I came across an article in the news a while ago about a woman who has worn the exact same outfit to work for the last 3 years. And while yes, that sounds like my idea of torture, I do understand her reasoning that she wants to “save some time and energy”. Selecting clothes to wear is something that most professionals have to do every day. And while I find this selection process more invigorating than coffee, I do concede that there are days where it doesn’t go smoothly. You end up dashing for the train in a skirt that’s too small and come home at the end of the day to the contents of your wardrobe piled up on your bed. Not cool. But buying 15 versions of the same blouse seems to me like an extreme solution. Couldn’t the same efficiency be achieved with a carefully selected capsule wardrobe? A few pieces that all work together? Sure, it would take a bit of initial effort to curate, but at least there would be a bit of variety.
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| The outfit she wore. EVERY DAY. Image from Business Insider |
This woman also noted that she realised that her male work colleagues never faced as much sartorial stress as she did. This isn’t a ground breaking observation. Men don’t face as much sartorial stress as women in general. Personally I feel like a significant component of this is due to the huge disparity in fashion choices available to the sexes. This is a big reason why I LOVE being a girl. It’s much easier for us to create interesting outfits than it is for men, and as I enter the professional environment in my first full-time job since graduating uni, I fully intend to celebrate my fashion blessings.
My reimagining of traditional office wear is to add colour, texture, print and
statement accessories. Now I will be the first to admit that I am particularly fashion conscious. I work in fashion, I talk in fashion, I dream in fashion. You don’t have to take dressing for work as seriously as I do. But if you feel like mixing it up, and celebrating our right to choose (what we wear), then read on…
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| Jacket: Sportsgirl, Dress: Saba, Bag: Mulberry |
This dress was a moment of empowerment for me. I love the colour red, but I don’t seem to own/wear a lot of it. It really does take confidence. But, as I found with this dress, it also gives you confidence. I got a lot of positive comments on this dress when I rolled it out for the first time. It’s a great office-to-evening piece but the neckline is quite low so I cover up with a little blazer or cropped knit during the day.
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| Suit and Heels: H&M, Top: Watson x Watson |
Ever since I saw Olivia Palermo sauntering around the Elle Magazine offices in The City in this grey suit, I decided I needed one.
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| Image from Pop Sugar |
Although, up until this point, my professional life has never lent to wearing one, I still needed one. And I happened to find my Olivia Palermo moment in H&M in Paris. As you do. Grey is a great trans-seasonal colour and suits both blondes and brunettes. I visited the new H&M in Sydney recently and was really disappointed. The fabric quality of my suit is amazing and I especially love the jacket. This would even go well over the red dress. And apologies for the really awkward pose, even a gorgeous suit can't make me a model.
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| Top: Watson x Watson, Skirt: Willow, Bag: Alexander Wang, Heels: Trenery |
I like mixing neutrals and this snakeskin print silk cami from Watson x Watson is one of my favourites, adding a bit of texture to the ensemble. This Willow skirt became a bit of an obsession. It’s like a grown up version of a school girl skirt and long drape looks gorgeous and dramatic as you walk. Red goes with pretty much everything so a handbag like this beauty is an easy way to turn every outfit into a statement.
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| Shirt: Acne Studios, Skirt: Bardot, Heels: Kenzo |
I must confess, this one is my favourite. This is also a lesson in investing in pieces you’re obsessed with. I saw this Acne Studios shirt all over the fashion blogs I follow, so when I found the last one left in their Sydney store it went straight on lay-by and we’ve been great pals ever since. The skirt was a bargain from Bardot, the vibrant colour and luxe lace fabric are a unique twist on your traditional pencil skirt. And the shoes. Oh those shoes. These Kenzo personalities were a bit of an impulse purchase but I only grow more fond of them. Colourful, comfortable and a lil bit crazy... the best things always are!
A big thank you to Meriaam Mikhail Photography & Styling for the photos!
K xx
