Styling You Through The Office

Your outfit isn’t just fabric, it’s your first presentation of who you are before you even speak. In the first seven seconds of seeing you, someone can make 11 impressions of you. We’ve spoken about the importance of fashion as a representation of you before at StyldLife. Workplace styling is no different. It impacts your confidence, perception, and even your productivity. 

Many of our stylists have experience crafting workplace outfits that exude the perfect balance of personality and professionalism. We’ve hosted webinars on this topic, specifically for students looking to make their first impression in a new workplace with stylist Sara Ashary. 

Decoding Your Office Dress Code 

When it comes to dress codes, there’s a lot of corporate lingo you need to understand before you can create the perfect outfit. We’ve created a mini guide to break down different dress codes to make your life easier. 

Corporate Formal: tailored suits, muted tones, polished accessories, heels 

Business Casual: blazers with denim, loafers, structured dresses 

Creative/ Startup: bold colors, statement pieces, smart sneakers

Remote/ Hybrid: Zoom-ready tops, cozy but polished bottoms 

Pro Tip: When in doubt, overdress. It’s better to be overly formal and remove a blazer than it is to wear sneakers in an office with heels and dress shoes. 

Build A Capsule Wardrobe For Work 

We’ve heard of capsule wardrobes for everyday wear, but have you thought of making one for work? A capsule wardrobe dedicated to work will eliminate searching for what to wear every morning, create a cohesive look, and help build your identity through clothing. Mix and match the pieces in your capsule wardrobe to create an array of outfits. 

Our Top 5 Must-Have Pieces For A Work Capsule Wardrobe:

1. A neutral blaze (tailoring & fit is key) 

2. A structured tote bag (we all love a purse, but totes give you more space) 

3. Black heels (including block heels) or pointed-toe flats (find a pair that is classic and comfortable) 

4. Silk blouse (perfect for elevating jeans)

5. Tailored trousers

3 Office Style Faux Pas To Avoid 

1. Too Tight/Too Loose: When it comes to fit, it’s a bit like Goldilocks. You don’t want to be too tight or too loose. You want your clothing to fit just right. Tailored clothes elevate an outfit to another level. It can be the detail that makes or breaks your entire fit. 

2. Overly Trendy: There’s nothing wrong with trying out trends, but when it comes to office attire, you want to find a happy balance. There’s a difference between being inspired by the office siren trend and wearing some of the less work-appropriate outfit inspirations on social media. 

3. Wrinkles Have To Go: Ironing isn’t always the easiest; we’ve all accidentally burnt or water-stained clothes once or twice. Getting all those wrinkles out is a must if you want to look professional in the workplace. Remember, whether you get your clothes dry cleaned, ironed, or steam out the crinkles, you’ll also want to pay close attention to how your clothing has to be cared for. Does it need low heat? Steam? A cold wash? Always read those tags. 

Navigating your workday in style doesn’t need to mean a full outfit change every time your schedule shifts. With a few quick tricks, you can transition seamlessly between different professional settings. Last-minute meeting on your calendar? Elevate your look by putting on a blazer and adding statement jewelry. How about drinks after work? Swap practical flats for heels, add some color to your makeup, like a bold lip or a touch of glitter shadow. For those days when you have a high-stakes presentation or just desire a boost of confidence, pick power colors like red and navy. Let your confidence take center stage by using your outfit to complement it, rather than distract. 

We haven't left you out for those with hybrid or remote schedules. Finding your balance between professionalism and comfort will be key, especially for those who split the day between in-person work and Zoom calls. Bring glam to the top half of your outfits with polished jewelry, styled hair, and of course, flattering lighting for those video calls. Bad lighting can make a big difference in how colors appear, whether it’s clothing or your skin tone. When picking a top, stay away from loud patterns that can be distracting on camera. If you like color, go with a solid pop of color. Below the camera, no one will know if you’re wearing sweats or leggings. 

Your wardrobe isn’t just about clothing, it’s a powerful tool to boost your confidence, command respect, and help you show up to work as your best self. Whether you’re presenting to executives, rushing to a last-minute meeting, logging into a Zoom call, or starting a new job, how you dress sets the tone. Remember: Dress for the job you want or the confidence you need.  

Need help curating your signature work look? Book a 1:1 styling session to nail your work wardrobe.