Work It
Get ahead of the pack this New Year and get a workin’ on your new work wardrobe for Spring.
I’ve made it my New Year’s mission; forget resolution, to improve my work wardrobe. But on a strict budget, of course. For a while now I’ve been stuck in a work wear limbo of sorts, I’m still finding it difficult to make my wardrobe transition from the high-top kicks, skinny jeans and asymmetrical feather earrings of a college student to the more (well, of course) toned down, and sleek wardrobe of a professional woman. Well, that’s the impression I’d ideally like to pull off.
Anyway, for those of us who are at a financial disadvantage, now is definitely the time to spend. (I know, it sounds like a complete contradiction) But the winter sales are perfect for sourcing some cheap but classic pieces for your working wardrobe. And as a retail worker I am very familiar with the perils of the more often than not, dreaded sale. But fear not. Shop wisely, check return and exchange policies and above all… get an early morning start on your day off and beat the weekend crowds.
As I’ve learned from many of my own work-wear disasters it is best to keep the look as classic and clean cut as possible. So, collect some staple pieces in blacks, greys, creams, taupes and barely-there pinks and enhance these with the latest, colour, scarf, hand-bag, jacket will always keep anyone looking fashion forward and fabulous. The black pencil skirt is one such classic staple. Update this ubiquitous basic with an of the moment bell-sleeved blouse, as seen in Marc Jacobs (and Fendi’s) ready-to-wear spring/summer 2011 collections, in soft yellow or blue hues. H&M and Top Shop, of course, have some great look-a-likes at the moment. Or maybe be inspired by Prada this Spring and go for some daring orange, green or electric violet colours. Christopher Kane did beautifully patterned neon twin-sets but I think that’s a look best left for the models. Clean-cut pieces and tastefully fitted outfits nearly always look expensive, even if the price tag was anything but. H&M have a great Chanel-esque fitted monochrome jacket at the moment, in both black and pewter, which would look prefect over black drain-pipe skinnies or an accentuating skirt.
Some of the best haunts to nab a stylish bargain during sale time include Oasis, Zara, French Connection, H&M, New Look and Ted Baker. But be quick, the sales are almost over.
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