Just as no two jobs are alike, so too should no sets of workwear for women be exactly identical. Finding the right sartorial mix involves a careful look at roles, responsibilities and, of course, a healthy dose of personal style. Strike the right balance between these three components, and styling work clothes becomes an absolute pleasure.
To get started in your approach to women’s workwear here are four examples of women in the workforce and the outfits to match. Whether you play it safe with a go-to uniform or upgrade your look with a more fashion-forward approach is entirely up to you. Just don’t forget to stash a few extras in your desk for emergency situations.
The Corporate
She closes deals before breakfast and is a force to be reckoned with in the boardroom. It’s no surprise her workwear is as focused as she is.
The go-to: Nothing makes her feel prepared quite like a perfectly tailored suit and for FW17, she’s absolutely spoilt for choice. Take inspiration from the season’s runways, where women’s business attire, including pantsuits, were a staple, including sharp tailoring from Max Mara, deep rich red at Jil Sander, and striped versions from Altuzarra.
The upgrade: Her preference for simple, straightforward pieces means that prints don’t often get much of a look-in, but in small doses, they can be an excellent way to add personality and flair to a corporate wardrobe. Bear with us, here! A fabulous printed dress requires even less effort than a two-piece suit. Zip it up and she’ll be ready to take on the world.
Desk-side extras: Logging long hours can mean that going straight from desk to dinner is a regular occurrence. With a small clutch bag and a pair of statement earrings, the transition from workwear for women to out on the town is a breeze.
The Creative
Architect, web designer, gallery curator: those in creative roles are often afforded a little extra freedom in what they wear, but the challenge can be pulling off workwear outfits that still look professional.
The go-to: She’s fluent in colour and print, and chances are her workwear wardrobe has plenty of both. If she had a sartorial speed-dial, Marni would probably be programmed into the number-one spot. A printed dress or boxy T-shirt from the art world’s favourite Italian brand is the creative’s version of a corporate uniform.
The upgrade: For FW17, 3.1 Phillip Lim provides some good pointers for taking the energy of colour and balancing it with more polished tailoring. In particular, his high-waisted trousers teamed with printed T-shirts are a smart take on creative women’s workwear. Ditto the sharp, belted coats worn over funky patterned tights.
Desk-side extras: When workwear for women leans towards the casual side, keep some heels on hand – they’ll be a life-saver for impromptu meetings with clients or management.
The Communicator
For those in a public-facing role – politician, newsreader – the biggest challenge for styling work clothes is to instil confidence in an audience without losing sight of personal style.
The go-to: Separates are indispensable when in the public eye, able to be mixed and matched in almost endless combination to create different workwear looks. Blazers, shirts and lightweight knits are all interchangeable, providing vastly more options than a dress. Colour is a quick way to reinvigorate separates and bring wardrobe staples up to date. For FW17, check out Givenchy for fire-engine red, or Tibi for a very sophisticated teal.
The upgrade: While it can be tempting to opt for a wardrobe of neutrals – black, grey, navy, nothing that will stick in people’s memories for too long – a bolt of colour or dazzling print can be a welcome reprieve. Try wearing it on the lower half of the body, perhaps by way of the beautiful printed pencil skirts routinely offered by the likes of Oscar de la Renta or Versace.
Desk-side extras: When she can be called on at any minute to deliver a speech or step in front of the camera, office spills can be her biggest disaster. Keep one or two plain shirts on standby for emergencies.
The Commuter
Logging frequent flyer miles is par for the course and she crosses time zones with ease. If anyone has perfected the art of travelling in style, it’s the commuter.
The go-to: She’s not only thinking of women’s business attire for her current location, but also what’s appropriate for her future destination. As this can frequently mean changes in climate, lightweight layers are an essential component of workwear for women who travel. Simple lightweight cardigans can be popped over almost any outfit and won’t look rumpled at the end of a flight. Those inclined to add a little whimsy to the wardrobe could consider the layered versions from Sacai.
The upgrade: Let’s face it, airports can be vast and stilettos aren’t always the most comfortable option when walking between terminals. Suffer no more! Designers (many of them women) offer myriad alternatives for FW17, including low block heels at Chloé and beribboned flats at Tory Burch.
Desk-side extras: When an airport lounge doubles as the ‘office’, it pays to keep a few essentials on hand. Enter oversized tote bags, capable of holding everything from a laptop charger to a spare pair of black shoes.