My
heart goes out to those who spend most of their days wrapped in boring work
clothes. Bigger hugs to those who really wish their work outfits could be a
little more liberal…..arggghhh!
Having
to wear dark colored suits with few specified complementing colors to go with
them or having to wear company tagged t-shirts 24/5-6 is worrisome. Well at
least for me. I dislike uniforms. I must have had my fair share of uniforms
going through the different stages of education, not to forget boarding house
uniforms.
But
if you cannot get a job that permits a reasonable level of wardrobe freedom,
what choice do you have really? You gotta work the work and wear them boring
clothes.
Let
me share some tips that should work:
Two
major ways to go around the issue of boring dress codes are to play with accessories
and styles.
If
you have to wear suits every work day, you must have at least three color
options (black, blue, gray/ash, brown etc.). You might wanna get those suits in
every color permissible.
Go
for nicely cut and designed suits (plain or pin striped).
Switch
between shirts and camisoles.
Switch
between skirts and pant suits in different styles (wide leg pant suits, knee length
skirt suits, midi skirt suits). If dress suits are allowed, even better! You can
even go three piece on days you’re feeling super good. A three piece pant suit….i
love! The designs and fitting of your suits go a long way.
Let
your accessories speak. At least, let every other thing do the talking if you
can’t afford too many suits.
Use
simple and elegant accessories. Use brooches on your lapel. Use neck scarves. If
your suit has a breast pocket, try a pocket square (ladies).
Let
your bag and shoes be well coordinated.
Common
ladies, y’all have a lot to work with compared to the guys.
FOR
GUYS,
Play
with suit and shirt colors as much as it’s allowed.
Go
three piece with waist coats or sweater vests.
Get
enough ties and pocket squares. Just keep changing them every day on those two
suits you have….LOL. Add details with your cufflinks, tie bars, belts, socks
and pocket squares.
Get
quality shoes.
Use
suspenders.
If
you love work bags, you might wanna get one or two. They are super trendy right
now. I like a dark brown shoe and bag pair. Really cool.
A
good suit designer is always handy. It’s easier to get your suits done to your specification;
you can as well explore different designs and adjust accordingly.
I’m
aware that more flexible dressings are allowed on Fridays. So you might wanna use
those days well, if you know what I mean……
To
those who have to wear company tagged shirts (something similar to the one above), your accessories will do a lot of
the work for you. Explore different bottoms, shoe options (wedges, sneakers,
block heel sandals etc). Use hats and caps. You can even throw on a blazer
once in a while.
I hope you find these tips helpful.
Thanks for stopping by....
Have a fruitful week.
YS: Ogunrinde Olayemi
CREDIT: Stella Jadore, Mr Asare, StylebyTrey, Lolu, Omoni Oboli......
