Are you the kind of woman who makes things happen rather than waiting for things to happen? Or makes no bones about your desire to move up at work and in the world authentically and in accordance with your values?
Then I imagine you don’t buy into to other peoples’ ideas of who you are, what you should do or how to do it and the same should go for your style. Unfortunately for many talented women it’s not the case. Too many have been told that being a serious contender in business means having to relinquish beauty, softness and feminine power. They opt for a corporate uniform that says ‘safe’ and ‘same’. Often that reflects a lack of know-how rather than a deliberate choice.
How do you create style and edge whilst remaining professional and appropriate? Stand out without being gaudy or overdone? There are many ways. Read blogs like this one. Pay close attention to looks you like and why they work. Get a stylist to show you the ropes. Like every other skill you’ve acquired in your life, style is something you learn. But don’t think boring is what it takes to be seen as serious. Quite the opposite.
Here are 11 ideas about how to step it up in the style ranks this year.
Remember when you set the rules about what is and isn’t ‘professional’ you give other women permission to do the same.
Trousers:
Stride into the boardroom in style in these unique trousers featuring a cascading tail. A tucked blue lace blouse and accessories pare the look right back. Classic with edge.
- Trousers with cascading tail from Antonio Berardi on Net-a-Porter
- Lace blouse from Philosophy Di Lorenzo Serafini on Farfetch
- Multicoloured suede cuff from Bex Rox on Farfetch
- Pink crystal drop earrings from Mimco
- Blue tote from Colette Hayman
- Pumps from Dune London on Zalando
These wide leg red trousers, playful shoes and accessories add flair to a tailored navy blouse.
- Red wide leg trousers from Alice and Olivia
- Navy silk wrap style blouse from Victoria Beckham on Net-a-Porter
- Large bug pendant from Runway2street
- Tan and yellow heel sandals from Balenciaga on Matches
- Red tote from Aldo on Zalando
This interesting, multi-pleated blouse goes brilliantly with printed or plain pants. Add a white choker to make it that touch more creative. Finish with striped sandals and clashing print bag.
- Printed slim pants from Emilio Pucci on Farfetch
- White multi pleated blouse from Toni Maticevski
- White beaded short necklace from Baublebar
- Black and white tote from River Island
- Black and white strip sandals from Zimmerman
Skirts:
Liven up this black ruffle black skirt with a vibrant Spain-meets-Mexico embroidered blouse, couture style. The strappy sandals are a smart, perfect match.
- Black Asymmetrical ruffle skirt from Witchery
- Embroidered floral top from Temperley London
- Black tote from Tod’s on Farfetch
- Aqua blue stone earrings from Mimco
- Black strappy sandals from Nine West
This interesting white skirt will make an elegant addition to your work wardrobe and there are so many ways to wear it I hardly know where to begin. Add a feminine camisole and short jacket and accent colour in the shoes and with a brooch.
- White pencil flare skirt from Toni Maticevski
- Lace and silk camisole from Alice and Olivia
- Cropped blazer from Forever New
- Large crystal flamingo brooch from Marc Jacobs on Net-a-Porter
- Amethyst crystal stud earrings from Mimco
- Floral tote from River Island
- Multi coloured shoes from LK Bennet on Zalando
Dresses:
This striking split neckline and floral embroidery dress oozes style but don’t automatically move to add more black. Instead try vibrant accessories and shoes that pick up on some of the embroidered colours.
- Embroidered dress from Temperley London
- Aqua crystal drop earrings from Mimco
- Multi tassle large cuff from Rosantica on Net-a-Porter
- Two coloured handbag Calvin Klein on Zalando
- Red suede pumps from Carvela on Zalando
Stunning, green and glamorous this standout wrap in satin is perfect for work and beyond. Blue accessories partner perfectly with green, whilst a touch of animal print says ‘my way’.
- Green silk wrap dress from Temperley London
- Long blue and green crystal earrings from Peter Lang
- Floral tote from Dolce and Gabbana from Farfetch
- Animal print pumps from Zign on Zalando
White power – an understated, modern white dress is beautiful and classically feminine. Adding neutral-toned accessories and shoes keeps it restrained.
- White full zip front dress from Toni Maticevski
- Cluster bracelets from Toga on Farfetch
- Stone and gold earrings from Peter Lang
- Natural scrappy sandals from Nine West
- Neutral toned tote from Nine West
I love this wrap with two exiting colours. Calm it down with neutral, green and white accessories. Very flattering.
- Two-tone satin wrap dress from Attico on Net-a-Porter
- Timber heel sandals from Jill Sander on Zalando
- Stone earrings from Peter Lang
- Off white and stud detail tote from Fendi on Farfetch
After Five Wear:
This is effortlessly elegant. The floral neckpiece, shoes and clutch works beautifully together. For women who love grace and poise.
- Soft pink satin dress from Ginger and SmartÂ
- Embellished Black flower neckpiece from Mimco
- Flower detail sandals from Vince Camuto on Zalando
- Embellished clutch from Accessorize
Are you a change maker? Innovator? Dramatic disruptor? Then this graffiti maxi skirt with lace fitted jacket is for you. Big earrings and clashing print bags add creative flair. If you’re wearing this you’re the CEO or will be.
- Graffiti print maxi gown skirt from Alice and Olivia
- Lace fitted jacket from Moschino on Farfetch
- Long tassle earrings from Peter Lang
- Multi print handbag from Roberto Cavalli on Farfetch
- Red and gold sandals from Aquazurra on Matches
Style is essential, it increases confidence and performance. Invest in a professional who can help you move up the style ranks in the same way as you do your professional skills. Call me.
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