Now that summer is on its way, and I’ve packed away my winter wardrobe, do you have any suggestions for fashionable, lightweight office wear? How I can manage to look cool without getting hot under the collar at work?
There are some garments that are considered firmly off-limits in the workplace - and rightly so. Chief among them are tops that reveal bare, flabby midriffs (too Britney), very short skirts (too Ga Ga) and low-cut Lycra numbers that show too much cleavage (too Michelle Heaton).
But that shouldn't mean you have to resign yourself to an eternity of boring black suits and white blouses. It's time to re-evaluate your options, and this summer I suggest you have a go at tackling the season's trends; ethnic, nautical and safari.
Don't be put off by models skipping along the catwalk in a haze of thigh-skimming leopard print chiffon. The trick to adapting trends for the office is to keep things structured.
Don't forgo colour and appealing prints, and while nothing screams slick the way a suit does, be adventurous by mimicking the effect with a great top and skirt combo in less stiff materials.
Here's a guide to pulling it off...
Ethnic
A pretty skirt that is not too delicate or long with an ethnic pattern or a little sparkle would be an ideal place to start. Try teaming this with a tailored jacket to add a smarter touch to your
outfit.
Neat layers on top in bright shades will provide some contrast. Whatever you choose, it is a good idea to keep one half plainer, say, in block colours while you have fun with detailing elsewhere.
Even if your job is as much fun as a day on the beach don’t advertise it by wearing flips flops or any beach gear to work. Flip flops are the ultimate casual shoe and are meant for wearing around the house or in the sand. Even if you’ve decorated yours with beads and think they look like designer originals, resist the temptation. Reach for a nice pair of sandals with a low heel on days you’re feeling casual.
Restrain yourself with ethnic accessories - stick to beads or bangles. Jewelled leather flats would finish off this look nicely, or for some height, a pair of wedge peep-toe sandals. Forget pointy stilettos, which look wrong with this relaxed silhouette.
Nautical
Try to effect the nonchalance of an off duty Forties starlet, which means tailoring that is sharp enough to wear to work but without the severity of a suit. It's a bonus if you like wearing trousers and great for enjoying the revival of that very-on-the-trend colour: navy blue.
Safari
Spice up neutrals with splashes of bright colour; burnt orange or hints of animal print, although this should be worn sparingly.
Leather and wooden bangles were another catwalk favourite, but stick to a couple only and forsake other jewellery.
The appeal of safari is that it's formal in a ladylike way without being too twee.
