We all want to look fashionable 24 hours a day, but adding a dose of style between 9 and 5 can be a challenge. Try our work-appropriate tips to incorporate spring's trends into your office looks (without getting a call from HR.)
Charlie Luciano/startraksphoto.com, Amanda Schwab/Startraksphoto.com
The Look: In the office or not, a well-fitting sheath is a wardrobe essential.
The Key: Two elements make this outfit double flattering: Vertical print panels give a slimming effect, while a wide belt gives an hourglass effect.
The Key: Two elements make this outfit double flattering: Vertical print panels give a slimming effect, while a wide belt gives an hourglass effect.
Michael Simon/startraksphoto.com
The Look: A jacket and blazer never looked so...chic.
The Key: A cropped trouser cut and emblazoned T-shirt give the traditional suit a whole new spin.
The Key: A cropped trouser cut and emblazoned T-shirt give the traditional suit a whole new spin.
Joe Scarnici/Getty Images
The Look: Print-on-print can work from 9 to 5 if it's in a more conservative silhouette.
The Key: Go for an outfit that's busy in pattern but not in color. A uniform white or neutral background grounds multiple prints and gives them a cohesiveness.
The Key: Go for an outfit that's busy in pattern but not in color. A uniform white or neutral background grounds multiple prints and gives them a cohesiveness.
Ray Tamarra/Getty Images
The Look: A full skirt goes pro with the right pairings.
The Key: The mid-calf length is ideal for more conservative settings; add a slim blouse or blazer to balance out the volume down below.
Jason Merritt/WireImage
The Look: A family of neutral knits is an excellent alternative to a traditional suit.
The Key: Play with varying lengths, but cinch those drapey fabrics with a belt!
The Key: Play with varying lengths, but cinch those drapey fabrics with a belt!
JUSTIN CAMPBELL/startraksphoto.com
The Look: Tried-and-true monochromatic always works, but a little detail offers a twist on the classic.
The Key: Add something: a brooch, a statement necklace, an accent detail on the shirt, to elevate the classic pairing.
The Key: Add something: a brooch, a statement necklace, an accent detail on the shirt, to elevate the classic pairing.
Mark Von Holden/Getty Images
The Look: Head-to-toe white works for the beach and the office when armed with the right fit.
The Key: Keep the pieces polished, tailored, and crisp (anything too flowing will take on a Hamptons aesthetic), and either tuck or belt to keep fabric in line.
The Key: Keep the pieces polished, tailored, and crisp (anything too flowing will take on a Hamptons aesthetic), and either tuck or belt to keep fabric in line.
GUILLAUME HORCAJUELO/EPA
The Look: If there was ever a trend that worked for office, this flattering cut is it.
The Key: Look for a more subtle cut (anything too dramatic might be too fashion-forward for day), and add a slim skirt for a boardroom-ready pairing.
The Key: Look for a more subtle cut (anything too dramatic might be too fashion-forward for day), and add a slim skirt for a boardroom-ready pairing.
Amanda Schwab/Startraksphoto.com
The Look: The edgy material can make an appearance on the office floor when paired with the right pieces.
The Key: The clean lines of a bright button-down add just the right amount of polish to a full or pencil skirt.
The Key: The clean lines of a bright button-down add just the right amount of polish to a full or pencil skirt.
Charlie Luciano/startraksphoto.com
Advertisement
How To Wear Spring 2013 Trends at Work
We all want to look fashionable 24 hours a day, but adding a dose of style between 9 and 5 can be a challenge. Try our work-appropriate tips to incorporate spring's trends into your office looks (without getting a call from HR.)
Advertisement
A Pattern Sheath
The Look: In the office or not, a well-fitting sheath is a wardrobe essential.
The Key: Two elements make this outfit double flattering: Vertical print panels give a slimming effect, while a wide belt gives an hourglass effect.
The Key: Two elements make this outfit double flattering: Vertical print panels give a slimming effect, while a wide belt gives an hourglass effect.
Modern Suiting and a Graphic Tee
The Look: A jacket and blazer never looked so...chic.
The Key: A cropped trouser cut and emblazoned T-shirt give the traditional suit a whole new spin.
The Key: A cropped trouser cut and emblazoned T-shirt give the traditional suit a whole new spin.
Advertisement
Mixed Prints
The Look: Print-on-print can work from 9 to 5 if it's in a more conservative silhouette.
The Key: Go for an outfit that's busy in pattern but not in color. A uniform white or neutral background grounds multiple prints and gives them a cohesiveness.
The Key: Go for an outfit that's busy in pattern but not in color. A uniform white or neutral background grounds multiple prints and gives them a cohesiveness.
Advertisement
A Midiskirt
The Look: A full skirt goes pro with the right pairings.
The Key: The mid-calf length is ideal for more conservative settings; add a slim blouse or blazer to balance out the volume down below.
Advertisement
Layered Neutrals
The Look: A family of neutral knits is an excellent alternative to a traditional suit.
The Key: Play with varying lengths, but cinch those drapey fabrics with a belt!
The Key: Play with varying lengths, but cinch those drapey fabrics with a belt!
Advertisement
Black and White
The Look: Tried-and-true monochromatic always works, but a little detail offers a twist on the classic.
The Key: Add something: a brooch, a statement necklace, an accent detail on the shirt, to elevate the classic pairing.
The Key: Add something: a brooch, a statement necklace, an accent detail on the shirt, to elevate the classic pairing.
Advertisement
White on White
The Look: Head-to-toe white works for the beach and the office when armed with the right fit.
The Key: Keep the pieces polished, tailored, and crisp (anything too flowing will take on a Hamptons aesthetic), and either tuck or belt to keep fabric in line.
The Key: Keep the pieces polished, tailored, and crisp (anything too flowing will take on a Hamptons aesthetic), and either tuck or belt to keep fabric in line.
Advertisement
Peplum
The Look: If there was ever a trend that worked for office, this flattering cut is it.
The Key: Look for a more subtle cut (anything too dramatic might be too fashion-forward for day), and add a slim skirt for a boardroom-ready pairing.
The Key: Look for a more subtle cut (anything too dramatic might be too fashion-forward for day), and add a slim skirt for a boardroom-ready pairing.
Advertisement
