12 December 2016

Back to work fashion

| Sophia Carlini
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Christmas is over and everyone is slowly returning back to work. Whether you didn’t buy enough new clothes at the Boxing Day sales or you’re doing the whole “new year, new me thing” … here are a few easy and affordable back to work looks for men and women.

It’s all about what’s easy when it comes to work for me. Essentials make my life easier. I have a certain number of suit pants, appropriate, plain skirts (plain makes it easy to mix and match, which means you need less) and a range of basic tops.

Although, when I actually get to the shops, I get a little excited and my idea of basic essentials often goes out the window. So, I’ve put together a bunch of outfits that would actually grab my attention when I’m shopping, and what I really wear to work on a daily basis (and the guys in my wear office too) …. after all, every day is a fashion show and the world is your runway.

Look 1 – Women

Asym Pencil Skirt, $89.95 from Witchery. Classic, show stopping black and white stripes; pair this statement piece with a basic singlet from Supre for $12.00

Witcherysupre

www.witchery.com.au www.supre.com.au

Look 2 – Women

There’s nothing I love more than easy. A dress that I can just throw on in the morning and don’t have to fidget with throughout the day. A dress that is fitted yet work appropriate and elegant – all of these necessary things whilst still being easy … because life is hard enough.

Milano Block Tube dress, Portmans, $79.95

milano

www.portmans.com.au

Look 3 – Women

As much as I appreciate basics and little black dresses, the girl in me LOVES colour and if I happen find a great fitting dress that comes in other colours, I tend to buy it in every colour, especially if it’s a $30 dress like this Dannii Minogue Petites Rose Sheath Dress (available in black and pink) from Target.

dannii

www.target.com.au

Look 4 – Women

Big puffy skirts are in right now and they are sooooo cute! A black skirt means you can pair it with any colour top. Again, you could pair it with a Supre basic singlet, or you could pair it with this super cute top. Both are from Forever New.

Mellie Short Sleeve Tee, $59.99 Alexandria Ball Skirt, $99.99

stripe Tbig skirt

www.forevernew.com.au

Look 5 – Women

I actually have a jumpsuit that I regularly wear to work because it’s another one of those items that is really easy to wear and looks amazing on. If you’re worried about being too exposed, throw on a cardi or light summer jacket, you could even put a belt around the waist. Jumpsuits are a very chic look.

Croc Jumpsuit, Bardot, $129.99

jumpsuit

www.bardot.com.au

Look 1 – Men

As a female I feel like men don’t have much of a choice when it comes to office attire. It really is only smart looking pants and long sleeve colored shirts, so I feel it’s important to have fun with it by adding colours and patterns. When it comes to colours and patterns, they make guys shirts in a whole bunch of them.

Jelly Print Shirt, Witchery, $99.95 Jensen Suit Pant, Witchery, $199.95

jellyjensen

www.witchery.com.au

Look 2 – Men

One of the things I love about Target is the value for money. Target is still reasonably priced and is now home to many famous designers. Often when I need basics, Target is my go to shop. Men’s clothes can be super expensive and when it comes to basics, why spend $100 when you can spend $25?! I understand that there are times when you pay for quality but personally I think Target’s clothing is pretty good quality and is even comparable.

Men’s Tailored Fit Shirt – White, Target, $25 or two for $40

Cleveland Flat Front Trouser – Charcoal Pinhead, Target, $49

Target shirtTarget trouser

www.target.com.au

Look 3 – Men

Depending on your field of work you could potentially get away with smart casual, as opposed to always wearing a suit and tie. I know as a public servant, the department I work for isn’t overly corporate and smart casual is definitely acceptable in most areas. So, how about a pair of Chino’s? Very stylish, comfortable and a little different to mix it up.

Cotton Linen Chino, Country Road, $99.95 Mini Gingham Shirt, Country Road, $99.95

CT top chino

www.countryroad.com.au

Look 4 – Men

Every guy I know loves Oxford and swears by them for perfect fit, style and quality. If casual Friday’s are a thing in your office, these babies are on sale!

Kenton Small Collar Shirt, Oxford, $129 (currently on sale for $51.60)

Oscar Narrow Leg Jeans, Oxford, $149 (currently on sale for $59.60)

oxford jeansoxford top

www.oxfordshop.com.au

Look 5 – Men

And finally, if you do need that big shot, corporate look, or even just want to be a Harvey Specter, yd. have a great collection of suits. The Sheen Suit at $299.99 is particularly swish!

Sheen jacket Sheen Pant

www.yd.com.au

All of these looks can be found in the Canberra Centre or online.

Happy shopping!

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Maya123 said :

Apparently avoid the jeans if working for Immigration. No casual days now.

http://www.canberratimes.com.au/national/public-service/immigration-officials-face-booze-drug-tests-20150106-12i0x3.html

“There will also be a crackdown on sloppily dressed public servants with “dress-down” days banned and a prohibition placed on jeans, non-uniform shorts and revealing mid-riff tops while on the job.
Thongs, casual trainers and ugg boots also make the banned list with Immigration public servants also ordered to go easy on the make-up, cover tattoos and keep the hairstyles conservative.”

How will e.g. Maoris cover their moki? There are any number of cultural dress possibilities that can’t be regulated like this. And here’s one for the policy enforcers: would they rather have people with those earplugs pull them out at work and have stretched empty earlobes flapping around, or leave them in? : 0

Harris Scarfe for nice fitting Van Heusen shirts and Myers/DJs for Bracks wool blend trousers. As it’s still hot, polo shirt and shorts.

Apparently avoid the jeans if working for Immigration. No casual days now.

http://www.canberratimes.com.au/national/public-service/immigration-officials-face-booze-drug-tests-20150106-12i0x3.html

“There will also be a crackdown on sloppily dressed public servants with “dress-down” days banned and a prohibition placed on jeans, non-uniform shorts and revealing mid-riff tops while on the job.
Thongs, casual trainers and ugg boots also make the banned list with Immigration public servants also ordered to go easy on the make-up, cover tattoos and keep the hairstyles conservative.”

Great post!

If you are on a budget, you might like to visit Communities@Work’s Best Dressed store, located in the Tuggeranong Hyperdome.

We have a wide variety of quality clothing, shoes and accessories and you can find hidden treasures of women’s pre-loved and nearly new dressy, special occasion and work ready clothes and accessories, including a range of designer labels, with prices starting at just $5.

All money from the sale of this surplus clothing goes to Communities@Work’s social programs, helping vulnerable and disadvantaged people in the Canberra region. You can find out more about our services here: http://www.commsatwork.org/social-programs

We are open 7 days and hope to see you there! 🙂

P.S. Our stock is regularly refreshed, so it’s a good idea to visit regularly.
P.P.S. If you are having a spring clean, we gratefully accept donations of clothing, shoes and accessories at the following locations :
• Best Dressed Store, Tuggeranong Hyperdome
• Tuggeranong Community & Function Centre, 245 Cowlishaw Street, Greenway
• Gungahlin Community Centre, 47 Ernest Cavanagh Street, Gungahlin

Thanks!

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