Dressing Office Chic: 5 Easy Professional Looks

As we bask in the delicious warmth summer has to offer, navigating what to wear from nine to five each day can be tough. On-trend prints, sexy silhouettes, the right shapewear and well-planned brights are a working gal’s best friends. Whether your office has a strict dress code or every day is casual Friday, these tips will keep you looking fab from your morning coffee until happy hour and beyond.

8512 Aisha Lace Dress with Lining and Boat Neck by Arianne Lingerie available at nowthatslingerie.com.

Look lovely in lace

There’s something about lace that makes every woman feel sexy and sophisticated – regardless of shape or size. Keep this look office-friendly by sticking to an a-line silhouette and keeping the neckline high. The boat neck and just-above-the-knee hem on this Aisha Lace Dress from Arianne Lingerie make it a winner. If you’re concerned about lace in an uber-conservative work environment, add a black blazer or cream cardigan to round out the look.

Fawning for Floral Bib Necklace from Forever 21

All about accessories

Whether you keep your look casual with jeans, a white tee and great oxfords or are a big fan of the power suit, great accessories are a great way to dress up any outfit without breaking the bank. Stores like Forever 21, Reitmans and Old Navy have great necklaces, bracelets and earrings that will add pep to outfits new and old. Try a stack of mixed media bracelets or a bejeweled bib necklace to round out your look. Mint green, teal, blush pink and coral jewels look great paired with gold or silver and are universal colors that compliment almost any skin tone or outfit. Plus, if you decide to experiment with affordable brands, the pieces are so beautiful your co-workers will never know the difference!

2087 Elle Double-Handed Leather Satchel by Christopher Kon available at nowthatslingerie.com

Go bold with brights

Strict dress codes can lead to an all black wardrobe – it’s a fact. To avoid looking like there’s a funeral at the office every day, try mixing pops of color into your already fabulous wardrobe. Cobalt blue, canary yellow and even a crisp white top or color blocked dress can add enough pop to shake up your day to day look while still respecting office policies. If you’re hesitant to dive right in, slowly try out the trend with a great tote bag, cross-body bag or a satchel like the Elle Double-Handed Leather Satchel by Christopher Kon. It’s a great way to see if you like the color and you can ditch your bag under your desk if the experiment is still a bit too much for your boss.

403 Grenier Vintage Mid Thigh Shaper by Grenier Lingerie available at nowthatslingerie.com

Underneath it all

The key to feeling great in any outfit, regardless of shape or size, is to have a great base. The right undergarments can smooth lines, accentuate your *cough* assets and allow you to feel confident that nothing will be out of place or over exposed. Shapewear is available in a number of different styles so you can find a piece that suits your specific needs. Body shapers, girdles, seamless body suits and mid-thigh shapers like this one from Grenier Lingerie can help you feel your best.

Printed Maxi Skirt from Rickis

Prints

This summer, prints have taken the fashion world by storm. In-your-face leopard, subdued floral, adventurous Aztec – printed pieces are everywhere and can really work with any comfort level. In a casual environment, try to pair prints with another of-the-moment trend, the soft pant. These casual pieces can be paired with a v-neck tee and platforms, pumps or even gladiator sandals for a finished look. Though not all work environments are print-friendly, you can also find great patterns on flowy tanks and tees, sheer blouses and maxi skirts.

How do you keep your work wardrobe fresh? Give us your tips in the comments below or on Facebook or Twitter.

All styles listed below are available at Now That’s Lingerie.

8512 Aisha Lace Dress with Lining and Boat Neck by Arianne Lingerie

2087 Elle Double-Handed Leather Satchel by Christopher Kon

403 Vintage Mid Thigh Shaper by Grenier Lingerie

Sources and References

Freeimages.com – stock photo by johnnyberg

Forever21.com – floral necklace

Rickis.com – print maxi skirt