A guide on how to dress when returning to the office

Meet Sarah Sullivan - a.k.a @stylesolutionsbysarah. Sarah believes in helping people find / re-find and develop their own sense of style and strongly believe in the positive impact of being happy with the way you look and that dressing up every day should be a joy, not a chore.

A particular passion of mine is finding multiple ways to style an item of clothing so that you can buy less but buy better and make the most of your wardrobe.

Dress up and show up and life is always better!

Have you got used to a working from home uniform of loungewear and joggers over the past year and a half? Maybe you have occasionally changed into a smart top for a zoom call. With things starting to open up and a sense of normality returning, it’s possible you will be returning to the office for at least part of the week. I want to help give you a guide on how to dress when returning to the office.

Perhaps you feel like you have lost your style mojo over lockdown – don’t worry I have a few tips which will help you to dress up show up and be confident.

 

  1. Dig out your blazer

Most of us have a blazer or a smart jacket lurking in our wardrobe. Perhaps you have only worn it for a wedding or special occasion. You can give it a smart-casual spin by putting it over a t-shirt and pairing it with jeans, a skirt, a summer dress, or a jumpsuit. You will instantly look like you have made an effort. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

 

2. Add an accessory or two!

Add a bit of polish and personality to your outfit with a statement necklace or even a simple pendant, gold or silver earrings, a bright hairband or a bright bag. If a coloured bag isn’t your thing you can’t go wrong with a classic tan tote, it will literally go with all your outfits and it will be big enough for your packed lunch and laptop so win-win!!

 

 

3. Brighten up your lips!

You will be surprised at what a difference just wearing a bright lip color makes not only to your appearance but to how you feel too. It will add a spring to your step! Why not go all out with a bold red or if that’s a bit much try a more gentle pink shade.

 

4. Try some smart denim

There are lots of ways to wear denim for a smart casual dress code. Pair your denim skirt with a blazer t-shirt and fancy flats, wear your denim dress with a necklace, hairband and bright lip. Even a smart denim jumpsuit would be acceptable with polished earrings, a tan tote and flats. Or what about tucking a denim shirt into a skirt or trousers?

 

5. Not ready for heels?

Let’s face it most of us are out of practice when it comes to wearing heels! If you aren’t ready to break yourself in yet try a pair of elegant flats. The loafer or ballet shoe always looks smart and comfort is key, especially if you have a commute to the office. Marks and Spencer have a great selection of camel or black pairs or if you are feeling a bit braver go for a statement leopard print. Leopard print is also neutral so it will go with all your outfits.

 

6. If you only buy one new thing

Make it a shirt dress! It will look smart for the office and after work drinks, however can easily be dressed down for the weekends. It would even be beach appropriate. Zara, Next and New Look have some fabulous ones at the moment plain or printed the choice is yours.

And finally… if all else fails and you can’t bear to get out of your joggers just add your t-shirt, blazer, an accessory, and smart flats or trainers and you are good to go!

Sarah Sullivan is a personal stylist based in Winchester helping you to dress up, show up and be confident. Visit stylesolutionsbysarah.co.uk for services.