Top Workplace Fashion Trends

Work wear is what you make it. There’s no need to quash your passion for style by sticking to the drab costumes of the uninspired nine-to-fivers. You can work the latest and greatest trends for the office and still look work-appropriate while bringing a fashionable ray of light into your co-workers’ lives – in fact, when you look at it that way, it’s almost your duty to shop…!

The Need-to-know Trends

The Peplum

This figure-flattering trend has been huge for some time, and shows no sign of packing up its feminine ruffles and heading back to obscurity. Designers Jason Wu and Vera Wang sent this 40’s-inspired trend down the runway this season, and celebrities such as Cheryl Cole and Kim Kardashian both know the benefits of the waist-minimising beauty. It’s the perfect way to get a hint of sexiness into your look without flashing any flesh, so whether you go for a pencil skirt or fitted dress with a peplum detail or a top with that little extra style edge, you know your office look can benefit from an injection of the peplum.

Heritage

You might have to fight your way through a distinctly urban jungle to get to the office, and once you’re there the closest thing to nature may be that dubiously-shaped cactus on Weird Steve’s desk, but bringing a little countryside-chic into your workwear is what it’s all about this season. Think heritage prints; tweeds, tartan, checks – you get the picture. And don’t be afraid to spend that little bit extra; heritage style may fade from the fashion spotlight now and then, but it’ll always hold its own as a staple in every fashionista’s closet. Take your queue from the catwalk collection from Margaret Howell and team plaid with cosy knitwear – how about a brightly printed pencil skirt teamed with a casual knitted sweater for the perfect blend of smart and casual? If you want to make an entrance and leave an impression wherever you go, an oversized coat in any heritage print you like is the way forward. Throw over an outfit of earthy tones, greys and as much masculine tailoring as you can handle and you’re bang on trend.

Graphic Prints

These bright beauties are set to be huge in spring, so why wait to get your hands on them? The extreme designs of Rei Kawakubo’s 2D fall show may look a bit too wacky at first glance, but they’ll provide the perfect inspiration for your look – you just need to know how to carry the trend through to workwear.
Thanks to their eye-catching patterns, printed pieces can afford to be less fitted to the body, as you don’t have to rely on your figure to do the talking – perfect if you want to feel completely comfortable yet stylish. A graphic print jersey dress like the ones available from La Redoute could be the perfect choice, as it’ll see you through to the warmer months. Plus, those in the know will be impressed that you predicted a trend so early on!