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| Do you get up in the morning, and think -- ohh -- WHAT WILL I WEAR today? With this page, maybe you will find some clues to putting together a basic or core wardrobe of clothing for the workplace. Bearing in mind styles, fabrics and layers change with the seasons. |
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| Margaret's Fashion Pages The Basic Work Wardrobe |
| Welcome you my morning Thoughts are filled with peace Heart prepared to journey Day's joy will now increase. Gather all my treasures One's not hard to find Searching for all answers They gather in my mind Clock is slowly ticking My life won't fade away Each minute is so precious So happy for this day Blessing will now find me My heart is light as air Walking on my clouds now So light my soul to bear Quiet time to gather All the peace I need Make each day a blessing One which I succeed Time is on my side now I face each day with grace My heart and soul is gathered There's nothing I can't face. ~ Francine Pucillo~ (C) with permission |
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| Depending on the body shape you have, the work lifestyle you enjoy and the budget, the shapes and styles of the clothing will differ. Using illustrations here will give a guide, but are not definite choices for all. Basically every working woman needs to have 2 suits, 1 or 2 other skirts, a dress, a pair or two of trousers (if your work-place allows wearing of slacks/trousers), a 2nd jacket and 4 or 5 tops/blouses. All working women need to dress for impact and comfort. Look for your basic or core fashions in colours that suit your skintone and build around 2 or 3 inter-matching and toning colour schemes. |
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| A key garment is a jacket and it should fit well. Choose suit jackets in varying lengths for variation in dressing. Choose a good quality in a neutral shade that suits your skintone. A suit looks elegant and chic for the office. Look to classic styles in neutral colours and fabrics with some stretch. A nice suit can have 2 skirts - 1 short and 1 long for mixing and matching. Tops or blouses need to be smart, not frilly, and in tones to suit skirts/trousers/jackets. Look to fabrics that catch some light for the summer months - silk, satins, etc. Keep accessories to a minimum but look to good quality, and classic styles. Keep shoes and handbags simple but elegant. Shoes should always be polished. Less is more is a good motto. |
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| Wearing the correct colour will give the skin a younger looking glow. Build your jackets, skirts , dress, and trousers around colours that suit, then wear different matching or toning tops in various styles....a little mix and matching is a good way to go. Your colour highlights can be soft in tone to harmonise with basic colour choice, and can be in tops, jumpers/sweaters, scarves, accessories, etc. Suits can be in basic colours of perhaps, black, rust, camel, brown, red, wine, navy, forest green, stone, grey, taupe. Tone in with beige, cream, white, or a soft pastel in your colour-toning. |
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| Wearing skirts is good for most working situations. * Select a flattering line and one that goes with jackets from your suits. * Classic line skirts which are always an investment and always in fashion. * Good quality fabrics, summer and winter, and a correct fit. *A full, gather, or pleated skirt, gives a different look. Fuller skirts can be worn longer, and in winter are great with boots. * One of your skirt choices could be textured fabric that picks up colours from the shirts/tops/blouses, or your suits. |
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| * A skirt with some detail or interest could be chosen. A side slit, a pencil-line style with pleat inset, a wrap skirt with buttoning detail. |
| Skirts can be mid-thigh, knee or ankle-length, straight, gored, A-line, flared, pleated - the style depending on what your body shape looks great in. Mixed with various tops, a scarf, or different accessories, gives a new look to the garment. |
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| A smart sleeveless frock/dress can be worn with a jacket that tones, or on it's own with simple jewellery. Look to a coat-dress, sheath, or shirtmaker , and co-ordinate them with jackets, scarves, belts, accessories, etc. A sheath is a simple design and a relaxed style of dress. Some are shaped into the body and some are loose. Always buy quality fabric and make sure garment is lined. The shirtmaker needs nice buttons, belts, yoke shapes and needle stitching to be smart for the work-force, otherwise it will look too casual. Look for a simple style of coat-dress that allows for the wearing of a jacket, if needed. It is a timeless style with a classic look. |
| The simpler the style, the more expensive the look. |
| Avoid busy, patterned clothes for work, as they date and look less expensive than classic pieces. |
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| Printed two-piece outfits look great for the office and can be worn with jackets of varying lengths. Choose fabric, pattern and style that teams with your suits, in colour hues that suit your skintone. Great for mix and match ideas. Choose the trousers in gabardine or crepe, or fine wool fabric in a neutral colour that tones with the jackets. |
| Look for trousers that are tailored and styles that suit the body shape and your profession |
| When buying shirts or blouses, look for quality cotton, silk or a natural blend, or a self-patterned fabric. Buy plain colours and add attractive buttons. Look for pintucks, lace, piping for variation. Make sure all you choose, co-ordinate with your suit, skirts, and trousers. Each one needs to make its own statement as a garment. Sweaters or jumpers can create a great look in the cooler months, worn with trousers or skirts. Look for a fine soft yarn and tightly finished weave. The style should be suitable to wear under your jackets. (keep the bulky knits for casual or weekend wear). Necklines can be draped, shawl collar, round, or V. The cardigan style looks great with pencil styled skirt, as a jacket look. |
| If knits look good on your figure, look for a matching top and skirt that can be worn together or even separately. Look for generous fit in rich to mid-tone shades that will work with your neutral and basic colours. |
| Women can dress to suit their profession and can be feminine and attractive. Create your own personal style, keeping in mind the dress code of your profession. Clothes send a message and first impressions always do count. |
| Look for quality not quanity, and be up-to-date, not trendy in your garment choices. Choose good basic and highlight colours. If you need help here check out my Womens Pages for other titles like colour imaging, personality dressing, makeup, styles etc. CLICK HERE. Each title is about fun in your choices and is a guide, more than telling you what to do or wear. |
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| Page made 17 October 2001 |