Werk it for Work!

ByJames Butler

Work wear for women has long been a tricky trail to tread for some ladies. While many a gal has no problem channelling her inner Victoria Beckham on a daily basis, others often fall flat at this arduous fashion hurdle – clinging to their polyester blend slacks and well washed work blouse for dear life. Well ladies, dressing to impress in your work place needn’t be such a nightmare. With some carefully selected statement pieces (and some subtle glitz and glam) you can easily create a classic capsule closet of versatile items that will have you fast becoming the aesthetic envy of your co-workers! I’ve carefully selected 4 everyday ensembles from Benetton (a brand famous for its classic collections of exceptional quality) that will soon become the hardest working items in your wardrobe and will prevent any future faux-pas with their fool-proof functionality!

1: THE STATEMENT DRESS:

It goes without saying that, regardless of it being a welcome addition to any work wear wardrobe, a classic LBD is an absolute necessity in every gal’s capsule closet. This dress is a prime example of figure hugging fashion at its finest, with its stretch fabric allowing for any arduous activity that may arise in your work day! The ideal piece for any season, it will look just as fabulous in winter with a crisp white blouse, statement chain and black patent heels as it will with oversized sunglasses and your favourite strappy sandals in summer. For a day to night look, simply add some glitz with bejewelled bijoux and a knockout clutch purse for some gorgeous evening glamour.

Photo by Louise Slevin

2:  THE SUIT:

If, (as some so naively say), it is a man’s world, then why not fool those fellas by achieving the ideal androgynous aesthetic with a classic cut suit? With each piece working just as well as a separate, this blazer and pants set offer a plethora of possibilities within your closet, and, when teamed with this delicate gold chain and bursts of berry, offers a feminine feel to a look that will have everyone asking, “Who’s the boss?” Why not slip on a casual camisole in the summer months, or a fine knit sweater for those chillier days?  A good pant suit will take you anywhere!

Photo by Louise Slevin

3: THE COAT:

When purchasing a coat, one must consider a number of fashion factors: Is the colour suitable? Does the silhouette swamp me? And, most importantly- will the coat ‘werk’ for work? This divine round collared coat offers just the solution. While the jewelled clasp at the neck may, at first, seem a little extravagant for a day to day ensemble, its cleverly hidden buttons, muted crimson hue and subtle patterned print mean that the piece will translate perfectly into any sartorial situation, offering a limitless list of possibilities when coordinating it with other go-to items in your closet.

Photo by Louise Slevin

4: THE WHITE BLOUSE:

Ladies, one cannot emphasise enough the importance of a perfectly cut, good quality, crisp white blouse in every armoire. If chosen and cared for correctly, this preppy piece can translate into any look for seasons to come given its versatility and accessibility to each ensemble imaginable. Why not consider classing up this week’s casual Friday with your favourite white blouse, trusty heels and chic chiffon maxi? While a maxi may not seem the obvious choice for the office, when worn in this dressed up demeanour, it will have you looking runway ready (with reports in hand!).

Photo by Louise Slevin