How to wear the latest fashion trends to work
It’s easy to find ourselves in a fashion rut in our day-to-day lives. We are all so busy Monday to Friday, especially in the mornings, that getting dressed for work can be a rushed, ho-hum experience. I want to help you break your work wardrobe “blahs” by adding some really great Fall/Winter trends into the mix. This does not mean a complete work wardrobe overhaul, nor does it mean you have to show up to work looking like you just stepped off the runways of Paris. Seasonal trends are best done when mixed and matched with classic staples that already exist in your closet.
So, without further ado, here’s how to wear the latest fashion trends to work.
Mix up your suiting
It’s definitely a must to have great basic suiting pieces in your work wardrobe, but let’s face it, this can get pretty boring after a while – almost like you’re putting on a uniform. A really simple way to “trend” up your everyday look is to swap out suit pieces for trendier colours and shapes. Simply swapping black pants for something with colour, or a chic blazer instead of a cardigan can change your entire look and freshen up your work look.
You can also update your suits by adding more tailored pieces into the mix. Just make sure to stay away from pant styles that are wide leg or have pleats. This is very outdated and can end up looking boxy and sloppy.
Shades of brown and blue are on-trend this winter and they are neutral enough to easily pair with other hues in your wardrobe. Plus, this can be a cool update from that basic black or grey suit most gents regularly sport. If you’re feeling a bit more daring, mix it up! Men can totally experiment with different textures and fabrics. You don’t have to stick to a suit of just one colour or specific fabric. Try pairing your dark grey wool blazer with your navy tailored pants, or mix some patterns like a striped shirt with a paisley tie to really show your individual style.
For the ladies you can try a wide leg crop dress pant in a wool blend. Make sure, though, to keep the top simple, with a blouse and fitted blazer. You can then pair the pant with a sleek pair of boots or a classic pump.
You can mix up your basic blouses by adding a tie neck style in a jewel tone (e.g. emerald or merlot), and don’t be afraid of tops with some embellishment, like ruffles and bell sleeves. Another fun piece is a trendy, slouchy boyfriend blazer. You can try it in a chic plaid or houndstooth and pair it with all of your structured basics like a simple black sheath dress or silk tee and pencil skirt.
Accessories
This is probably the easiest and most inexpensive way to spice up your work wardrobe with the season’s hottest trends. And the bonus, you can never have a “bad” accessory day; they always fit and look fab.
For the ladies you want to add a few pieces of statement jewellery, just remember to keep it tasteful; don’t pile on half a dozen pieces!
Brooches are a lot of fun: they have a cool vintage vibe, and an elegant pin can be the perfect way to subtly amp up your blazer or blouse. Statement earrings, with a punch of colour like red or blue, can add vibrancy, just be sure they aren’t too heavy and that they don’t make a ton of noise.
Rose gold is your must-have metallic and is neutral enough to work with all of your work essentials. Opt for a few stacked rings or a long pendant necklace. A “neckerchief” is another on-trend option; a cotton-silk blend looks totally cool and is so easy to wear. Simply tie it around your neck like a bandana and let its tails hang loose over your blouse or dress.
For the gents, you can give your work look some edge with a great watch. We are seeing everything this season, from modern clean styles to retro-inspired watches and classic timepieces done in white gold and stainless steel.
Don’t, however, forget to have some fun with your socks! This is such an easy way to add the season’s hottest colours, like purple and red or a fun pattern like polka dots or stripes, into your work wear mix.
Footwear
It’s amazing how your shoes can change the entire look of your outfit; a simple suit or sheath dress can easily go from drab to fab with this season’s must have footwear.
For the ladies, an easy way to incorporate velvet, this season’s must-have fabric, into your work wardrobe is with your shoes. You can stick with the style that you love and are most comfortable in, like a classic pump or ballet flat, but opt for them done in velvet rather than the usual leather or suede.
We are also seeing a ton of amazing ankle boots this season and they are really easy to rock at the office. A colour like grey or merlot will still act as a neutral and some fun detail, like grommets or a buckle, gives them some edge. You can also pair ankle boots with everything from your pant suits to your sheath dresses. My suggestion, though, would be to opt for opaque tights in colder weather. It will also elongate your legs!
For the fellas, look to limit your reliance on the black dress shoe. Instead, try a chocolate brown in leather or suede. I would suggest sticking to a clean, classic style, with a sleeker shape instead of a square or boxy toe. These dress shoes can easily be worn with all of your suits and dress pants, but keep in mind that a trendier almond toe style will pair better with a fitted pant tailored right to the ankle.
Outerwear
Your work wear topper is something you wear every day in the cooler months, making this the perfect piece to have some fun with. You can stick with classic shapes but go for a stand-out colour or pattern.
For the ladies choose a classic trench coat that can be tied at the waist. This style is flattering for every body type and pairs well with your dressy work wear. Instead of opting for the usual black or camel colours, go for an on-trend pastel. A soft pink or baby blue, for example, is unexpected and looks fresh and chic. If you’re not a pastel gal then choose a bright bold colour like red or cobalt blue.
You can really have fun with this piece! Another easy update is to swap out the belt that came with the coat for an edgier belt in beige suede or black leather with some grommet or fringe detailing.
The gents can stay super toasty this season and still look on trend at the same time by sporting longer than normal top coats in camel browns and deep tweeds and plaids. This is such a chic and trendy way to amp up that plain black wool coat that you may already have in your wardrobe, and you can easily rock this topper with all of your work wear suiting!
Good luck!
*Images VIA Natalie Sexton Pinterest
About Natalie Sexton
Natalie Sexton is a fashion stylist, professional makeup artist, and blogger. For more than a decade, Natalie’s passion for fashion and all things girly have been the driving force behind her Canadian-made brand of “Sexton in the City” Makeup, Clothing & Accessories. She can be seen regularly on CTV’s THE MARILYN DENIS SHOW, where she breaks down the latest fashion trends for viewers. For more information on Natalie Sexton, visit SextonInTheCity.ca. You can also follow Natalie on Twitter @SextonNTheCity.
