4 Ways to Look Comfortable and Chic at Work
Today’s fashion trends are more casual and comfortable than ever before. This is thanks to advances in fabrics that are moveable, breathable, and acceptable at work and at play. Current styles such as the straight silhouette in dresses and blouses and wider trouser legs are also roomy and super comfortable. Fortunately, we don’t have to sacrifice style for comfort and there are many ways to put together a look that is comfortable, professional and chic. Read on for some tips shared by some of today’s most popular fashion influencers, so you can rock your image and stay comfortable.
Pajama Day, April 16. Yes, it’s true. A Pajama Day has been designated the day after the late- night panic over tax forms. But, no oversized, flannel frayed bottoms or trailing chiffon nighties allowed in this fashion-forward look. For workplace comfort, there are ways to make the outfit appropriate and comfortable. The first trick is to split up the top and bottom of pajamas, making sure the fabric is comfortable yet robust enough to look more like real clothes. Choose a comfortable style such as an elasticated waistband pant on the bottom and a silky cotton/poly blouse or shirt, with a soft blazer or cardigan on top. You’ll look so great, no one has to know your comfy little secret.
1. Layer for Chic Comfort
Slip on some skinny trousers in comfortable yet chic ponté or cotton/spandex fabric, which are the perfect leg coverings to complement your outfit in all weathers. They fit and hold their shape better than thinner leggings. Team a basic pair with a thigh length tunic, or sweater or a jacket that hits you above the knee, or a longer duster. Whether you’re running errands or running to work, layering with slim-leg pants is bliss for sitting all day at work and for everyday warmth and comfort. Well maintained, buttery soft leather boots or flats work with this look too as the final touch of comfort and style.
2. Pay Attention To Fit Details
It’s not always what you wear, it’s how you wear it! Pay attention to how your clothes fit as tight fitting clothing is uncomfortable. Clothes should slide and glide over the hips, bottom, tummy and bust, not crease and tug. Fabrics containing, Lycra, nylon, polyester, rayon, spandex or blends of these make garments more comfortable over the curves and also stay in shape.
3. Don’t Overdo the Accessories
Part of finding chic comfort is staying simple and then adding a trend or two to elevate your look. For example, wearing too many earrings or a ring on each finger can be overkill for work. Jewelry which is noisy and moves can be distracting for you and others in the office, such as long chandeliers and lots of clanking bangles. Wide sleeves get caught on things; scarves that won’t stay in place are annoying. A more comfortable approach is to add accessories like twisted headscarves, interesting belts or a beautiful signature piece such as lightweight necklaces or featherweight earrings. They are easy to wear yet catch the eye.
4. Build A Cost-Effective Wardrobe
Keeping your wardrobe investments versatile and not duplicating pieces will help your “clothing budget comfort”. For example, if you buy an outfit just for a special occasion, make sure you can wear it again on many other occasions. Have a little black or another solid color dress and add accessories or a colorful shrug. Don’t buy anything that doesn’t suit your style, your personal color palette or your body proportions and shape. Even if it was on sale (and you don’t wear it), it’s still an orphan, languishing in your closet complete with tag, reminding you that you wasted your money! A good rule to follow: buy mix and match pieces that go with at least three things in your wardrobe.
Know When to Buy in the Evolution of Fashion. Buy things when fashion becomes Trend or Classic-Trend. Traditional Classic clothing may eventually wear out. Fads may never last through the first year. But when a style hangs around for a few years and becomes a trend, it feels like a good investment, yet still looks current and updated.
Add Color and Pattern. The key to looking comfortable and sophisticated is simplicity and balance. Comfort doesn’t have to mean dull! Look around for colors and patterns to jazz up your basic outfits. Do you constantly wear black, navy and neutrals? More fun and uplifting is to combine your neutrals with a colorful blouses or tops, a bright pashmina or big shawl, a patterned scarf or a lively print or floral jacket.
Pay Attention to the Details including your hairstyle which is an extremely important part of your overall appearance. To be comfortable and professional, avoid hair in the eyes and face. An interesting up-do might be the answer on bad hair days. Learn how to create chic twists, braids and stylish chignons.
Try a Touch of Makeup for Confidence. Most women and girls feel more polished and elegant with a touch of makeup for work, especially under unflattering artificial light. They also report that it uplifts their mood and people respond to them more positively. No need for a theatrical look, try light eyeshadows and blush. A couple of coats of mascara and (without the mask) a lipstick to brighten your teeth, skin and eyes. Your psychological comfort will improve immediately.
Get Training to Be an Image Consultant
The team at London Image Institute can help you learn to work as an image consultant, so that you can create a comfortable and classy look to build your client’s own personal brand. Our experienced Master Trainers offer tried and true image consultant courses for passionate individuals, entrepreneurs, consultants, and corporate trainers. Contact us today to learn how you can get started in your new career as a certified image consultant.