New Year, New ‘YOU’ In 2016

By Gessica Marmotta

January 21, 2016

Hello,

A big happy 2016 to you. For most of us a new year is aÂ chance to re-write goals, hopes and dreamsÂ – this year it’s my hope any obstacles are perceived as opportunities, that you achieve your goals and that 2016 brings a whole new level of style.

You know how passionate I am about showing you how to ooze styleÂ in waysÂ that work on you, not what is dictated for you.

If that means ditching the power suit, or reducing the amount of black or grey, making small or radical changes – makeÂ 2016 theÂ year to do so.

“Style is what makes you different, it’s your own stamp, a message about yourself,” saysÂ Jacqueline de Ribes.

As a non-trend follower or fashionista, my greatest satisfaction lies in helping women create a personal style, watching their confidence increase accordingly.

I am not against suits – there are someÂ stunning suits that can look amazing. And that is my point, push those boundaries. Have a look at the various corporate posts I’ve writtenÂ ‘The Basic Essentials For the Modern Corporate Woman’ Â and ‘Staying Stylish in The Winter‘ and ‘Working It’Â Â to see how wearing an interesting suit can be refreshing.

This year I will continue giving you new looks, pushing boundaries and giving you the confidence to take action, shed the old, start anew and feel fantastic.

Trousers:

A gorgeous cut suit in a vibrant colour will make you stand out from the rest of the suits. Adding a printed blouse either tucked in or flowing over pants and patterned shoes breaks up the mono-colour. Be bold, be different.

Cobalt blue smoking jacket Diane Von Furstenberg on Matches
Cobalt blue trousers Diane Von Furstenberg on Matches
Snake print blouse from Top Shop
Animal print sandals from Nine West
Red handbag from Nine West
Brown and blue earrings from Lizzie Fortunato on Neiman Marcus

Experiment with a jumpsuit to add some chic into your wardrobe this year. This feminine jumpsuit in white is fresh and sophisticated, especially when adding a touch of black such as a statement necklace and printed shoes.

White jumpsuit from Saloni on Matches
Large black flower and diamonte necklace from Lanvin on Farfetch
Handbag Ted Baker
Snake skin print sandals fromÂ Edward Meller

Wearing vibrant colours at work such as red and yellow are a powerful combination. These fabulous yellow trousers worn with this interesting red wrap blouse is a standout. For some contrast carryÂ a stripe bag and wear patterned shoes.

Wide leg yellow trousers from Rochas on Farfetch
Red silk wrap blouse from Juan Carlos Obando on Net-a-porter
Large black flower brooch from Lanvin
Stripe bag from Jil Sanders on Matches
Multi coloured stud pumps from Fendi on Farfetch

Skirts…

Who says you can’t wear leather to work? This red midi skirt combined with a white blazer and silk camisole is a super groovy outfit. Add some extra pizzazz with block coloured shoes and patchwork bag.

Red leather midi skirt from Gucci on Matches
Black silk camisole from Witchery
White blazer from H&M
Gold and red beaded cuff from Etro
Large blue stone earrings from Oscar de la Renta on Farfetch
Patchwork calf hair and leather handbag from Fendi on Net-a-porter
Red, gold and pink punps from Jean-Michel Cazabat on Farfetch

Go for printed pencil skirt rather than a plain for something different. So many gorgeous prints out there, this one in particular. Worn with a wrap tie blouse is flattering and a little different.

Print silk pencil skirt from A.L.C. on Matches
Black and white wrap belt blouse from Donna Karan on Net-a-porter
Multi stripe handbag from Kate Spade
Lace cut out pumps from Nicholas Kirkwood
Flower and crystal drop earrings from Dolce and Gabbana on Farfetch

Yes mixing prints and patterns is a skill that many still struggle with, yet if done well is a creative and unique look for work. These two pieces work very well together and just to add a little more craziness, add multi patterned shoes.

Printed pencil skirt from Stella McCartney
Multi floral rrinted silk Â blouse from Etro on Matches
Black and yellow detail handbag from Balenciaga on Matches
Multi patterned snake print pumps from Etro on Matches
Green crystal drop earrings from Peter Lang

Dresses…

Rather then wearing the usual style dresses you see many wearing, why not try something completely different such as this flattering draped dress. Add a dramatic necklace for some fun.

Drape dress from Vivienne Westwood on Matches
Black/fuchsia tassel choker from Lizzie Fortunato on Neiman Marcus
Red and black printed handbag from Oroton
Red and pink sandals from Paul Andrew on Matches
Gold ‘Ciao’ bracelet from Lanvin on Farfetch

And if you do love wearing the classic pencil dress, again go a little different by going for something such as this style with a ruffle waist and some contrast colour. Sexy!

Ruffle waist dress from Roksanda on Matches
Blue stone cuff from Etro on Net-a-porter
Multi patterned snake skin pumps from Etro on Matches
Flower and crystal drop earrings from Peter Lang
Patchwork handbag from Fendi on Matches

Classy, flattering, elegant, feminine: What more can I say!

White draped dress from Jason Wu on Net-a-porter
Flower stone earrings from Dsquared2 on Farfetch
Soft blue and white handbag from Kate Spade
Animal print pumps from Jimmy Choo

For those a little more daring, a tartan-check dress such as this is a fabulous new look for your work. Â Adding a statement necklace and some great shoes tells your colleagues, boss and clients you are confident and unique.

Tartan-check midi dress from Alexander McQueen on Matches
Large sequin zipper necklace from Vera Wang on Farfetch
Red and white handbag from Kate Spade
Black cut out sandals from Nine West

Night Time…

With work may come various work related events to attend. Â This stunning flapper style fringe dress is not only loads of fun, but will impress everyone in the room. Don’t be boring, show some flair with your after work functions.

Fringe embellished dress from Marco De Vincenzo on Matches
Crystal drop earrings from Peter Lang
Applique flower clutch from Emanuel Ungaro on Farfetch
Buckle strapped sandals from Nine West

Ooh la la…dramatic elegance is what this draped silk jumpsuit says. Again another head turner for your after work functions. The versatility of this jumpsuit allows one to wear it with bold coloured accessories such as these, or on it’s own for simple elegance.