At the start of every new year, you usually tend to look back on your past. The things you’ve achieved, the things you haven’t, the things that you’re going to make a note on to work on this year and then give up on 20 days later… (you had good intentions though, that’s definitely what matters).
As you look through your wardrobe, a few more memories might come to mind too. There’s the skirt you split red wine on during after-work drinks and has been sitting in your hand wash pile for approximately a month, the dress you wore when you summoned up the courage to make eye contact with the hot guy in accounts for the first time and the blouse that you didn’t realise was see through under UV lights.
So like we needed an excuse, it’s time not only to refresh our work wardrobe, but also to make a few new memories too. Here are 15 essential pieces that you can mix and match for the perfect 2018 wardrobe.
Photo: Showbit
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If you’ve been hesitant to wear a skirt above the knee to the office – don’t be. Providing you wear the right top, a short skirt can be a brilliantly versatile piece that’s also great for taking you from day to night without having to get changed. Wear with a turtleneck as pictured here, or a long-sleeved blouse to keep it nice and elegant.
You could even wear a big jumper or sweater if you’re feeling in need of a little extra cosiness. For night, wear a lace cami underneath your day top, which you can quickly slip off when the end of work rolls around.
Tailored A-line mini skirt with scallop hem, $17.24 from ASOS.
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Every important meeting needs a power suit. A suit that says ‘I mean business so don’t you dare mess with me’. A suit that’ll turn not just the guys heads, but the girls heads too, which let’s face it, is always the biggest compliment of all.
Don’t be afraid to go bold like this red number; you can always tone it down with plain white or black under layers and shoes.
Tailored blazer, $34.48 and matching tailored culottes, $21.55 from ASOS.
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Get your staples right and everything else will follow! They may just be a pair of plain black trousers, but get an interesting fit and they’ll look striking against other bolder pieces. The slight bootcut of this pair from Mango is a nice subtle nod to the 60’s flare trend, whilst the cropped style will allow you to show off a great pair of shoes.
You’ll be able to interchange them with different tops and accessories to create different looks, like with an oversized jumper for comfy chic or a floaty blouse to make it smart and feminine.
Straight suit trousers, $29.90 from Mango.
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We don’t even need to justify this one – every work wardrobe needs at least one dark top. They’ll go with almost anything and you can dress them up or down with different jewellery.
This one with pearl detailing from ASOS is going to look striking against both white or black and can also double-up as evening wear when you add a mini skirt. Dress it up with a blazer for the day and dress it down with a leather jacket for the weekend or evening.
Pearl embellished smock top, $53.88 from ASOS.
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Sorry girls, but it’s time to chuck those old worn out shoes away. Yes, you may love them, and they’ve served you well over the last year or so, but tatty shoes look messy and unprofessional. Treat yourself to a good court shoe that you’ll be able to wear with lots of different outfits and, make sure they’re comfortable to walk in as you’ll want to feel confident striding around the office.
This is another area that’s worth investing in as you’re going to get your wear out of them, plus, good shoes always make you feel 10x better, right? It’s a no brainer.
Alana velvet pointed court shoes, $59.26 from ASOS.
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Take your time to find a good pencil skirt. This is a style staple for the office and you’ll be able to mix and match it with tops, camis, sweaters, you name it, to create a brand new look.
It needs to be comfortable and allow you to walk without doing a penguin-style shuffle on your way to the coffee machine, so it’s better to go slightly looser on the legs then add a belt if it’s baggy on the waist. This way you’ll be able to move comfortably and still get that flattering hourglass shape.
High waisted pencil skirt, $38.79 from ASOS.
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We’re a big fan of jumpsuits. Not only are they super comfortable, light and airy, but they can also look smart, fashionable and great for evening wear too, depending on how you style them. You don’t have to worry about any mishaps when sitting down like you would in a skirt, and you can even do lunges across the office if you so desire; what more could you want in life?
This striped one from Bershka is perfect for the office. Add a belt if you want to create the illusion of a smaller waist, and add a hat and shades to look like you’ve just stepped off the set of Devil Wears Prada.
Striped jumpsuit, $24.90 from Bershka.
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You’ve got your long elegant dress so it’s good to get a shorter piece into your wardrobe too. For a classic office outfit, watch out for check patterns like this, which will look both stylish and professional. Your choice of footwear is going to change the outfit up, so wear with sandals for a delicate effect or strong knee or thigh-high boots if you’re in need the mood for something a little more strong and striking.
The same goes for your accessories; stick with gold and silvers to keep it slick or pops of colour to liven it up a little.
Checked dress with frill, $49.90 from Zara.
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What?! You don’t have a power blouse? Make it bright and bold so you can anchor down the look with black trousers or skirt and a blazer. It’s the perfect way to inject a pop of colour into your work wardrobe and especially good for you serial black clothes hoarders. Bold block colours are also great for getting you noticed at interviews.
They won’t remember the 100th or so candidate who’s wearing white or black, but they’ll sure as hell remember the fierce woman with the yellow blouse.
Blouse with bow collar, $35.90 from Zara.
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Because we ALL have those days where we just want to hide underneath a sweater. It’s often called Monday to Friday but, luckily, it is possible to throw one on in the morning and still look on point. Don’t be tempted to go for a cheap fabric. It won’t feel nice or look as good as a more expensive piece, so always try and go for a mid to higher price point where you can.
Of course, you can simply wear one with a plain pair of trousers, but try pairing it with a long pleated skirt or even over a dress for a snug, professional feel.
Horizontal knitted sweater, $59.90 from Zara.
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Do we even need to convince you here? I mean, look at it. In all seriousness, if there’s just one piece you need to invest in, it’s a good handbag. You’ll have it with you most days of the week so if you work out the cost over each time you think you’ll use it, really, it’s a bargain. Okay, maybe bargain’s a stretch, so let’s just leave it as ‘very good value’.
It’s also tempting to try and fill every square centimetre of bag space with your possessions, so try to resist the temptation and only take out your essentials. An overfilled bag is never the best look and no one’s going to be happy when you spend five minutes searching for your debit card at the front of a queue. Be strong – we have faith in you.
Prada Cahier large leather tote, US$2,842 from Net-a-Porter.
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No matter how tired or run down you might be feeling, put on a pair of big earrings and, trust us, no one’s going to be any the wiser. Golds and silvers will always add a high-end feel, especially against blacks and other dark colours and, you can also get away with being a bit more casual with your outfit if you don’t want to dress up.
Find a pair you love and promote them to the top of your ‘things you must buy for yourself’ list. You’ll get a lot of wear out of them and they’re going to elevate every single outfit you put them with.
Rosantica Aquilone gold-plated earrings, US$232 from Net a Porter.
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Every girl needs a long dress in their wardrobe. These are great for the days when you want to be covered up and comfy without looking like you’ve given up on life, ie when you’re hungover (not that you ever would be on a school night, obviously).
A flowy shirt dress like this is probably the comfiest you’re going to get and is super easy to slip on in a hurry. Simply add boots or sandals, et voila. Your boss will never know you were up sinking sambucas until 2am.
Long polka dot shirt dress, $69 from Stradivarius.
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It’s good to have both light and dark coloured tops in your wardrobe so you can mix them up with different trousers and skirts. Look for simple, well-designed pieces with detailing to stay smart, chic and elegant.
Take this top from Zara for example; it’s a flattering fit with pleat detailing and lace on top to keep it simple and beautiful. You’ll be able to wear it with almost anything and can even dress it down with jeans or shorts at the weekend.
Pleated guipure top, $29.90 from Zara.
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Virginia Woolf once said ‘a woman must have money and a room of her own’. We’re going to also add ‘a good pair of boots to’ that iconic list of female ‘must-haves’ because they’ll change the look of your whole outfit and make you feel like you can rule the world.
Don’t be afraid to go for a bold shade like these hot red beauties, which will lift all the blacks, greys and whites in your workwear wardrobe. Also, try not to go too high with the heel so you can enjoy them as an everyday boot without being in crippling pain.
Mid-heel ankle boots with a patent finish, $69.90 from Bershka
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