Arshiya Fakih Eappen
Arshiya Fakih Eappen

Although the culture of work wear has finally caught on in India, I have to say, it is still quite a sad plight. I feel elated when I see someone looking just ‘well turned out’ at work! Most others look like they bumped their heads while getting out of bed, and everything from then on was a blur. Here are some tips to help put together a trendy and chic work wardrobe:

Planning

It’s important to pre-plan the 5 or 6 looks that you require for the week. Put them together on the weekend, so you don’t have to scuffle around each morning. This includes all accessories… shoes, belts, bags and jewellery.

Devil lies in the detail

Pick outfits that have some striking and different elements to them. It could be in the form of stitch lines, pleats, gathers or anything else that catches your eye. Try something interesting like these 1960 inspired ruffle shirts, which are totally in this summer.

Ann Fontaine black shirt
Ann Fontaine black shirt
Totally love Leighton and Rihanna in this look.
Totally love Leighton and Rihanna in this look.

Neutrals

It is always good to have neutrals like white, beige, black to mix and match. They are especially important for days when you do not have the time to plan your look before time. A few in each section… tops, bottoms and jackets, is a must! They look great when teamed with bright accessories. It totally transforms the look.

Ann Fontaine shirt
Ann Fontaine shirt

Another Ann Fontaine from Salem that I love. This wide neck shirt is so perfect for summer! Love the origami detail and contrast blue stitching. More like an artist’s expression!

Well finished and fitted garments

Probably the most important aspect!

Even with all the above being followed, an ill fitted outfit, will definitely ruin your best look! Make sure you buy the correct size and reverse the garment to see its finish and seams. Loose threads and broken stitches are a definite no-no.

Colours

An easy way to look chirpy and happy! Choose fun colours that are in for the season. For SS’2012 try coral, electric blue, yellow, emerald green and red. Team a nice white shirt with a coloured bottom or visa versa, and you are set to go.

Coast coral ruffle top
Coast coral ruffle top

Eva Longoria looks comfortable and so fresh in this white shirt and pastel jeans:

Eva Longoria
Eva Longoria

Accessories

Always keep a well organised stock of accessories at hand. This includes neck pieces, earrings, bracelets and belts. If the top is simple, an interesting neck piece looks great. If the top is busy, stick with small delicate earrings. They look very feminine and pretty.

Michelle Obama makes this simple black dress look so elegant and effortless with this pearl neck piece:

Michelle Obama
Michelle Obama

Pearl neck pieces from Coast:

Coast neck pieces
Coast neck pieces

An easy way to make anything look sassy… Belt it! Jessica Alba looks current in this red shirt and black belt:

Jessica Alba
Jessica Alba

This season’s must have trend… Victorian Lace.

Feel feminine and girly! This season everything seems to have a touch of lace, be it dresses, shirts, or even bottoms. This Victorian inspired Red Valentino shirt with lace inserts is a great look:

Valentino shirt
Valentino shirt

My favourite…

If you are working at a creative place or any other, that gives you the luxury to be a bit experimental, this sequin blouse with black collars, is the look to go for! You can always tone down the sheer look, by teaming it with a nice fitted vest. It’s chic & striking.

P.S. The ‘collared’ neckline is very hot for this season. Detachable collars are even available as accessories. They give you prowess, but look sexy:

Ann Fontaine at Salem
Ann Fontaine at Salem

Well, it’s time for me to sign off and get ready for my long vacation. Got plenty of to-do lists to be made, bags to be packed, and several last minute crunches to be done… Makes me feel mentally secure, before I hit the beach :). Excited to visit the city that never sleeps, and report to you about my shopping sprees! Bombay, New York, Miami… Here I come… Woohoo! 🙂

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