How to make your wardrobe work for work

 In my time as an image consultant I've come across quite a few ladies that have asked for wardrobe advice when going back to work. For example I received a phone call last week from a client who was in a panic and asked me to take her shopping. In short, her children have all flown the nest and she’s decided to go back into full time employment. Not only did we have to deal with her “empty nest syndrome” and nerves, but how were we going to change all her casual clothes into something that made her presentable and fabulous for her new and exciting career? After all she was going  to be called “Sarah” and not “mum”.

So, how do we make the transformation?

Well ladies here’s where we examine what we’ve got and how we -with a few extra additions - turn it into a workable and exciting wardrobe.

First of all take a look at what you have; chances are there will be plenty of casual wear, jeans, tee shirts and jumpers. Examine everything closely then remind yourself - what did the person who first interviewed you for the job wear?  This is your starting point.

Jeans and trousers: Most people have a pair of black trousers – great! But do they still fit? You may have put on or in fact lost weight since you last wore them. Or they may no longer be suitable – style, age, wear and tear. Be honest with yourself, after all, you have to wear these all day. Ask yourself the question – are these trousers creating the right image that I want to portray on the world? If the answer is no. Then it’s time to give them the big heave ho.

So:

Trousers: These will be the first item you need to purchase on your list. Go for a style that flatters and fits – and if you need to buy a size larger – SO WHAT, no one is going to see the label – if it bothers you that much cut it out – just don’t remove the cleaning instructions.  Remember you have to sit and stand and move all day. So they need to be comfortable.

 A golden rule – in any item of clothing -a size too small will make you look larger, it will cling not skim to all the bits you want to disguise.

Purchase: Consider a charcoal pair of trousers or indeed another colour, as much as black makes you look slimmer (debatable) they can also be a bit drab if there not accessorized correctly.

Tee shirts and tops, Okay so what do you have and could these double up for casual and work wear? Look at the shapes and styles. T shirts of great material can be worn over or under long sleeve tops, shirts or blouses and teamed with great accessorizes they can look fantastic. 

They can be worn under dresses, think summer cami's in great colours. Experiment with what you have, stand in front of the mirror and layer your t shirts with other items you have in your wardrobe. Experiment with belts and necklaces, scarves and bracelets.

Purchase:  Consider one or two good quality t shirts in great colours that make you look alive. Think about what you can match them with and how they can tie in with what you already have. T shirts come in all shapes and sizes, make sure they have a good quality stretch in them. After all, a few t shirts can create loads of different looks for casual and smart.

Jumpers and Cardigans: Everyone has these in their wardrobe, check out your styles and shapes as well as colours, arrange them accordingly, thin cardigans and jumpers can be worn over cami’s or tees with belts. Wide belts can be slung low on the hips, thin and wide belts can be wrapped around the waist to create an hour glass figure. Cardigans can be worn open over dresses for warmth. Or equally look great buttoned up with a belt slung round to create yet another great looking outfit. Jumpers look equally good over dresses. Thus creating the illusion of separates.

Thicker jumpers and cardigans can look great as a substitute for a jacket. Wear with a great belt and scarves on chilly days. Then you’re good to go.

Purchase: Consider one thin cardigan and one thin jumper in great colours. Again these can be matched and mixed into make great outfits within your wardrobe whatever the season.

Purchase: Consider a thicker cardigan or jumper in a neutral colour to throw over any coloured outfit.

Leggings   Okay, so these can be quite taboo – you either love them or hate them. But if you do have them and they are in great condition try wearing as a substitute to tights with a great dress and long boots, or equally with that well chosen long line jumper or cardigan, this can be unbuttoned to show a great coloured top underneath. Again accessorised with scarves, belts or/and jewellery.

Purchase:  One great pair of coloured leggings. Check out this seasons colours and ensure you match in with what’s already in your wardrobe.

Dresses: Okay so this is where you examine what you already have. Dresses can be fantastic as an outfit for work just throw on some shoes and you’re good to go. Remember though, too much bling can make you look over dressed, so if you’re thinking of resurrecting an old party dress for work – great, but ensure it doesn’t have all the bells and whistles. Being overdressed can make you feel extremely uncomfortable. Instead think shift dresses, dresses you’ve worn for weddings, or even dresses you’ve worn on holiday. Why not bring them out and give them a new lease of life. After all if you don’t wear them for work, chances are they will sit there for a long time, waiting until the day there thrown out. How many times have I heard,” oh I only wear that for best” personally my motto is “today is the day to wear your best” and wait for those wonderful compliments to come your way.

Purchase: Two fantastic dresses these don’t have to be expensive, yes you do have permission to look in the sales from last season. Here you can see fantastic dresses that you can take from season to season if you accessorise it with a few key items (see above) 

Shoes:  All most all of us own a pair of smart shoes, usually these are black. Ensure they are kept clean and are re heeled as often as needed. Yes black does go with everything (so I’m told) but...

Purchase: Seriously consider a gorgeous pair of shoes in a different colour that will tone in with what you have in your wardrobe. If you have put into place everything that I have told you so far you will discover a theme and certain colours will stick out. As you gravitate towards this colour scheme – great! You’ve learnt how to shop and manage your new working wardrobe. So... why not purchase a great pair of shoes that will tone in with what you have now created. Again purchase wisely, as a great pair of shoes can take you too some amazing places comfortably and happily.

In short, the list you need for your wardrobe to work for work:

·         One pair of charcoal pair of trousers (or another neutral colour)

·         Two t shirts in great colours

·         One thin cardigan and one thin jumper in great colours

·         One thicker cardigan or jumper( in a neutral colour)

·         One pair of coloured leggings

·         Two fantastic dresses

·         One pair of shoes in a different colour

If you stick to this list (you don’t need more) you can create a great exciting wardrobe with a least 30 different outfits – just add accessories!

Shop wisely and enjoy

Wendie

x

For more wardrobe advice why not contact us on www.woocandoo.com or e: lifestyles@woocandoo.com or simply give us a call on 07500 968948

©Woocandoo concepts 2011