Brighten up your 2018 work wardrobe with these 10 crayola colours

The doom and gloom of rainy season leaves us sartorially-challenged for the fear that we cannot wear anything other than black, white and grey. As the air con blows into our faces, nothing is more cumbersome than a cup of chilled stale coffee (that meeting overan, as always) and a dreary worn-in suit.

The designer runways, luckily, gave us multi-coloured dreams for this S/S ’18. From the likes of Ellery, Gucci to Calvin Klein, the palette used was bold, viviacious and ‘in your face’. As spring leans towards ridiculously bright colours from the rainbow, don’t be intimidated to try this runway-approved trend. Here are some fashion show-inspired pieces to spice up your life.

ALSO READ: 5 WAYS TO WEAR PANTONE’S 2018 COLOUR OF THE YEAR: ULTRA-VIOLET

Statement necklaces and workwear don’t usually belong in the same sentence, however, you can make your own (fashion) rules when you wear the brightest piece of jewellery. Instead of wearing your plain and conservative studs, gravitate instead to Diana Broussard’s chunky chain necklace. Bold is always beautiful when you wear it with finesse. Wear it with a shift dress and work-appropriate sneakers (like these 10 pairs) for a street style-inspired take.

Diana Broussard Nate necklace, $98.75 from Lula Rock.

ALSO READ: 5 WAYS TO WEAR PANTONE’S 2018 COLOUR OF THE YEAR: ULTRA-VIOLET

It’s the new year and it’s time to leave your basic black pencil skirt behind, along with those grey staple pants. Instead, beeline for this work-appropriate but playful blue skirt from Mango. Swathed with eyelets and scallop edges, it gives the work staple a flirty cocktail-friendly update as you can easily wear it in and out of the office.

Mango eyelets skirt, $40.90 from Zalora.

ALSO READ: MAKE ROOM IN YOUR WARDROBE FOR THESE THREE KEY PIECES IN 2018

Long sleeved striped tops aren’t just for the kids. This Sesame Street-esque top gets a runway-ready spin thanks to Topshop. Strut your way to the water cooler by rocking all colours of the rainbow. Pair this with a pencil skirt, hoop earrings and kitten heels to score 10/10 in the fashion stakes. 

Rainbow striped knitted jumper by Boutique, $116.00 from Topshop.

ALSO READ: 5 WAYS TO WEAR PANTONE’S 2018 COLOUR OF THE YEAR: ULTRA-VIOLET

Sitting around for 10 hours barely leaves you any time to work out, especially if you want to hide your post Christmas food baby. In place of stuffing yourself inside your Spanx, let your tummy hang loose by hiding it underneath with a billowy tie-neck dress. Not only will you look slim, the midi-length helps you fake extra inches to give you the illusion of longer legs. Pair this with loafers and a messenger bag for that menswear-inspired spin.

Tie Neck Dress by Boutique, $196.00 from Topshop.

ALSO READ: MAKE ROOM IN YOUR WARDROBE FOR THESE THREE KEY PIECES IN 2018

The days when you carry two bags are out and over thanks to Proenza Schouler. With the NY label’s XL tote bag, you can finally stuff in your happy hour dress and shoes as well as your portfolio, notebook, pencil case and iPhone charger. Red may look like a scary colour to work with, but you can wear it with almost any print, hue and texture. Pair this with a wide leg trouser, pussy bow blouse and ballet flats.

Extra Large Tote, $1,500 from Proenza Schouler.

ALSO READ: 5 WAYS TO WEAR PANTONE’S 2018 COLOUR OF THE YEAR: ULTRA-VIOLET

If you are unsure of trying out the rainbow look, do it in small doses. American “It” girl label alice + olivia gives the rainbow trend a sporty kick with a tri-coloured waistband. When paired with gathered sleeves and a crew neckline, it’s playful, yet conservative enough to wear it in austere office environments. Pair this with high-waisted pants, a dainty necklace, watch and mules.

Alice + olivia Dakota tack top, US$531.57 from Shopbop. Also available at alice + olivia at Ion Orchard.

ALSO READ: MAKE ROOM IN YOUR WARDROBE FOR THESE THREE KEY PIECES IN 2018

As one of the most basic primary colours, you cannot overlook the power of yellow. Thanks to their loose silhouette, these silky Tibi culottes are very office-appropriate and sleekly luxurious for those 6pm cocktail runs. Wear these with a fitted top and ankle-strap shoes for the perfect work to cocktail outfit.

Tibi Silk crepe de chine culottes, US $297 from Lane Crawford.

ALSO READ: 5 WAYS TO WEAR PANTONE’S 2018 COLOUR OF THE YEAR: ULTRA-VIOLET

Demna Gvasalia never fails to know what we truly want: Versatile shoes that are always on-trend. Although sock boots are always seen as a trendy piece, the fuchsia hue steps it up a notch for an extra dosage of high fashion to your work outfit. Wear these with cropped wide leg trousers, blazer and a blouse.

Balenciaga Knife bootie, $1,680 from Matches Fashion.

ALSO READ: MAKE ROOM IN YOUR WARDROBE FOR THESE THREE KEY PIECES IN 2018

Finding the perfect work dress is as challenging as finding the right shoe. Since most work dresses can look easily dated, go for a timeless classic from Vivienne Westwood. Although the designer is best known for her punk rock ethos and unconventional silhouettes, this royal red beauty is office-friendly as it can keep you warm and help you fake the flawless gym-toned silhouette. Not to mention, it’ll keep you ‘happy hour’ ready after 6 p.m.

Vivienne Westwood new fond dress, US$241.41 from Net-a-porter.

ALSO READ: 5 WAYS TO WEAR PANTONE’S 2018 COLOUR OF THE YEAR: ULTRA-VIOLET

It’s already the second week of the new year and we say that it’s the perfect time to knuckle down and start fulfilling your resolutions. This includes your wardrobe update. Leap your foot forward with Pantone’s colour of the year. Due to its blue-based undertones, these Charles and Keith sandals will be easily wearable to the office.

Ankle Strap Sandals, $37.50 from Charles and Keith.

ALSO READ: MAKE ROOM IN YOUR WARDROBE FOR THESE THREE KEY PIECES IN 2018