I’ve recently been complimented on how I’m looking more professional nowadays compared to when this solicitor knew me from university, so I thought in this blog I would share the tips and tricks I have learnt in regard to dressing well and looking professional in the office space without compromising on individuality.
Of course, the courts have their rules and if you are in court for the day then always stick to those guidelines.
Firstly, Pinterest is your best friend. It has so many guides, look-books and capsule wardrobe ideas. It is a super handy tool.
I started by finding out what my body-type is. This will allow you to research what clothes will flatter your shape. Our shape is dependent on the measurements of your bust, hips and waistline. The shapes are as follows:
Hourglass: You’re widest at your bust and hips
Rectangle: Your bust, waistline, hips and shoulders are about the same size.
Triangle: Your hips have the widest measurement.
Inverted Triangle: Your Shoulders and bust are wider than your waist and hip.
Oval: Your waist measurement is larger than your bust and hip measurements.
It has been debated that the body shape theory is somewhat outdated, but I still find it a good starting point in figuring out what is flattering. Just take any guides you find which aim to hide conceal or balance parts of your body with a pinch of salt. Wear what makes you feel the most comfortable in your skin, guides are just that, they’re not hard and fast rules!
Next, I investigated which colour season analysis. This system considers your skin shade, eye colour and hair colour to fit you into a ‘season’ which will help you pick out colours which flatter your natural features. For example, I have a cool undertone to my skin (my veins are blue and silver jewellery looks better than gold,) I have blonde hair and blue eyes. This makes me a light summer and so neutral colours, pastels, and grey suit me best especially pinks, blues and greens. I have found also that you tend to be naturally drawn to the colours which suit you best.
Alternative link:
Now you’ve found out what types of clothes flatter your body shape, and you have an idea of what colour will bring out your eyes, where do you buy your clothes? I have always been an advocate of the ‘cost per wear’ (a metric that will help you understand the real price and value of your clothes based on how many times you've worn them, therefore a good quality piece of clothing will last longer and so will be a better investment) school of thought, though I appreciate this is not achievable for everyone, especially when you are just starting out in the professional world.
Here’s a list of shops in the UK which are good for office clothes based on a variety of price points:
Next
H&M
Whistles
Reiss
M&S
Zara
Everlane
& Other Stories
Ebay, TK Maxx, charity shops and Vinted can also be hidden treasure troves for getting high quality clothes at a lower cost.
I’ve left the most important thing till last, always wear what makes you comfortable. Most women (and men too) are faced with increasingly absurd beauty standards in every corner of society. All bodies are inherently beautiful. If you are struggling with your appearance, then I highly recommend researching the body neutrality movement which may help you find a middle-ground in the relationship with yourself. I wrote this guide so that you can feel the confidence that a good outfit can bring and the positive start to the day you can have by being excited to wear your favourite clothes but it likely will not fix the niggling doubts you have when you look in a mirror. Women need to support other women so just know you are not alone and you are strong, gorgeous and successful.
Bonus Tips:
If you find waking up and picking an outfit stressful, consider decluttering your wardrobe keeping only pieces that follow the guide above and starting a capsule wardrobe containing less pieces that are more versatile.
The ideal heel height for work is to keep it under 3.5” (a mid-heel) to ensure comfort.
The best way to keep looking smart is condition, make sure your clothes stay clean, wrinkle-free (I know some fabrics don’t like to stay this way!) and repaired.
(No links or shops mentioned in this article are affiliated with us, these are the personal opinions of the author, and no sponsorships are involved in the writing of this blog.)
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