Spice up your work outfit with 9 quick fashion and beauty additions

Can you feel the weekend approaching?

Trust us, we know how the last few hours at work on a Friday just drags by. 

To perk you up a bit, here are some ways you can prep for that TGIF date with your girlfriends by spicing up your work outfits. Plus, we threw in some wallet-friendly products too.

Photo: 123RF

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Instead of going for the typical skirt and blouse combo, wear a crisp, classy pencil skirt with some detailing like a floral print or an outlined silhouette. Or try a pleated skirt that’s not black – like this TopShop Rainbow Pleat Midi Skirt (S$76.90), and tuck in a work-friendly frill blouse like this one from The Editor’s Market (S$29).

When choosing your top, avoid the typical plain top and reach for some frills or bell sleeves – anything that screams fun, wear it!

Photo: Topshop, The Editor’s Market

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Leather leggings aren’t that comfy for our humid weather so instead, pop on a leather biker jacket or a slim blazer and pair it with ankle-length pants or jeans, a plain top and low-cut boots. The key for this outfit is to accessorise.

This outfit is the most office-friendly and makes you look classy at the desk and at the dinner table.

Try: Mango Applique Biker Jacket from Zalora (S$89.90), Double-breasted Jacket from H&M (S$109), Dorothy Perkins Black Maxine Zip Ankle Boots from Zalora (S$89.90).

Photo: Zalora, H&M

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Necklaces do a great job of adding class and sophistication to your outfit. They’re your classic work outfit, elevated with a necklace.

Be fearless and go bold with statement necklaces.

Some have precious stones or crystals like the Marquis Crystal Necklace (USD$68.60/ S$93.22) or Baguette Crystal Necklance (USD$29.40) from Mr Kate. These are best paired with toned-down work outfits like a pencil skirt and a white blouse.

Photo: Mr Kate

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You can also go for layered necklaces however, these might not be too work-friendly so unless you’re in a job that allows you to dress up, avoid wearing a layered necklace.

Try: Rose Gold Disc Necklace from Lovisa (S$29.99) – perfect for a night out.

These necklaces are best paired with simple yet stunning earrings, like River Island’s Teardrop earring (S$14.90) or Lovisa’s Geometric Octagon Rose Gold earrings (S$9.90). Since the necklaces are layered you don’t want something that’s too distracting. Having framed earrings or teardrop earrings will ease the flow of accessories from top-to-toe.

Photo: Lovisa, Zalora

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If huge, bulky necklaces aren’t your thing, go for everyday elegance. 

Wear a necklace with a single gem or precious stone, like Lovisa’s Cube Choker embellished with Swarovski crystals (S$23.99). To stay classy, pair it with Lovisa’s Silver Double Drop Earrings (S$8.99), a simple yet dazzling earring with it’s silver sheen.

Although they are small and not as attention-grabbing as statement or layered necklaces, they add a pinch of glitz and glam to your outfit.

Photo: Lovisa

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If your neck tends to get all red and itchy through the day, skip the necklace and make a statement with your earrings. Think drop earrings of all sorts – beads, fluff and diamante. If your workplace is more formal, go for simple drop earrings or mismatched ones to add sophistication in the slightest way.

Statement earrings don’t always have to be huge, like ALDO’s Laessa Earrings (S$25). With these earrings, you can go simple and wear a single stone necklace. There’s an assortment of earrings for every personality so go wild. 

From left to right: ALDO’s Laessa Earrings from Lovisa (S$25), Red Chain and Feather Earrings from Lovisa (S$29.99), Silver Beaded Drop Earrings from Lovisa (S$24.99), Grey Navette Ear Cuff from Lovisa (S$19.99), Pink Fluffy Pom Pom Earrings from Lovisa (S$17.99), River Island Diamond Pave Dangle Earrings (S$25.90). 

Photo: Zalora, Lovisa

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Stacking your jewellery adds a touch of glam without being too attention-seeking during work hours. Statement rings typically have insects or animals on them, or floral motifs which speak for themselves – so go easy on the rest of your arm candy.

If you can, get a set of rings so you can choose to double up the number of rings on one finger, spread it out or just wear different rings on different days. 

From left to right: Diamante Snake Ring Set from River Island (S$24), ALDO Chydda Ring Set from Zalora (S$29), Rose Gold Leaf Wrap Ring from Lovisa (S$13.99), Ethnic Ring Pack with Moonstones from Lovisa (S$17.99).

Photo: Zalora, Lovisa

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Compared to earrings or rings, wearing watches and bracelets add something a little more elegant to your outfit. You could go for the oh-so trendy gold wrist watch, or simple chain bracelets.

Of course if it suits your workplace, put on an eye-catching cuff bracelet or pop it on after work, it really is that simple. You can add on a single statement ring on the opposite hand to complete the look.

From left to right: Shantal Jewellery Cubic Zirconia Rose Gold-Plated Lightning Hand Bracelet from Zalora (S$97.90), Brushed Gold Cuff from Lovisa (S$19.99), Pale Gold Marquise Bracelet from Lovisa (S$21.99), 32mm Classic Petite Melrose in Rose Gold from Daniel Wellington (S$249), Fitbit Flex 2 Gold Accessory Bangle from Zalora (S$159.95).

Photo: Zalora, Lovisa, Daniel Wellington

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When we say bold, we mean anything that isn’t a nude or blush pink. Go for fuschia, reds or even fall colours like deep burgundy. While they make you feel more confident in the day, they make you more glamorous and sophisticated at night. Plus, they give you an Old Hollywood vibe.

Try: Bobbi Brown’s Art Stick Liquid Lip in Uber Red from Tangs (S$39), NARS Satin Lipstick in Afghan Red from Sephora, $40.

A simple eyelook will do. A burnt orange or mauve pink on the lids, blended out and eyeliner that’s not too thick – just thin enough to add some flair when you flutter your lashes.

Simply line your eyes if you’re in a rush, but if you’ve some time to spare, draw on a simple winged eyeliner. Pop your cheekbones with a little bronzer and highlighter and you’re good to go!

Try: Kat Von D Beauty Tattoo Liner in Trooper (S$32).

Photo:  TANGS, Sephora

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