what to wear: back to work – image revamp

A Reader Asks:

I am going back to work after my second parental leave. I am going into a new role as Office Manager in a semi-casual work environment. I am looking for a few key pieces that I can mix and match to have a bit of style and feel feminine after a year at home looking rather blah and tired. Would love to hear from you.

Wardrobe 911’s Style Prescription:

Congratulations! Coming back to work with a new position or role after being away is a beautiful thing. Since you’ll be running an office in a biz casual work environment, you surely have many ways to re-vamp your style and wardrobe and still be professional at the same time.

Our Tips:

To update your look, make sure you have a couple pairs of trousers in neutral shades to rotate and mix and match with. These can easily be dressed up with a blazer or dressed down with a cardigan. You may also want to throw in a skirt for days when you want a change from wearing pants.

You’ll also want to have a few basic tops and blouses in your wardrobe. They can be neutral colors (you can add color with your accessories or jewelry) or you can have fun and choose fun colors as well. Either way, try and find tops that you can layer with – you can change the look and feel of an outfit just by adding a trenchcoat, sweater, blazer or coat to it.

Wear comfortable shoes. There are tons of cute mid size heels and adorable flats available, so don’t torture yourself with high heels that you’ll want to throw out the window by the end of the workday. Have a few basics – a nice pump, a cute ballet flat and if allowed in the workplace, an understated open-toe pump. With the right pair of shoes, you can transform an outfit.

For those of you that have to lug around your Blackberry, laptop or paperwork, it might be worthwhile to invest in a nice work tote or a larger purse. Neutral or bright, choose a style that suits you.