10 rules every woman should follow when dressing up for work

Viscose and polyester pencil dress, $95.90 from Mango

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1. Have a set of basic staples

Buy less, invest more has been our shopping maxim this year. We should always plug the “gaps” in our wardrobe with building blocks that will never go out of style. It also helps to shorten your morning routine and look more well put together every day.

Polyester sleeveless blazer with tie waist detail, $108.40 from ASOS

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2. Know how to layer

Mastering the art of layering is the secret weapon of all stylish women. Mixing different textures and silhouettes lends depth and dimension to the entire ensemble and helps to switch things up when you feel tired of your clothes. Also, it helps you stay warm and yet look stylish in a freezing office!

Viscose knitted top, $45.90; Cotton skirt, $109; both from Zara

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3. Strike a balance 

If you love loud prints and flamboyant colours, be careful not to go over the top — especially if you work in an office with a strict dress code. Always aim to tone down a striking statement piece with some wardrobe staples in a neutral colourway. 

 

Embellished faille pumps, $228 by Tory Burch from The Outnet

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4. Always wear comfortable footwear

Nothing will cripple your confidence like a pair of throbbing tootsies! Make sure you keep your feet happy with a pair well-fitted shoes that are comfy enough to keep you going for the entire day.

 

Cotton guipure lace top, $169 by Maje from The Outnet

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5. Take note of the fine details

We should always be aware of the every single element of the clothes we buy because these little design details can either cheapen your outfit or make them look way more expensive than they really are — and that attention to detail in turn will definitely impress your boss and coworkers.

 

Polyester halter culotte jumpsuit, $159 from Topshop

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6. Wear red

Red is an extremely intense and attention-grabbing colour. If you want to set yourself apart from your coworkers and impress your boss, any item of clothing in this colour will definitely do the trick.

Gold-plated necklace, $116 by Cornelia Webb from Net-A-Porter

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7. Accessorise appropriately

Accessories are the ultimate style weapons, and they can take your outfit from #basic to #boss level in a swift. However, you should keep in mind that less is always more in a professional workplace. Piling on too much bling can look cheap, or come across as being a bit of a show-off.

Downy wrinkle releaser spray, $18.29 from Amazon

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8. Keep your clothes wrinkle-free

Nothing looks more sloppy than a frumpy rumpled outfit! You want your boss to think that you’re constantly on the ball in every aspect of your life, and a well-pressed outfit is definitely the first step to creating that impression. 

 

Rayon nylon midi pencil skirt, $159 from Collate The Label

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9. Make sure your hemlines are modest

Hemlines are especially tricky in our hot humid weather, as we tend to prefer shorter dresses and skirts to keep cool. However, as a general rule, the hems of your bottoms or dresses should hover around your knee area. 

Tricoloured City Steamer in Noir Blanc, $5250 from Louis Vuitton

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10. Invest in a good work bag

A high-quality work bag can really help to elevate and lend a high-impact finishing flourish to your entire ensemble. Go for one with an elegant silhouette in a classic hue like brown or black.