The thing with work outfits is, you have to spend all day in that shit – putting yourself out there and being the best human version of yourself, so it's very important that you get it right. It says something about you.
Depending on where you work of course, you must be professional in your context, and yet expressive of who you are; interesting but not polarising. As much as I loathe myself for saying this, a work uniform is basically an exercise in personal branding. It’s got me far; people asking ‘who's that gobby Chinese goth in the white socks and the inappropriate crown of roses? Yeah, let’s just give her that project.’ Being memorable can’t hurt in a sea of competition.
Question is, what makes you feel and look good every day? AND, importantly, has a waistband that allows you to ingest an emergency burrito.
Now I don't know about you but I haven't got time to ponder my identity every morning between walking the dog and queuing for the L-train. So over the years, I’ve put some basic ground rules down so I can enjoy getting dressed in the morning. The aim is to appear at once entirely effortless and yet astound crowds with the symmetry of your brow swag. Here's how to create a uniform without bleeding money...
Make sure everything you own kinda works together
I never buy something because it will go well with a specific thing. What you've got there is one outfit that you can't recycle and re-wear that often... I only add items to the wardrobe family that I know are going to instantly get along with the wider members. And if I'm going to buy a statement piece, I make sure to pair it with different items each time so it freshens up the look.
The sly rotation scheme
You should only have items in your wardrobe that you feel really good in. If those jeans are a size smaller than you but you're hanging onto the fact that they will one day fit, bin them because they're just a daily reminder that you don't fit in them – and carbs rule.
I have some key players who I love, that I try not to over-wear. Now I learnt this from my best friend; she used to 'save' outfits and keep things 'nice' so she felt good in them. I used to think she was a fruit loop but I’ve come to realise there's something in that! Don't denigrate an outfit just because you feel good in it by wearing it and wasting it on a rainy humpday. The ambition is to have multiple outfits you feel good in and then that killer one that you can pull out when the time is right. Save your golden eggs!
The emergency fuck I slept in
Important to put aside three items for these fuck ups. When I was younger and less prepared for these life scenarios, I used to ride with the wind, throw something on and then catch my reflection and have to burn some money on Carnaby Street on an emergency outfit on my way into the office. Nightmare. I once went to work wearing 30 denier tights and a sheer leopard print bodice. I looked like an Asian Lady Gaga and I'm surprised I didn't get removed from the building. I will never let this happen again. I now have a selection of black tailored jumpsuits for this ‘I woke up late scenario’ – quick fix, chic and smart.
The I wanna have drinks after work but don't wanna look ridiculous all day
Tricky number this. I don't like changing during the day at work etc... It reminds me of school and I don't like carrying shit around. So I wear outfits that I know can work in a different context, usually louder stuff like severe tailoring, wide-leg, high-waisted trousers and heels, but then I would wear a little box jacket with this so it’s not too fleshy for work and can look nice in the evening. Brands like Charlie May and Black Blessed are great for these sorts of pieces. I always let the silhouette do the shouting.
The reliable saviours
Always have a few things in your wardrobe that you know will make an inherently shit outfit better very quickly, I have earrings for this, I have cute socks and 'feature' jackets that add a bit of interest and texture, like this Helmut Lang one. They are the saviours.
The I'm gonna spend the day brainstorming and chilling outfit
I love these days, but I often don't know where my day is going take me, so I like to look smart all the time, and when that's not a pencil skirt and heels, what is it? I invest in quality, expensive downtime items so that I still look chic. Cashmere, loose-fitting black cardigans; I can wear just with a bra and suit pants, oversized long dresses and flares. These all have stretchy waist lines and mean I can curl up on the sofa at work, eat something covered in cheese and be comfortable. And, importantly, also snap into business if some big meeting gets sprung on me.
The one in one out rule
This is a recent practice for me; I used to BUY BUY BUY and then the capsule wardrobe became a thing and in an attempt to instil mindfulness into my life, I adopted the brutal ONE IN ONE OUT rule. If I buy something new; something else has to go! It stops me buying random crap with a novelty tassel that I’m never going to wear and it also means you keep it fresh.
I once went to work wearing a roll neck that was very veerry bobbly… and this gravely upset me, and so I've since vowed to a) renew basics often and b) use a razor to shave jumpers when necessary. My boyfriend stands in the doorway like, “I’m not even gonna ask.” Best not darling.
Pick your 'thing'
It might be a bright lip or flares or Peter Pan collars; a cut, a colour, a style, a core item. Find what you look best in and invest in this. Whatever your thing is, find it, find several versions of it and then stick to it. You know it works. Mix it up with different variations but keep your core item consistent. It's easier and you always feel like you've got 'you' out there. Mine is androgynous tailoring. Whatever shit flings in my face, I feel good in this.
Look hot when it’s cold and smart when it’s hot
Weather is a bitch. Looking smart in summer clothes is tricky. I opt for tailoring in lighter materials – crisp cotton – and I never, ever wear shorts to the office. Ever. That shit is for the beach. Same goes for toes; I will never show my CEO my toes. When it’s minus 10 and snowing, I rock a puffer, but a fur gillet adds a smart dimension and texture. Keep it simple. Black cashmere beanie and gloves. All uniqlo and cheap but looks expensive and smart, even with snot running down your nose.
First day of a new job
I have a strong theory on this: Go big or go home. I always present my loudest with firsts and meeting clients for the first time, because I figure: Be your biggest self and then nothing will scare 'em along the way! Brand consistency is key. I've dressed for my audience before, toned the brows down, etc, and I’ve always ended up feeling a bit crap and weird, so now I just go with what I want and don't think about trying to dress for my audience. Feels much better, trust me.
Good places to buy affordable work stuff:
Uniqlo, Oak + Fort, COS, House of Sunny, GAP, Marks & Spencer (cashmere babes.)
I know I wouldn't be where I am now without having put myself out there, and worn my creative expertise quite literally on my body! Why would you pass up this opportunity to showcase who you are? It's a silent canvas! It's basically an experiential CV FFS! Let people notice when you've walked into the room. For the right reasons. Don't be forgotten. And then you rid yourself of daily stress, panic buying or, like me, accidentally turning up to work with your fanny out ;)
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