Each morning waking up to the same alarm tone- rushing over daily errands- commuting a long distance to office- meetings, targets and endless emails; work-life routine is a bag of stress and boredom. Changing value systems and lifestyles of Indians have raised the number of working women who step out with the ambition of building their own empire- committing to their work schedules religiously. So while today, office work is an inevitable part of life and the work-place is like a second home to many, having a good work-wear closet can work wonders on your overall mood- as you sit to answer that extra phone call or modify a file for probably the tenth time!
It is said that how you look has a great impact on how you feel and so spending some resources on your office looks can substantially boost your energy levels- helping you go through the day with better performance and stability.
Which types of work-dresses are apt for women?
Over the years, the corporate culture has become quite relaxed in terms of clothing for men and women. Until a few years ago, sarees, straight-cut salwar suits and kurtis with leggings were the only outfits considered as ‘ethnic formals for office-wear’. However the present scenario has made formal dressing a powerful fashion game- there so many silhouettes that you can sport during business hours, turning your office into a colorful and trendy zone- pepping up the ambience and making your routine tasks fun!
While choosing your office-wear outfits, you must take care of the following-
- Comfort first:
Spending the entire day and maybe a few more hours of overtime might not be easy but well, let your outfits not add to your inconvenience! Loose-fitted outfits with lighter weaves or breathable fabrics should be a priority. Invest in cotton and linen saris, printed palazzo suits, trouser suits and comfortably fitted kurtis to have a varied wardrobe for different days.
- Be outstanding but not loud:
Crisp and classic black work dresses are absolutely the most dignified business attire for women yet- you gorgeous boss ladies deserve much more! Break away from the palette of neutrals and blandness- add peppy colours and prints to your look- get noticed as you step in, for you ought to look your modish best everywhere! A colorful flared churidar suit or even a quirky printed kurta paired with a skirt- get innovative!
However, be moderate with your experiments, you wouldn’t want your colleagues and yourself as well to be distracted with your attire. Avoid loud colors like neon, hot pink, lemon yellow and bright orange and other details that are too edgy for a formal set-up. All the shimmers and glitters can be saved for those after-office parties!
- Modesty is must:
Being graceful is an important norm to be followed- especially at your workplace. Avoid necklines that are too deep and details like cut-outs and others that prompt extra skin-show. Kurtas and ethnic dresses that are made with figure-hugging fabrics like spandex should be avoided. If you’re wearing a short tunic dress then ensure that it is long enough to maintain the decorum of the place. Modesty and conservativeness basically depends on the cultural norms of your office and therefore boundaries differ from place to place.
- Latest ethnic and contemporary styles and outfit ideas for work-wear:
Now comes the most interesting part- what all can you sport at office to look up-to-date! These smart outfit ideas will guide you through the grinding week in style-
- A plain midi anarkali cotton kurti can be accessorized with a stole and sliders. Keep your jewellery confined to a pair of stone or pearl studs.
- Pick a shirt style trouser suit (without dupatta) and wear it with block heels. You can even layer the kurta with a short jacket. This ensemble will work well for strictly formal client meetings.
- A short cotton kurti with straight-cut palazzo pants- ideal for summer wear.
- Boss ladies- go ahead and flaunt the Indian sari- with a neatly pleated pallu. It somehow works for establishing female superiority in the male dominated corporate world. To make your sari attire more interesting, you can layer it with a jacket or wear a shirt instead of blouse.
- On relaxed days- like on weekends, you can choose fusion-wear which is not too loud.
There can be endless options for business clothes for women- and as far as your attire is congruous with the ambience of the office, go ahead and work in your fashionable best!
