Tips and Inspiration
From Unilever Beauty Experts
Whether you’re reporting to the office daily or are in a hybrid setup, deciding what to wear can still be a dilemma. One of the fun parts about going to the office? Dressing up and adding a unique spin to professional wear. Your office attire should keep you comfortable during your commute while still making you appear professional for important meetings. Above all, you want it to look like you – the “ready for promotion” version.
No matter how formal your office environment is, it is possible to dress appropriately for work while showcasing subtle nods to your magnetic personality. Scroll on to see how you can feel more like yourself in office attire.
Just because your work requires you to wear a formal dress with a blazer on the reg doesn’t mean your office attire has to be dull. Think about that one item in your closet that never fails to put a smile on your face, be it a quirky brooch or a playful patterned scarf. Your favorite accessory not only elevates your outfit but also makes for an awesome icebreaker.
Find a statement piece that speaks to you on a personal level. It could reflect your interests, passions, or even your sense of humor. For example, don your Star Wars-themed wristwatch to show your love for the galaxy far, far away. Or if you’re proud paw-rent, sport an enamel pin with your beloved pet’s face printed on it.
Muted colors are easy to mix and match, which makes getting ready in the morning faster. However, wearing them five days a week is just plain boring. If you’re stuck in a monochromatic rut, shake things up by brightening up your wardrobe. Start small with a single colorful piece, like a handbag or belt, and build from there. That way, your outfit subtly says you’re a creative thinker without distracting your co-workers or potential clients.
The best approach to assembling stylish professional attire, as mentioned earlier, is to start small. Begin by playing up one element of your 9-to-5 ensemble and observe how your colleagues react. This strategy will give you a sense of how much further you can stretch the office dress code without veering into inappropriate territory. Then, you can dip your toes in – literally.
Wearing interesting shoes is a great way to add personal style to your business casual or formal office attire. If you like gothcore, pair your pencil skirt with a pair of black Mary Janes instead of coming to work with a studded leather jacket. Similarly, swap out your standard nude pumps with pink or red ballet flats for a (subtle) cutesy look.
If your job requires you to wear a uniform, let your personality shine through your choice of hairstyle. There are plenty of hairdos out there that will leave your locks looking polished in minutes, so you’ll still get to work on time. Try the classic low ponytail or the sleek wet-look style to match a more conservative office attire.
You can also play around with hair accessories to add visual interest to your whole OOTD. Pull your hair back with a ribbon for a balletcore-inspired outfit. When you’re really short on time, leave your hair be and dress it up with a padded headband or hair pins. On the other hand, if you have extra minutes, give these braided hairstyles a whirl.
Well-trimmed nails showcase elegance and understated sophistication. Add some pretty colors and designs, and they’ll immediately boost your mood whenever you catch a glimpse of your hands. Moreover, your manicured nails speak volumes about your attention to detail.
Keep your nails short (no extra-long stiletto-style extensions) and pick nail polish shades that feel on-brand to you. Ultimately, paint your nails the way you want to be seen – confident and accomplished.
Finally, spark joy from the minute you get in the shower to the minute you log out with Dove Gentle Exfoliating Body Wash. This exfoliating product also nourishes the skin, bringing out its smoothness and suppleness. You’ll feel extra comfy in anything you wear.
It doesn’t take a ton of effort to inject some of your vibrant personality into your office attire. Don’t be afraid to break free from the mold and embrace your uniqueness. After all, fashion is all about self-expression. Now, go to work and work it.