March 02, 2014

Work it: Tips and Ideas for Corporate Dressing

While we are well and truly into 2014, some of us are only packing away our holiday gear now, and trading our cozzies for office appropriate clothing. But for those starting new jobs or even on the hunt, the pressure of looking your best is magnified. As mothers the world over have preached again and again, first impressions are important because they are the ones that tend to stick.

The days when nine-to-five suits were all the rage are behind us. Corporate dressing is now a whole new ball game, and we've got you covered! We've put together some outfit ideas and tips on updating your work wardrobe from economy to fashion savvy employee!

Shifty Business:

Ditch the form fitting dress and pin skirt for something more laidback. This season is all about relaxed and unstructured silhouettes which you can adopt into your work wardrobe. The shift dress is the perfect combination of comfort and style. For those sitting behind a desk for hours, this cut is your new best friend. The shift dress means you can breathe out and feel comfortable without compromising style.

You can stick to monotones, but a unique shift like this which contrasts the retro polka dots with the ethnic designs says "I'm not afraid to push the boundaries!".



Dress: Dotti
Bag: Anapelle
Shoes: Portland





Animal prints
We haven't always been big fans of animal prints. They can look tacky and over the top, but if done properly, you'll be the object of envy around the office!  Where most people get it wrong is they just try to do too much. With a print that is so bold, it is best to KISS (Keep It Simple Sweetheart!) and let the piece speak for itself. The black blouse, bag and shoes tie in perfectly with the black in the skirt leaving us with one clean and sophisticated look. 
Keeping it simple doesn't mean you forget about the accessorises. Don't underestimate what a simple chain necklace can do for you! The gold ties in with the hardware on the bag and shoes, pulling this whole outfit together. It's simple touches like this that will show your colleagues that you have an eye for the smaller details.  


Necklace: Valleygirl
Skirt: Witchery
Shoes:Portland
*Bag: Oasap


Despite the designer heels and high end threads your co-workers may be sporting, as Jessie J said "it's not about the money". Quality pieces can be bought on a tight budget you just have to look a bit harder, but imagine the satisfying feeling you'll have every time you wear it! To date, this Witchery silk skirt has been our biggest bargain! With a retail price of $149.95, we managed to pick up this beauty for a measly $6.97!! 

Digital Prints:
Bright digital patterns are guaranteed to inject a look-at-me factor into any outfit, but be careful when choosing a print. You want to think about the placement of the patterns on the garment. If you're looking for something that really flatters and accentuates your curves, then opt for pieces where the patterns are concentrated on the sides of the chest, waist and hip regions, avoiding any detailing on the midsection. The positioning of the prints on this particular top do wonders for the shoulders, with the horizontal lines creating a structured look comparable to the trusty shoulder pads.
While we have trash talked the classic office staples which have outfitted women for years, we can't deny they are trusty must-haves. It's just about re-working and re-inventing them. A classic which has our stamp of approval is the pencil skirt which adds a sleek touch to this office chic ensemble.


Necklace: Valleygirl
Skirt: Supre
Bag: Jag





Is there something you want us to help you style? Or maybe you have an event to attend at you don't know what to wear? Let us know in the comments below and we may put together a post.
M + K
  
DISCLAIMER: the items marked with a * were sent to us for consideration, but as always our reviews and opinions are honest ones

54 comments:

  1. I love the very first look. Very classy! I love the dress just because it's from dotti! I love dotti!

    http://www.kimaitabar.blogspot.co.nz

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    1. We love Dotti! We love everything there. It is definitely one of our favourite shops, although it can get a bit pricey at times

      X
      M + K

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  2. Replies
    1. Thank you HIna! We love hearing that

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      M + K

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  3. I'm in love with the first polka dotted dress. I'd totally wear it! It's so my style...

    I love your blog, girls! Keep rocking :)

    Relationships.College.Love

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    1. Aww thanks Selina! It has to be one of our favourite dresses at the moment. It's a nice change from the more structured and form fitting dresses you tend to see at the office

      X
      M + K

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  4. Love your smart choices ladies :)

    http://golovelife.blogspot.com

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    1. We really did enjoy styling the outfits for this post so we're glad you like them

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      M + K

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  5. I love the first dress sooo much! So cute simple shape! :')

    ❤ ✿ NEW POST ✿ ❤
    Rinako

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    1. Seems like everyone else likes it too! We have been obsessed with shift dresses lately

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      M + K

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  6. Replies
    1. Definitely is, but with a blazer and even stockings, it would be perfect for cooler months too

      X
      M + K

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  7. Lovely dress!!!

    Marina
    http://www.maridress.blogspot.it/
    https://www.facebook.com/maridressfashionblog
    http://www.bloglovin.com/maridress
    https://twitter.com/maridressblog

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    1. Isn't it?! Thanks for dropping by Marina

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      M + K

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  8. Love the animal print skirt!
    Super post :)

    FashHunny

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    1. Animal print is such a timeless and trusty choice

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      M + K

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  9. My favorite is the 3rd one

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    1. We definitely love the bright colours which is a nice change from the boring black and white

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      M + K

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  10. I especially love the last one...great way to add color and still look very professional! That top is gorgeous. Lovely post :D

    seriouslysparkly.blogspot.com

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    1. We are advocates of bright colours and prints, especially for work where things can be a bit too serious

      X
      M + K

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  11. All these outfits looks so classy !! Great Job

    Novembre Beaute by Natassa S

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  12. Love the polka dot dress and snake skin skirt <3

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    1. Great picks!! They are definitely the favourite so far

      X
      M + K

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  13. Thanks for the blog love! So jealous that you were in Japan! I absolutely love shift dresses! They're such a simple/chic option for office wear :).

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    1. Haha! We wish we were there now :( We are big fans of the shift dress too

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      M + K

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  14. ah i absolutely love these outfits! very professional and stylish! :D i love the digital print top, and the animal print skirt is nice!! :) i was just talking about how i am sick of animal prints but its usually when people over do it! you style it perfectly! and the first dress is so nice too!
    following you on bloglovin and twitter! love it! xx
    - Andrea
    www.phdfashionista.com

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    1. That's why we have been so reluctant to try animal print. Often people just over do it. Because it is already a busy print, you don't want to over accessorise. It's best to keep it simple and let the piece speak for itself. You should definitely give animal prints a go.

      X
      M + K

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  15. Ah, love that shift dress! :D
    Love the shift dress in general because you can hide a pretty large food baby with that dress...and whatever else you plan on stealing from the office (loljk)
    The digital print shirt is gorgeous!!

    Vanessa | Citron and Guavaberry ʘ‿ʘ

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    1. Haha! We agree, Vanessa, the shift dress is quite a versatile piece!

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      M + K

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  16. these are beautiful!

    I love how they embody this bold and fun/creative side to sort of balance the intensity of a workplace!!!

    Thanks for sharing ladies!!!

    xoxo
    thesunnyscenery.com

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    1. Thanks Sunny! Sometimes you feel the way you dress, so bright colours are sure to lift up your mood when you're having a lousy day at work

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      M + K

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  17. I love them all! I really like how you guys stayed away from the typical suits and plain blouses.

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    1. We love our prints and bright colours which we think women should embrace more when dressing for work

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      M + K

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  18. Świetne stylizacje Ta pierwsza sukienka jest śliczna.

    http://opowiadania-gar.blogspot.com/

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  19. I lvoe these looks and how you comboed them. They all are perfect for spring. I epcially adore the first! On a side note I really love your nail polish to all the outfits too x3 Can't wait for more posts from you
    xoxo
    Serainie

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    1. Haha! Thanks Steffy! Luckily you can't see them well in the pics, because they're a bit grubby and definitely need a touch up

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      M + K

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  20. such a great looks !

    https://www.facebook.com/devnocode

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  21. Love all the outfits that you both chose!

    I typically wear the usual business suits & blouses, but I really love that the outfits are stylish yet appropriate for the workplace!

    Thanks for the ideas! =)

    Linh @ blushology.net

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  22. Elegant, chic and office appropriate looks--love all three featured! :) T. http://tickledpinkwoman.blogspot.com

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  23. Nice! Love the three looks but working as an engineer/architect I always go for trousers mostly!

    Www.mystyleorgy.blogspot.com

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  24. Gorgeous!

    http://rossettoblog.blogspot.pt/

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  25. love the ideas :D we are following you now sweet :D
    kiss*
    Blog | Youtube | FB

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  26. OMG I absolutely love every single article of clothing and accessories! LOL The animal print skirt would have to be my favorite though. I see myself matching that with so many different tops i own-- how versatile!! great post, thanks for sharing you gorgeous dolls!

    Im following you back! :)

    Rica x0x
    www.LaBellaVitax0x.blogspot.com

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  27. i love how professional yet chic all of these outfits are!! I'm also adoring the way you incorporate different patterns into all your looks!

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  28. wow..lovely formal dresses..i like the first one..simple and cool with flats....
    follow u via GFC, keep in touch

    http://glamforgood.blogspot.in/

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  29. very lovely! :) lucky you living in lovely Australia with the weather, I'm stuck in Britian with the crappy rain!! xx

    www.candyflosstrees.blogspot.co.uk xx

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  30. i can see myself wearing all of these outfits, and I really love the name of your outfit "shifty business" !! It's genius!

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  31. I'm loving these outfits! The last one is my favorite. Very pretty! :)

    Allthingsglitterandbeauty

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  32. Great Styling! I love that shift dress, I have been eyeing one just like it at UrbanOutfitters.

    http://tulipsallday.blogspot.com

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