Ask Caryn – September 2009
Building a new work wardrobe
Dear Caryn
I’m about to start a new job in October, which I’m really excited about. For the last three years I’ve been a mature student, doing part-time jobs and jobseeking, so I’ve mostly lived in jeans, but in my new job I will be expected to dress very smartly. The only clothes still in my wardrobe from my previous working life which I still feel nice wearing are a black trouser suit from Zara and a charcoal grey trouser suit from Kookai, which are both several years old, so I feel I need some new items in my working wardrobe to be able to dress smartly and feel confident in my new job. Despite needing to be really smart in my new office, I don’t actually have to wear suits, so was looking for ideas on how to put together some less corporate looks. I suppose ‘sexy librarian’ would describe the kind of look I would like to go for!
Obviously after not having a proper salary for a few years, I don’t have masses of money to spend so I was hoping you could give me some tips for how to spend wisely to get the most out of my wardrobe, such as:
- What key pieces do I need in my working wardrobe (things that might be worth spending a little more on)?
- What items could I get to give my existing clothes a boost to look a bit more on trend now without spending too much?
- Where should I be looking – recommendations for high street and online?
- Ideas of what to buy now, and how to add to it over the coming months/years as I get a bit more money together
I am a young-looking 33, 5’5, size 8-10, pear shape. I have your pear shape e-book which has given me a good idea of which shapes suit me, so was looking more for recommendations of how to put together different work-appropriate looks without spending masses.
Thanks
Nicky
Hi Nicky
Congratulations on your new job. Firstly let’s think about the essential supplies – what every working girl should have in her wardrobe. Start with the right wardrobe foundation and getting dressed for work will be effortless. You can’t go wrong with a stock of staples and then you can start to develop your own individual looks by experimenting how to wear these staples together in different ways.
I would look to have these pieces in your work wardrobe – a pair of trousers, a jacket, an a-line, tulip or tapered pencil skirt, a white shirt, a selection of silk blouses, simple cardigans, a dress (think simple shift, structured shift and belted sheath), a pair of simple heels, a structured bag and a classically coloured belt.
You already have two suits which is a great starting point. You shouldn’t overlook the suit as if it is finely cut and precisely tailored then it will assuredly always look good. All you need to do is perk up your old ones with a few strategic updates. Try wearing them with a bright blouse, something with lots of ruffles cascading down the front, or a piece with bold print and it’ll instantly add new life to them.
Colour can really bring your look up to date so experiment with inexpensive additions such as scarves, belts and jewellery. It’s the little twists and touches that define your style. Add your own touch to a look for example with a bow, belt or brooch. You can also buy some inexpensive trend pieces of the season to bring your basics up to date. Key accessory pieces this season are big bold statement necklaces, patterned tights and the skinny belt – these will all add a certain dimension to your look. Also you don’t have to buy fully into a trend. For example Tweed is big this season but that doesn’t mean you have to go and splurge on a tweed coat or dress. A tweed bag or scarf is a great way to wear this trend. Have a look at the catwalk and high street sections to find out more about this season’s trends and how you can take inspiration for your own look.
If you were going to make an investment then I’d look at a skirt suit. This is a key piece of this autumn/winter season but will always look ultra-feminine and sophisticated. The white shirt, jacket and classic bag are all big hitters this season too but they are perennial favourites and in the right cut and shape will last you from season to season. Really just think about investing in those pieces that are ‘seasonless’ and top with little trend tit-bits each season.
The suit has a life of it’s own outside of the set so think about how your jacket can be worn over a dress and the skirts or trousers can go on their own with your other separates. It could mean trousers with a puff sleeve blouse under a waistcoat, a skirt with a sexy silk blouse or trousers with a long belted cardigan and a silk camisole peeking out underneath.
In terms of the high street shopping I would have a look at Zara and Reiss for some great tailoring, blouse and knit options and I’d also try Warehouse and Jesire which is stocked in House of Fraser Stores.
I hope this helps and good luck with your new job!
