Dressing for work each day can be a bore and a chore. There's only so many times you can pull on the same shirt and faded jean combo. When you have approximately 18 minutes to get ready in the morning and need to shower, sort out your face and rectify any hair dramas in that short space of time, finding an inspired outfit isn't always the top priority. Bit of toothpaste on your V-neck? Meh, your colleagues won't mind/notice... right?
Investing in a few key pieces like a versatile suit, a few white T-shirts and shirts, a pair of well-cut black trousers, some smarter jeans and a couple of sweaters will revolutionise your work wardrobe. Also if you look good, you feel good, and chances are you might be taken more seriously with a slightly more polished appearance. With a small capsule of clothes that you can mix and match, dressing for work can be quick and easy and you'll look effortlessly elegant Monday through to Friday.
Take note from these stylish women who have thrown together outfits that will inspire you to upgrade your daily uniform...
Invest in a midi skirt
A white T-shirt ought to be a staple in your work wardrobe. Dress it up with a blazer or tailored jacket and pleated midi skirt like Tamu McPherson. Wear with ankle boots or heels for instant polish or box-fresh white trainers for a more casual take.
Be bold with your black and white looks
Just because you're wearing black and white that doesn't mean your look has to be boring. Try playing with silhouette, such as statement sleeves or experiment with pattern by giving gingham a go. Even better, try both and follow Katherine Ormerod's lead with this elegant but thoroughly modern look.
Add ankle boots
The easiest way to smarten up any look is by adding ankle boots. Sophisticated, modern and relatively pain-free in comparison to stilettos, booties will take your jeans and T-shirt from zero to hero. Jeanne Damas ' cropped pants, suede boots and double-breasted jacket are the perfect way to do workwear well.
@jeannedamas
A white shirt is always a winner
Yes, your favourite, old chunky knit is incredibly cosy but it's not incredibly chic. Switch it for a white shirt (head to COS, Maje, Whistles or Margaret Howell) for an immediately more put together ensemble. Leave it untucked like Margaret Zhang for smart casual vibes.
@margaret__zhang
Boss it in a three piece suit
Picking individual garments that complement each other can be a laborious task in the morning. You want to wear your favourite high-waisted trousers but the graphic print top you also like doesn't match. A three-piece suit is your sartorial solution. A full outfit in a heartbeat and you'll look smart af.
@glossier
Rock a robe
A dressing gown might not sound like a convincing item you can wear to the workplace but this Mango silk maxi-coat adds an elegant touch to an otherwise ordinary outfit. We love the billowy silhouette of this look worn by Creative director Giorgia Tordini.
@giorgiatordini
Add heels and an oversized coat (the fluffier the better)
You can't go wrong with denim but sometimes it looks more casual than you'd like. Pair some straight-leg jeans with classic courts and an oversized coat a la stylist Ada Kokosar for springtime sophistication.
@adakokosar
Style your staples
Caitlyn Warakomski shows us how to make our simple wardrobe staples office-appropriate with a tailored coat, turn ups and a tucked in tee. Pile on some jewellery for additional glamour.
@howdoyouwearthat
Dress up dungarees
Full marks for Martha Ward and this effortless ensemble teaming H&M dungas with a Club Monaco polo neck, Gucci bag and Topshop shoes. Who knew dungarees could look this good? Race you to H&M.
@marthaward
Wear your PJs to work
In case you'd somehow missed it, luxury pyjamas are a big thing right now. From lingerie slips to silk separates on all the SS16 catwalks, honestly it's now acceptable to wear PJs to work. Wear your satin jammies with mules or loafers to take them from the bedroom to the boardroom.
@joansmalls
Bikers, blouses and belts
Yes to everything about this outfit. Natalie Hartley masterfully livens up her monchrome pieces with a mustard yellow blouse. Follow her lead and bring out your tough girl chic with a biker jacket and wide-leg trousers.
@nataliehartleywears
Suits and sneakers
Forget suited and booted, it's all about suits and sneakers for the easiest way to nail smart casual. Throw your suit (try Reiss, Paul Smith, Whistles and The Kooples) over a T-shirt and wear with Converse and Supergas. Job done.
@venedaanastasia
Hell for leather
Leather trousers might sound like the stuff of nightmares but rather than squeeze yourself into skintight drainpipes try looser fit leather and team with a khaki shirt and black polo neck.
@oliviapalermo
Monochrome magic
A white T-shirt and black trousers doesn't sound very exciting but Jessie Bush proves that basic can be best. The digital creative, photographer and street style star paired a Levi classic T-shirt with Paul and Joe trousers, Loewe bag and Céline sunglasses for Paris Fashion Week. Trés chic.
@wethepeoplestyle
Try designer denim
Vetements is the buzz word on everyone's lips in the fashion industry and Pernille Teisbaek demonstrates how to do designer denim, dressing up her Vetements jeans with a Supreme sweatshirt, Loewe clutch and studded boots.
@pernilleteisbaekLike what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
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