This post is in collaboration with AmyLynn Clothing.

 

Dressing for work can sometimes be a sticky situation – on one hand, you may want to indulge in the latest trends hitting the shops, and on the other want to maintain a professional appearance. Striking the perfect balance isn’t always easy to achieve, as it can very much depend on where you work and the dress code that you may be required to adhere to.

However, just because you have a dress code doesn’t mean that you can’t play with trends when dressing for work. Whilst you probably wouldn’t be able to get away with a mini-skirt trend in the office, it’s actually easier to experiment with trends in the workplace than one might think. In fact, there are three trends in particular that I think have a solid place in a workwear wardrobe. Better yet, they can be taken from desk to drinks in a flash.

 

 

THE FLORAL MIDI SKIRT

I’ll be the first to admit, I’m a sucker for wrap skirts and anything midi-length at the moment. Even out of the office, I love the classic and elegant look that this silhouette exudes. Bring in the trend of the moment, Autumnal Florals. A floral wrap skirt may not traditionally scream Autumn/Winter, but the instant I saw this piece from Amy Lynn Clothing, I was smitten.

Personally, I think it’s the length of this skirt that makes it so versatile. The midi-length makes it perfect for the office, whilst the slit from the wrap detail makes it a great option for an evening look. Not only this, but the wrap detail means that you’re pulled in with a wonderfully flattering high-waisted silhouette. The floral pattern even encompasses two trends instead of just one. Firstly, the pattern itself – autumnal florals are massive this season, but also the blush pink colouring of the pattern – one of the most worn colours of the year.

To keep the look streamlined, I would suggest pairing this wrap skirt with a lightweight knit – either in a neutral hue or pulling a colour from the print. If you are one keen on a vibrant look, you could opt for a knit in a baby blue or even a blush pink, pulling from the palette already within the pattern. Going back to neutrals, I love pairing this look with a lightweight knit in a winter white. It keeps the seasonality of the look and allows for the florals to still befit Autumn/Winter. Completing the look with a pointed toe pump, and you’ll be set for nearly any occasion – workwear included.

 

 

THE POINTED PUMP

Whilst the debate for this pump as a classic or a trend will probably continue as an ongoing argument for a while, I still wanted to include this in my list. As a self-proclaimed ‘Shoe Lady’, I genuinely love a pointed-toe heel (and not just because they have the tendency to make your legs look miles long). In my opinion, this sexy style is the epitome of a classic heel – but I know this shape tends to go in and out of fashion preference depending on the season and the year.

Jessica Simpson currently has some incredible high-street options which are not only lovely to look at, but comfortable and affordable. For those of us (me included) lusting after the likes of the Christian Louboutin collections, Manolo Blahnik and Jimmy Choo – these are great options to get the look for a much less expensive price ticket. With the pair that I’m wearing, I love the faux-croc leather and the cut-out detailing on the inside of the foot. It takes an incredibly classic shoe and adds the trendy edge that keeps it current.

I know that a heel may not be for everyone, but if you’re still after the look, the high-street still has some options for you as well. One option could be a pointed-toe flat, which are great for all day wear. Oppositely, if you still want the height boost without the stiletto heel, a wedge could suit you perfectly.

 

 

STATEMENT SLEEVES

Who says you can’t make a statement when dressing for work? When choosing to wear a statement piece, I would suggest doing so in a solid neutral colour – especially if you work somewhere with more of a strict dress code. The past few seasons, I’ve really been enjoying the statement sleeve trend – so when AmyLynn Clothing asked if I would like to choose some pieces from their site, I jumped at the chance to choose this beautiful ruffled knit.

Statement sleeves can be slightly tricky to style, unless your workplace allows for more of a maximalist style within their dress code. Not to mention, statement sleeves can be a little tough to fit inside a coat. For those of us with more of a strict dress code, toning down a statement sleeve to keep it more office appropriate is easier done than one might think. One of my favourite ways to do so is with a sleek pair of trousers in a neutral colour, preferably matching the cool or warm tones of the statement piece you are trying to style. You could go for a ¾ length trouser in the warmer months or a cigarette style trouser when the temperatures are a bit cooler. If you’re not a fan of trousers, a sleek pencil skirt is always a fantastic option.

I love the light grey colour of this knit – and especially how it encompasses two trends and still looks rather elegant. Ruffled statement sleeves have been on-trend for the past few seasons, and personally, I don’t think they’ll be going anywhere anytime soon. The neutral grey tones of this piece are what gives it the wearable feel; if it was in a vivid colour, I’m not so sure you could get away with wearing this piece to work unless you have an extremely lax dress code and more of a casual work environment.

 

 

Styling Details

 

 

Could you see yourself wearing any of these trends to work? Do you prefer more of a classic or trend-led approach to workwear? I’d love to hear your thoughts and opinions in the comments! Until next, xoxo.

 

 

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