Business (office) clothing style for girls. Office clothing style

There are strict dress code rules. All office items should have a simple style and not contain pretentious elements. The optimal length of the skirt is knee-length or slightly lower, it can vary by 2-3 centimeters. Pants should be straight, not too tight or flared, with a classic waistline. The traditional jacket has a straight silhouette, and its length should be approximately 10 centimeters below the waist. A blouse is another important element of business clothing; it should have a straight cut without ruffles, bows, folds or other decorative elements. The color of the blouse is white or pastel shades.

If you choose a dress, then it should be a sheath model made of plain fabric, a classic style and a dense texture. The dress should fit well and not change its shape after washing (therefore, it is important to pay close attention to the quality of the fabric). In general, it is better to make a business wardrobe out of high-quality items. At any time of the year, in any weather, you should wear flesh-colored tights or stockings. Even in the summer heat, these should be thin tights that match the color of your skin. Black tights or stockings are unacceptable in the classic business version, especially during the day.

The general color scheme of business-style clothing includes conservative and formal tones: black, blue, gray or brown. In summer you can wear white, beige, caramel shades. It is advisable to have a business clothing pattern that is plain or has vertical stripes.

For shoes, the most preferable are classic pumps in regular black color: closed shoes, closed toe, closed heel. Elegance that emphasizes formality.

What exactly should you not wear in the office? Tight clothes, blouses and skirts with revealing cutouts, tops, sundresses that expose the back, shoulders, and décolleté. Decorative elements are extremely undesirable: ruffles, sleeves, bows, sparkles, beads. You cannot appear in the office even in the most intense heat without tights. No flip flops, sandals. Heel maximum 5 centimeters. You can’t wear massive, bright, flashy Jewelry. Everything should be restrained and minimalistic.

Business casual

This is a style that will allow you to look businesslike and feel comfortable at the same time. The advantages of business casual style are its diversity. This style allows you to combine many items of clothing and complement them with accessories, creating completely different looks. Let's say White shirt with a skirt and trousers it will look completely different if you complement them with some accessories and jewelry.

Since business casual is still a business style, the color scheme here remains restrained. But at the same time, it won’t be kitsch to wear red trousers with a neutral gray jacket or, say, a lemon yellow shirt with strict gray trousers. The splash of color should be present, but at the same time be fairly balanced. If one piece of clothing is bright, then the second should be muted.

The basis of the wardrobe should be in black, white and gray tones, which will not lose relevance for many years to come. Stripes are also appropriate for business casual. For example, blue-white or gray-white. In spring, when the weather is still cool, it is important to wear a jumper over a blouse - it goes well with classic trousers and skirts.

Smart casual

Another step to transition from business office wear to casual style. What falls under the smart casual style? Unlike business casual, color palette in this style it can be brighter, but in general elements with restrained shades should be preserved. Bright and acidic shades are not allowed. Here you can wear above-the-knee skirts with various prints. Although the style also includes a classic pencil skirt, a common item in the smart casual wardrobe is jeans. Preferably classic, dark blue, no scuffs or torn models. Here you can combine jeans with a turtleneck, knitted blouse, blouse, vest, or silk blouse. Naturally, a jacket is recommended, it is such an indispensable attribute. But unlike the classics, more textured fabrics, such as velvet, are acceptable. Pants can be more varied: both tapered and wide.

Beige, gray, blue, black, purple, burgundy colors are relevant. The dress is one of the most successful options for smart casual. Unlike strictly business style, you can combine it with leggings and even trousers if you put it under a belt.

Street casual

This is a popular style, basic for use in everyday life. There are no boundaries or restrictions here; you can choose almost any thing and their combination. The main principle is worthy self-expression. This style is so multifaceted and broad that it includes most of the things we are familiar with. Here you can already combine ripped or leather jeans with a shirt, or formal trousers with a T-shirt, or create multi-layer sets, for example, combining a glamorous dress and a sweatshirt. All this is included in street casual, unpredictable street fashion: hats, T-shirts with prints, semi-sports shoes, the presence or absence of heels. And all this in combination with a wide variety of accessories. The main purpose of this style is to express and emphasize your individuality, to create an interesting and unique image.

Sport casual

This is a somewhat refined sporty style. It is intended not so much for sports as for country walks, relaxation, shopping, etc. The peculiarity of the sport casual style lies in the choice of sportswear, which we will combine with elements casual style. In this it is not much different from the street one. This also includes jeans, T-shirts, voluminous vests, knitwear, various hats, comfortable low-top shoes, caps, sneakers. The main element is adding accessories: scarves, Sunglasses, elegant handbags that will make you stand out and highlight your individuality.

Chic casual

This style is characterized by light elegance; simple, quite ordinary things, but at the same time made from expensive or rare materials, are suitable for its creation. In general, chic casual is a combination of casual and designer clothes. It is quite comfortable, but at the same time elegant.

Style is embodied with the help of flowers and feminine accessories that will add the necessary elegance. This is a story of transformation. Indispensable when you have little time to change clothes, but need to get from the office, for example, to a social party or even to the theater. Here, elegant accessories are a real salvation that will help you transform. Chic casual is often chosen by “stars” who always need to be prepared for the fact that they will find themselves in a variety of places and can be caught on camera at any time. The main rule is to combine simple and comfortable things with bright accessories, outstanding shoes and bags.

Natalia Dashkevich, stylist, image consultant, personal shopper

If a woman rules not only in the kitchen, washing machine or in the children's room, with an iron, a vacuum cleaner and homework, which means she is a working mother. Or not a mother yet, but definitely a working one! You want to remain feminine, attractive and stylish everywhere and always: with a bowl in your hands, on the treadmill, in the theater and, of course, at work. Moreover, in the office there is most likely more competition than at an ironing board. And if a business lady has no competitors and cannot have any, and if she is not interested and does not need it, a slight girlish egoism still tells with her inner voice which skirt will emphasize her waist, and which outfit will even be able to win the favor of her superiors.

Where does it come from?

So, office style. It originated from a very young business style, which in turn took origins from the classics and Puritanism of England. The direction is the same, the only difference is that the English style does not allow any deviations from traditions, classics are an unbending vector of rigor, and official business (office) style is a mix of classics and functionality, seasoned with fashion.

The same strictness of cut, elegance of materials and sophistication of accessories, but almost completely dictated by modernity. If a strict dress code has been introduced at work, it is appropriate to think about suits. Black and white outfits, two-piece, three-piece suits, mandatory presence of a jacket. Essential attributes of office fashion are classic shoes, formal dresses (sheath dress, tuxedo dress). The hands, neck, face, and legs below the knee may remain exposed.

If the dress code at the enterprise is limited to a strict business style of clothing, there is enough room for flights of fancy! Office fashion can include elements of country, military (military style), and even sports. Of course, a tight crimson dress or sneakers for the office is not just a lyrical digression, it’s pure frivolity. However, you don’t have to wear a “penguin suit” at all!

Basic rules for an office suit for a business woman:

• black and white gamma;
• modesty and sophistication;
• convenience and functionality;
• femininity and elegance.

What's on top?

Cardigans, jackets, boleros, jackets and blazers (club jacket) different styles and lengths, designed in a certain style and color scheme.

What's below?

Of course today the best option The “classic bottom” of a woman’s office suit is a skirt. This wonderful element of a lady's wardrobe originates somewhere just above the knee and can end only at the very ankles. The optimal length - a tribute to the classics - is knee-length or slightly lower. You can wear a tulip skirt, a pencil skirt, and even a sun-flared skirt is appropriate in the office if you combine it with a strict, virginal-closed top. This season, patch pockets with various prints are popular. It is quite acceptable to use a different fabric, color, as well as decorating with drapery, zipper, buttons or lacing. Pants are also part business suit. If this is not an element of a two- or three-piece outfit, you can play with shades and material. The jacket and trousers may differ in color and texture, however, it is imperative to adhere to the style direction.

A shirt is a mandatory attribute of a business woman’s wardrobe. At work, not only options for suits with shirts are possible, but also various tops, turtlenecks, and blouses. The color may differ from the main suit; the presence or absence of buttons does not matter. It is worth remembering that a business suit requires the presence of a jacket or its equivalent over a blouse.

This season, a current and fashionable thing called a frill is complemented by an independent (separate) collar. It can become a magnificent decoration either in tandem with cuffs or on its own. There are a lot of options for such collars: these are lace products, metal ones, beads, beads and glass beads, fabric, leather. In short, everyone will find something to their taste, and at the same time show impeccable style!

On my own two feet

Let's talk about shoes. Naturally, the shoe podium in business style is occupied by pumps. However, they are not inferior to models that have been fashionable for several seasons in a row. high heels and platform (it can be either hidden or quite obvious). The size and style of the heel is a purely individual choice. Varnish, suede, leather or textiles: as long as it doesn’t look like wooden stilts. You need to float not only in dance, but also at the office desk.

How to calm your heart

Accessories, accessories and more accessories. Neckerchiefs, scarves, ties, bows, jabots, collars. Expensive jewelry that allows not only pendants, but also fairly large beads, earrings, bracelets and rings. A business lady should not look like christmas tree, but it’s not necessary to put stylish jewelry far away in the box.

When choosing a bag, preference should be given to a briefcase bag, a travel bag or a tablet bag. A clutch or casual bag will not provide the volume and shape needed to store documents. Expensive materials: leather, suede, varnish and textiles are acceptable.

What humanity can come up with to combine convenience and compliance with the rules. So the office clothing style was created to please everyone, especially creative individuals who are suffocating in strict rules ah peremptory. It is he who tells others that “I have everything under control” or “I know perfectly well what I am doing and do not allow myself to be distracted by trifles.” Day after day, from morning to evening, eleven months a year...

It is not surprising that someone’s program began to malfunction due to this rigor and obedience to strict rules in behavior and clothing. But business style is not something to joke about, because it is proof of stability and professionalism. But what to do if the soul of an office clerk requires flight and bright colors, as well as deviation from strict rules and regulations?

This will be followed, at a minimum, by accusations of unprofessionalism and conflicts with superiors, and at maximum by professional unsuitability and a lifelong stigma for failure to comply with job responsibilities.

It was for such versatile personalities, who are tired of fulfilling the conditions and longing for emotional relief, that it was invented office clothing style. This is exactly what the website for women Stylish Thing will talk about.

The history of the phenomenon called office clothing

The story is incredibly simple and straightforward. After all, where there are rules and laws, there will definitely be a violator and a dissenter. Opportunist in style, so to speak. This is what happened with the business style of clothing at the end of the twentieth century, when the entire business world began to get tired of its rigidity and uncompromisingness. Yes, this is understandable; which self-respecting woman can withstand the daily dullness and sameness in appearance?

Therefore, office clothing for women and men has come to the rescue, allowing you to somewhat relax and diversify your workday. Heads of companies began to introduce so-called Friday concessions or “free Fridays.” When, at the end of the work week, employees could come in the clothes that were comfortable and pleasant to them.

However, a very logical phenomenon happened: overjoyed employees began to dress up in the most incredible outfits, which caused a storm of discontent among their superiors. But what can you do, because permission was given officially, and canceling it would be the greatest mistake in the history of management.

Leading designers saved the situation by creating a smartcasual style for the office dress code. It included knitted cardigans or jumpers, replacing formal jackets and cardigans, brighter and more expressive accessories and concessions in shoes. The office world breathed a sigh of relief and gratitude, and even “Slutty Friday” became more strict and elegant . On the eve of the weekend company employees began to allow themselves only jeans and plaid shirts, and not shorts, dangerous minis and tops with revealing cleavage.

Psychology of office style

It is worth saying thanks to the ubiquitous American researchers and psychologists of corporate relationships, they are the ones who have proven that a more democratic style of clothing allows employees to feel more comfortable in the workplace. This entails a more attentive and responsible performance of duties, the manifestation of initiative and creativity in the most routine and ordinary tasks.

But if you add to this the implementation of your taste and style, then productivity indicators soar up like fireworks. What's bad? It should have come to this a long time ago.

What is included in office attire?

The modern office style of clothing, as has already become clear, originated from the business style, which emphasizes classic suits dark shades, lack of accessories, sexuality, frankness and bright colors. Everything is standard, decorous, strict and professional. In the world of business, there is nowhere without this.

However today we see a slightly different situation that offers us more wide choose casual office clothes, their combinations and styles.

What is acceptable today will become clear from the list of possible clothing options:

1. Relaxation in clothing for the summer months. ABOUT! This was what all the clerks, bankers and secretaries were waiting for, wandering to work in July buttoned up, tied in ties and packed in classic jackets and trousers, and women in nylon stockings or tights. And this is at +25 +30! Today linen suits, trousers, skirts, no stockings are allowed! Office Style In summer, clothing is allowed in light shades, light sandals and shoes, short sleeves on blouses or even the absence of them.

Office-style dresses are also light and airy, but the length and transparency of the clothes remain at the same strict level, but this can be forgiven and accepted, because you no longer need to melt from the heat.

2. It is allowed to be worn in office style turtlenecks, jumpers instead of white formal shirts and blouses, moreover, colors and shades that are unacceptable for business style. For example, pale pink, light blue, beige, lilac, as well as all dark colors. You can add accessories to them in the form of beads, brooches, scarves and scarves, but the main thing here is not to overdo it.

3. Pants with arrows and strict straight knee-length skirts are quite Can be replaced with jeans. Only jeans should have a strict straight cut, a dark blue shade without bleached spots and holes in various curious places. The fit of the jeans is also standard, with the waistband at the waist rather than at the butt. It’s better for jeans to look like trousers from a distance.

Skirts can also have folds, wraps, a flounce shape, flared and is acceptable, if ideal figure, pencil skirt.

4. Shoes should be in harmony with the suit. and at the same time not go beyond what is reasonable. That is, classic pumps for all seasons can be replaced with open shoes, the color scheme may go slightly beyond the strict business orientation, but matching the suit is mandatory. Yes, and no one has canceled heels no higher than 5 centimeters, but its shape can be more democratic; stiletto heels, but not high ones, are allowed.

5. Jacket and cardigan It is quite possible to replace it with a cardigan of strict shades in combination with an opaque plain top or white shirt. Stylish and strict, just what you need.

Mistakes that ruin office attire

1.Low quality clothes. It is better to buy one high-quality, but not cheap, suit and a couple of blouses to go with it than several cheap sets. You can see the cheapness right away, no matter how confident you act in it, and this spoils the first impression, which is so important in the business world.

2. Color mismatch between clothes and shoes. A light office suit and black shoes to go with it cause confusion and suspicion of unprofessionalism. Since an employee is not able to choose the right color of shoes and outfit, what can he do with important documents? This is an unanswered question.

3. Sports clothing items. We are talking about T-shirts and T-shirts with the logo of a sports brand. I immediately want to send such incompetence to the gym.

4. Short socks and stockings, more precisely, their elastic bands peeking out from under their clothes. It always looks terrible on everyone, it repels and spoils the impression instantly. Despite what seductive forms peek out from under this elastic band.

5. Transparent clothing items, guipure and mesh blouses. Even an insert made of mesh or transparent silk is unacceptable.

- this is cleanliness, neatness and quality, as well as discreet makeup, subtle perfume and modesty in accessories.

We are modern women. We are businesslike, purposeful, decisive and self-confident. We occupy leadership positions, deftly climb the career ladder, and skillfully run our own business. And at the same time, we always remember that we are not men in skirts, we are women to the core. This means that we manage to look stunning in the office too. And business clothes help us with this.

Office style: where did it all begin?

Business dresses and suits (especially trouser ones) are a relatively young phenomenon in the fashion world. And this is understandable: until recently, women holding leadership positions were perceived by society with a hint of condemnation. Just remember how Scarlett O'Harra in Gone with the Wind tried to establish herself as a businesswoman. But what was considered savagery in the 19th century became the norm in the 20th century.

The first business suits looked extremely modest, prim and conservative. Most often they were long skirts made of dark fabric, white blouses with high collars that fit tightly around the neck, and short jackets. Everything changed at the end of the 19th century, when a certain John Redfern introduced into fashionable circulation the prototype of the modern office style. He suggested that ladies dress in a skirt and jacket-coat made of the same fabric, a white blouse, and also complement the look with high gloves and a hat.

The development of office fashion in the twentieth century cannot be separated from the names of Balenciaga, Chanel and Dior. It was these fashion designers who revolutionized the field of business clothing, offering women stylish and, to some extent, revolutionary things. For example, the Chanel fashion house introduced a new vision of the women's business suit - instead of the traditional blouse, Mademoiselle Coco introduced the fashion for a soft jumper, which was decorated with a belt.

Another milestone in the history of the development of office clothing is the fashion for jackets with shoulder pads, which was introduced by Elsa Schiaparelli. Despite the fact (and perhaps precisely because of this) that they gave the figure a peculiar futuristic look, such suits quickly won the hearts of women, staying afloat in the fashion world for about fifteen years.

Modern office style: a guide for the beginning business woman

A corporate dress code is an unwritten set of rules that everyone in the company must follow. It happens that it is not too strict and even includes jeans. But in most large companies and international corporations there are much stricter limits that no one dares to violate.

Such seemingly unlawful restrictions on self-expression in clothing will not confuse a woman at all if she has a sense of style and taste. On the contrary, the emphasized formality of the outfit makes it possible to once again demonstrate how refined, sophisticated, sexy we can be and at the same time decisive and strong-willed.

The only ban that should be in office style is the ban on wearing boring and faceless clothes!

Components of office fashion

The first place in the wardrobe of a woman who adheres to the office style of clothing should be skirts - moderately strict, moderately seductive. The optimal solution is a pencil skirt made of elastic material that emphasizes your curves. female body. Pay attention to the length - provocative minis and excessively long maxis are strictly prohibited. The ideal length for an office skirt is knee-length or a few centimeters above/below. The versatility of skirts of this type speaks for itself: they are perfectly combined with formal blouses and shirts, cardigans and turtlenecks, jumpers and sweaters.

If you prefer trousers, then get a couple of trouser suits. These can be ensembles in a distinctly feminine style (short fitted jacket and tight pants), and combinations that imitate a man's outfit (a spacious jacket and straight, loose trousers with arrows).

Blouses and shirts deserve special attention. They all should be good quality, perfectly fits the figure and decorates its owner.

Office dresses provide a real opportunity to look feminine and discreet at the same time. Almost all modern business dresses are based on the famous little black model from Coco Chanel. As in the case of a skirt, the length of an office dress should not go beyond what is permitted - it is advisable that the bottom edge reaches the knees or exposes them a little. As for the shape of the neckline, sleeve length and skirt width, there are no strict rules.