-a-Porter
Shoes: Crocodile leather sling-back kitten heel with bow detail by Prada, US$2,200 (S$3,013), via Moda Operandi
Bag: Leather-trimmed suede top-handle bag by Manu Atelier, £425 (S$764), via Net-a-Porter
Necklace: Gold-tone necklace with irregular shape details by Zara, S$45.90
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