There’s a time and place for everything—even the most laidback work environments won’t let you get away with looking like you’ve just rolled out of bed. We’ve put together a definitive list of office-friendly outfit options that will help you look your best while you take on the corporate world.
Dress for Success: Swap Out These 8 Items and Build a Chic Work Wardrobe
Gym Attire
Keep your sweatpants and yoga leggings for when you’re off duty. Show that you’re ready to take charge in a pair of chic, tailored pants. Stella McCartney Flared trousers US $916; AED/SAR 3,364 www.farfetch.com Chloé Knitted trousers US $672; AED/SAR 2,468 www.mytheresa.com Roland Mouret Lacerta crepe straight-leg pants US $795; AED/SAR 2,920 www.net-a-porter.com
Mini Skirts
With short skirts making a comeback, find ways to work around this mini trend without causing heads to turn for all the wrong reasons. For an office friendly option, look for hemlines that hit right above the knee. Fendi Leather-trimmed wool-bouclé wrap-effect mini skirt US $1,090; AED/SAR 4,003 www.net-a-porter.com MSGM Faux leather pencil skirt US $246; AED/SAR 903 www.farfetch.com Azzedine Alaïa Zig-zag cut-out skirt US $2,196; AED/SAR 8,066 www.brownsfashion.com
Sheer Shirts
Save yourself embarrassment at the office by steering clear of sheer shirts in transparent materials, especially during broad daylight—unless you’re wearing a camisole underneath. Instead, go for a classic silk blouse or crisp shirt to sharpen your look. Alexandre Vauthier Classic long sleeved shirt US $813; AED/SAR 2,986 www.farefetch.com Barbara Bui Silk blouse US $318; AED/SAR 1,168 www.stylebop.com Rosie Assoulin Joplin cotton contrast neck scarf top US $895; AED/SAR 3,287 www.modaoperandi.com
Flip Flops
This flimsy footwear is meant for the beach, not the boardroom. Not only will it make you appear sloppy and disheveled, but also out of place in the corporate world. If you want to look polished yet comfortable, go for flats or cute ballerinas. Rochas Slingback embellished ballerinas US $748; AED/SAR 2,747 www.farfetch.com Delpozo Dark navy lambskin embroidered flats US $1,100; AED/SAR 4,040 www.modaoperandi.com Robert Clergerie Alice pointed toe slippers US $429; AED/SAR 1,575 www.bysymphony.com
Body-Con
Unless the party is at the office, this design should be left in your closet. Better yet, toss it. Body-con anything should be eliminated from your wardrobe completely. To celebrate the end of this tight-fitted, spandex number, go for a classy shift dress that you can wear to the office and beyond. Oscar de la Renta Cotton and wool-blend pencil dress US $2,121; AED/SAR 7,790 www.mytheresa.com Victoria Beckham Stretch-knit dress US $2,250; AED/SAR 8,264 www.net-a-porter.com Jonathan Saunders Alice color-block stripe crepe dress US $1,394; AED/SAR 5,120 www.matchesfsahion.com
Crop Tops
Even if you’ve been working hard at the gym to achieve that flat tummy, your office is not the place to flaunt it. However, you can still get away with wearing a crop top without showing off skin. Look for loose-fitted, boxy silhouettes that are long enough to cover your midsection and wear them with high-waist pants or skirts. T By Alexander Wang Cropped boxy shirt US $273; AED/SAR 1,002 www.farfetch.com Balenciaga Wool jersey-knit sweater US $1,077; AED/SAR 3,955 www.matchesfashion.com Rosie Assoulin Black mohair wool cropped boxy top US $895; AED/SAR 3,287 www.modaoperandi.com
Over Embellishments
If you have a soft spot for things that shine, you can add a hint of sparkle to your work attire without looking like a disco ball. Take it down a notch by opting for pieces with slight embellishments or metallic accessories. Chloé Georgia mini metallic leather shoulder bag US $724; AED/SAR 2,659 www.mytheresa.com Stella Jean Wool pencil skirt US $786; AED/SAR 2,887 www.brownsfashion.com Boutique Moschino Embellished pearl collar sweater US $509; AED/SAR 1,869 www.farfetch.com
Loud Jewelry
We mean loud in a literal sense; jewelry that jingles with the slightest movement can be distracting for your colleagues. Imagine sitting in a quiet meeting and the only thing everyone can focus on are the clinks of your bracelets. Opt for clean and minimal jewelry for a touch of sophisticated sparkle. Diane Kordas 18KT rose gold bangle with white diamonds US $1,696; AED/SAR 6,229 www.stylebop.com Almasika Le Cauri endiamanté earrings US $5,817; AED/SAR 21,366 www.luisaviaroma.com Maria Black Tusk necklace US $1,061; AED/SAR 3,900 www.boutique1.com
