Style Advisor- Work wear

I had a request from Rosie:

"Hi Charlotte! I'm a size 10 top heavy girl (hey, its alright sometimes!) thats just started a new office-based job... Can you recommend me an outfit for the office for £100 or less? I want something professional but modern!"

Rosie has a fabulous job working for Mulberry (I know, how jealous am I?!) and has a really cute, edgy style that I really wanted to incorporate into her outfits. I've picked four outfits for her which can be easily made up from high street staples, and of course a couple of gorgeous Mulberry bags (I just couldn't resist!!) Work wear is notoriously hard. While it isn't quite as restrictve as a uniform (something I plan on writing about now I'm back at work), but there are still certain rules you have to bide by- it can be difficult to feel yourself and express your own personal style. But that is what work is all about!! Especially in a creative industry like fashion you can have a little more freedom while still looking professional.

shirt/waistcoat/shoes/bag/trousers/tie

This first outfit is sort of classic workwear with a modern twist brought in by the oversized bag and stand-out red shoes. The skinny trousers help the look to feel modern and wearable without feeling too school-uniform and the sexy red shoes manage to be sexy and stylish to work against the masculine feel of the menswear-inspired waistcoat and tie. I love this look- I think it's probably the most business-y of the outfits I've chosen, probably best saved for meetings rather than every day, but I love this grown-up classic love and the adorable shoes!! The bag is obviously out of most people's budget but it's Mulberry, of course!! There are tonnes of high street copies. All the items in this outfit can be easily found on the high street.

lace top/bandage skirt/bag/ring/necklace/shoes

This outfit is a little more casual and on-trend but can still be smart and work appropriate. Bandage skirts are fantastic for work as they combine the work wear staple of the classic pencil skirt with some a little more modern and trendy. They are unbelievably flattering and effortless- they literally go with everything. I've paired the skirt with this gorgeous little lace top and slouchy nude bag. Nude shoes are another great investment as they go with anything. You could also add a trench coat for winter and grey, black or nude tights or even ankle socks if you were feeling daring (H&M and New Look have some great lace ankle socks that would look fab with this!!). The jewellery is your choice, but I thought the ring was perfect (though a little pricey) and I thought a little gold pendant necklace would be great while avoiding over-powering the lace detail of the top. Pearls would also be great with this. As before, similar items are all over the high street at the moment.

dress/bolero/shoes/bag/necklace

When first asked about modern work wear this kind of outfit was the first thing that sprung to mind- the perfect little shift dress. Oasis have loads of these on sale at the moment in lots of different colours, but I thought Rosie would love this bright vibrant red. A bright shift dress like this is perfect for office day into drinks after work to night on the town. It can be worn with black tights in winter or bare legs in summer. And who doesn't have a great pair of little black heels? Shoe boots would also be fantastic with this. I also adored this little zebra bag!! Animal prints are going to be huge next season. I decided to keep everything else in the outfit neutral to let the dress really stand out- the key to looking smart is to keep it simple, but bright flashes of colour keep it young and modern.

dress/blazer/shoe boots/bag/bangles/necklace

Ah this is my favourite!! While more suited to a media or fashion environment, this is actually perfectly acceptable work wear if you keep it neat and pulled together. My mum has little little floral dress and it's just gorgeous- but I have a total weakness for florals!! As with the previous outfits this can be worn in winter with black tights. Because of the bright pattern of the dress I've kept everything else quite professional and simple- black blazer, black shoe boots and this gorgeous (but a little over-budget!!) black bag. The black jacket keeps it looking business appropriate (for a more casual look the heels could be substituted for flat ankle boots or ballet flats and the blazer for a denim or leather jacket).

I hope that's helpful Rosie!! Thank you so much for my first Style Advisor post- it's been a lot of fun!!

Do you want any help choosing an outfit for a special occasion or even just for every day? Are you thinking of changing your style but don't know what you want? Do you want some advice on what to be buying now for next season? Drop me an email (girlnextdoorfashion@googlemail.com) with your question and a few ideas of what you want and the style you like and I can pick some outfits out for you!! Any question, big or small, just let me know and I will tailor-make 3-4 outfits to your liking.

Let me know what you think, has this been helpful to you in your workwear decisions?

Charlotte