Fab Workplace Fashion

Most fashion conscious women I know experience their fashion angst when getting dressed for a night out. Pressing problems arise based on venue, weather and the possibility of running into an ex-boyfriend at your favourite bar. A typical woe might be whether it’s too cold to wear your favourite Scanlan frock on a Friday night. Not for me however. My angst is purely 9-5, every weekday. This is because I work at an art gallery.

I know what you’re thinking, “woe is she”. Well let me tell you, when every weekday you’re faced with a cat walk-quality ensemble drifting past you on the way to the photocopier, you’ll understand my pain. There are even colleagues whose entire careers are based on researching and curating exhibitions on fashion! Therefore, along with my work related tasks, I have the additional responsibility of trying to look simultaneously stylish, professional, creative and fashion conscious (without being fashion slavish).

It’s taken me almost two years of daily research but I think I’ve finally cracked the secrets to workplace fabulousness. By watching these fashionistas like a hawk, I’ve retained some key insights.

Firstly, when in doubt, wear black. I know it’s obvious. But, there are a few sub-rules to adhere to. For example, an entirely black ensemble should not contain a shade of black slightly lighter than another. Additionally, when dressing head-to-toe black, don’t be afraid to sport a killer heel in a non-conventional colour.

Secondly, wacky jewellery makes any outfit interesting. There’s a plethora of options on the market at the moment. Plastic farm animals come to mind. In fact, most type of animal in broach, bracelet or necklace form will turn even the dullest outfit into “wearable art”.

Thirdly, vintage is king. There’s nothing worse than seeing somebody decked out head-to-toe in the latest trend. That’s the equivalent of dressing like a store mannequin from Supre. So, mix up that painfully expensive Mad Cortes skirt with a waist coat that once belonged to your brother circa 1985. Chances are, you’ll be applauded for your ability to give the finger to those fashion mega-chains.

This leads neatly to the last point - attitude. The day I saw a colleague looking fabulous in a sky blue Adidas jumpsuit, was the day I decided that confidence was the real secret to fashion success.

So now when I hear “only you could get away with wearing a black vintage frock with turquoise shoes and a necklace resembling a stuffed bird”, I feel those two years of fashion investigation have been worth it.

So why not ditch that seven year old suit from Portmans and re-invent your own workday wardrobe by following these few basic rules. Making your own stuffed bird necklace however is not advised.