by Siti Suhaily Md Idris
Dressing up for work and in life can be fun but intimidating at the same time. After all, what you wear often determines what other people will think of you. Surely you’ve heard the terms “Dress for Success” and “Power Suit”. Ultimately (and this is scientifically proven), what you wear affects how you feel which in turn affects how you perform. Wearing the right clothes can be a big confidence booster… and can either make or break you.
With that in mind, there are some basics one needs to have in their wardrobe to maintain a professional look. If you don’t already have these ‘must-have classics’ and timeless essentials, it’s really about time to spruce up that work wardrobe.
White Shirts
Sometimes you don’t need anything fancy to attract just the right amount of attention, A simple white shirt will do the magic. Psychologically, white has a positive connotation and will elevate the wearer’s confidence. Just be careful what you decide to eat for lunch. A nasty food stain on white, can attract the wrong attention.
Black Pants/Skirts or that Little Black Dress
Black (and Navy) are true “power” colours and seen as the colour of sophistication and power. Black also never fails to make you look slimmer because theoretically, dark colours make your outline less visible in dim light which means it makes the bulges fade away to the eye and instill self-confidence.
Blazers
Blazers add versatility to the wearer from formal to friendly and any occasions in between for both men and women. It’s always helpful to keep a neutral blazer handy in office in case you need to “dress up” your current outfit. Blazer tip: You know a blazer is too tight if it pulls and forms an “X” when it’s buttoned. It’s too loose if the shoulders extend past your actual shoulders.
Loafers
The right pair of shoes will make the difference and complement the look. Loafers are a fashion staple that adds a touch of smart-casual style to any outfit. Usually comfortable for most, it’s the right choice for all day wear. However, for the ladies, high heels are a guaranteed confidence booster. It may be a good choice for an important presentation, or meeting important clients, but not so comfortable for all day wear. Don’t let that stop you though, just make sure you have a couple of shoes to change into. At the end of the day, it’s important to find that right balance of good dressing and comfort.
Source: Wardrobe Advice
