HOW TO DRESS FOR OFFICE RETURN

Hello everyone, how are you all?

As our lives are gradually returning to BC (Before Covid) style, more and more businesses are encouraging their employees to return to the office.  While it could be a blessing for some, others feel rather confronted by the idea of using public transport, wasting valuable time in traffic or just simply gave up their comfortable lounge clothes which they used to wear during the last two years.

My office never asked us to WFH (work from home) anyway so I can’t be a part of this dilemma, however if you are facing the fact of return, you might feel relieved that the road map to rediscovering dressing for business is more mix and match inspiration and having confidence in mixing moods rather than rigidly following top-to-toe tailored approach that was expected from the office workers in the past.  In other words, it is an organic blend between two worlds, business and casual, and I quite like it.

These days court shoes have been replaced by the smart looking sneakers or even open toe flats, crisp shirts and fancy blouses – by simple t-shirts and sharp-cut blazers by knitted cardigans and biker jackets. 

Don’t worry if you have an after work engagement like going out to a fancy dinner or a cocktail party or to the opera house for a classical concert or an opera.  With few little tweaks, your outfit can be easily transformed into more formal look.  A pair of dress shoes, a beautiful necklace or a pair of statement earrings, a silk scarf or a nice evening bag that you can bring with you to the office, will add an element of class to your outfit and instantly transform it from day to night.

I really like this fresh approach to business fashion, you feel more relaxed and comfortable being able to add your personality and style.  Also, your existing wardrobe is getting a higher return on investment, so to speak which in turn saves you money and time on shopping for business clothes👍.

Luckily, my office has never been a stickler about a work uniform, I like to get dressed for work.  This outfit is my take of incorporating casual elements into the business look.  While my slim black pants and court shoes are part of my business wardrobe, the plain white t-shirt and a linen jacket belong to the casual corner of my wardrobe. 

I was on the hunt for a black blazer for quite a while, the reason being  that every time I saw something I liked, it was either quite expensive or was too business-like or both.  Then one day I stepped into Zara and boom, I saw a linen jacket in dark charcoal with white and thin black stripes lining and realised that it is exactly what the doctor ordered!   It might look like it is a top part of a pant suit on these photos but in reality you can see that the colour and fabrics are quite different.  I also like the fact that I can roll up the sleeves to expose the contrasting white lining if I am after casual vibe.

I added a brooch and hoop earrings to add some texture and a touch of style to this outfit. 

Enjoy your day

Until then,

Anna

HOW TO ACCESSORIES A MONOCHROMATIC OUTFIT

Hello dear friends,

Sometimes it feels like the world has gone mad.  Take this latest attack on Ukraine.  One of the cities that is suffering from the invasion is my hometown of Odessa.  The last time when I visited it back in 2019 (see it here), it was a city of joy and free spirit.   Today those who have not fled yet, are hiding in the basements every time they hear an explosion. 

I do not know all the facts and reasons why Putin decided to start the war with a neighbouring country  all I know is that the civilians are being killed, displaced, their homes being bombed and ruined and thousands of them became refugees overnight and these are the facts.  Besides, knowing that Putin has put nuclear weapons on a higher alert is a terrifying fact and not just for Ukraine but for all humankind. Just hoping that this nightmare will be over soon and the peace will return.

Now, about my outfit. It is not often, never, that you can catch me wearing clothes in brown.  The top that I am wearing today has been in my wardrobe for over two years without being worn until today I accidentally spotted it tucked away on one of the shelves.  As the saying goes "Never say never", I decided to give it a try.  I chose to go monochromatic and for that reason paired it with tan linen pants (old), brown shoes (also old) and a tan coloured handbag (you guessed it, old).  

To save this outfit from looking plain and boring and to break the domination of brown and beige, I used my accessories to inject some bright accents into it.  I chose orange, for a few reasons.  One - I know that it suits my complexion, two - because orange is an incredibly complimentary colour to brown. 

First, I selected this transparent pink with orange corners sunglasses that you have seen me wearing time and time again.  They become my "go to" accessory this summer season.  No matter how simple my outfit could be, these sunnies always save the day. 

Then came the necklace, a combo of brown-coloured seashells strung on multiple strings of tiny orange beads - it just amplifies my choice of the colour palette of this outfit.  And last but certainly not least, one of my favourite silk scarfs with thick black and white geometric lines criss-crossed all over its vibrant orange background.  

The scarf here plays double role, it could be simply tied around the handbag like a playful pop of or worn around the neck.  In which case I would take off the necklace and replace my colourful sunglasses with more restrained black frames.  And et voila.

Have a great day!

Anna

xoxoxo