Not your average working wardrobe...

My workwear wardrobe gives me a headache. Every morning I stare at my clothes hanging on the rail, dream of Anne Hathaway’s gorgeous outfits in the Devil Wears Prada and usually conclude that I haven’t got anything exciting to wear. I’d like to be trendier in the workplace, perhaps even convey a more serious image, but where’s the best place to start? Here are some ideas on how you can inject some fun back into your working wardrobe and stay professional at the same time…

Suits You!

Formal, managerial, stuffy. That’s my impression of suits, and so far in my career, I’ve managed to get by without one. If I was a high-flying lawyer or business consultant, perhaps I’d have one in every shade of black, grey and navy, but at the moment, my work wear staples consist of trousers, knee-length skirts and a few blouses – and they’re definitely worth the investment.

Once you have key items such as black trousers or a pencil skirt, you can then hit the high-street to purchase a few new tops to keep your work wear ensemble up-to-date – but don’t get too hung up on showcasing the latest trends.

Mimi Ghadban, founder of Moi et Me, a personal styling and image consultancy in London, says: “Trends come and go. A classic style is better suited for the workplace, so wear what suits you regardless of trend. Just because something is fashionable doesn’t mean it will flatter you – use fashionable items to update or enhance an outfit but don’t spend too much money on them as by definition they quickly go out of fashion.”

Try H & M , Zara and Mango ; they all have a great selection of blouses, shift dresses and pinafores in-store. For something a little edgier, you can’t go wrong with Topshop. If you’re looking to spend a little more, brands such as Jil Sander and L.K. Bennett offer tailored pieces suitable for work, or for the best-fitting trousers, look to Stella McCartney – her training on Savile Row taught her a thing or two about cut.

Shirt dresses, lace tops and floral prints are very now, so if you feel the need to succumb to these styles, think about teaming them with chunky belts and layering with cardigans to create a punchy work outfit. Republic has a great selection of knitwear and they’re thin enough to wear through the warmer summer months. Reiss also offers on-trend fine-knit pieces  and for the best quality cardigans and sweaters, John Smedley should be your first port of call for their beautifully soft knitwear.

The failsafe workwear essential is the blazer; a well-cut black jacket is a must-have. This item will instantly smarten up a printed dress or more fashion-forward piece, as well as creating a waisted silhouette. Plus you can wear it with jeans at the weekend or going out; however you look at it, it’s an investment. A plain, single-breasted jacket suits most shapes, and forget about boyfriend styles or sharp-shouldered versions – this is a classic item that you’ll get years or wear out of, so it’s not about the latest trend.

Tailoring from Mango and Stella McCartney

Choose natural fabrics such as cotton or wool blends and buy the best quality you can afford, as this piece really will pay you back. On the high street, Gap, Zara and Mango offer affordable tailoring with decent quality. A slightly more expensive option is By Malene Birger, but for the ultimate black jacket head to Chloé, Stella McCartney or Alexander McQueen.

Shopping Smart

When I go on a shopping spree, I always end up buying ‘going out’ clothes. They’re colourful, trendy, sexy and generally much more fun. And I always feel good in them. When it comes to buying stuff for work, I only really get around to it when I’ve started a new job or I’ve seen the new girl sporting a lovely ruffled top and I realise that my clothes are more 1999 than 2009. Sound familiar?

The key, as my manager says, is to “throw some fun in the mix – a touch of yourself – some pearls or a flower here and there”. A splash of colour can really liven up your outfit, whether it’s a glossy hair band, bright-coloured  tights (check out Figleaves for ideas) or a daring pair of spectacles- take a look at See in Style.

Think about your whole outfit, from top to toe, as you would do on a night out with girls. Don’t save your best clothes for the weekend, but on the flip side, don’t dress too vampy or casual. “When it comes to personal style in the workplace it’s all about accessorising,” says Mimi. “Use accessories to stamp your individuality onto an outfit and to stand out from the rest. Mix the old with the new, go for vintage pieces and mix them with something contemporary. Don’t forget about scarves and brooches, they can complement an outfit very nicely.”

But beware overspending on accessories. My colleague is something of an expert when it comes to finishing off her outfit with bargain priced pieces. She says: “The most compliments I’ve ever had were for £12 bright red George at ASDA dolly shoes and a purple oversized patent leather-look Primark handbag that cost £8… I have a Gucci handbag that no-one has ever bat an eyelid at!”

For really individual accessories, head to vintage boutiques or markets – it’s here that you’ll find the best selection of affordable silk scarves or costume jewellery. A selection of unique and different pieces can also be found on Etsy which offers an enormous choice of handmade items that you certainly won’t see on everyone. Also on the internet, Kabiri stocks pieces by emerging designers if you’re looking for something fashion-forward and a little bit different.

Shoes are another way of adding a little personality to an office ensemble; you can dare to go for trend-led heels with a chic pencil skirt and cardigan outfit. Once again, these are transitional items that you will be able to wear at the weekend and during the working week.

Chic heeled pumps from Kurt Geiger and ballet flats by L.K. Bennett

However, don’t forget the importance of simple, classic designs – a plain, comfortable pair of black heels plus some basic ballet flats are essential. In a perfect world, we’d buy these at Jimmy Choo, but failing that Kurt Geiger or Nine West offer chic black heels. For flatties, you can’t beat French Sole or L.K. Bennett.

Body Talk

It’s a well known fact that first impressions count and we’re told to dress smartly for job interviews. But once you’ve got the job, how can your clothes impact on your career, if at all? I carried out a quick vox pop among my colleagues and the general consensus was that clothes don’t get you a promotion, but they can help to project a professional image and boost your self-confidence, which in turn, can help you perform better in your role. Your colleagues are also more likely to have confidence in your abilities.

Mimi agrees: “Choosing the right clothing is essential in helping you make a good first impression. However, it’s not just about what you are wearing. The most important factor is how you feel within yourself. If you have body image issues or lack self esteem, you need to resolve these issues first in order to maximise your impact. Clothes can’t mask your insecurities.”

The key thing to remember is that you spend around 37 hours a week at work (possibly more) – so why not make yourself look – and feel – good during this huge chunk of your life? Start by trying out some of Mimi’s top tips on revamping your work wear style:

●        Add your little black dress to your work wear wardrobe by wearing it with a blazer. Assuming it doesn’t expose your cleavage!

●        Don’t be afraid to alter your clothes. You can have a favourite long skirt shortened or the sleeve length on a favourite dress adjusted and reintroduced to your wardrobe.

●        Use accessories such as belts and scarves to update an existing outfit.

●        Vary where you shop. Stores often have a particular style and you can end up looking the same all of the time.

●        And lastly, shoes finish an outfit… so make sure you’re wearing a good pair! They should always be clean and polished.

Now get to work!