Deciding what to wear to work can often be a headache for many of us because you are often torn between wearing the usual office outfit staples or dressing in something more glam and chic.

The difficult part is that you do not want to look too plain and simple, with the basics but you also do not want to look too casual and relaxed with more trendy pieces either.

If you that is you in the morning read on for my work wear tips for the stylish office girls.

Do not get rid of your staples

Yes!! They are boring and simple but you do not have to wear them as they are. Your crisp white button down shirt may scream Plain Jane when worn alone but when dressed up with a crop top or a vest or adding interesting and statement accessories it can give you an entirely new, chic look. So do stock up on those basic staples and use them as your base to building stylish outfits for the office.

Images Source Pinterest

Joseph Crepe de Chine Garcon Blouse in off white, River island black mesh grid pencil skirt, GIVENCHY Screw heel contrast toe leather pumps and Michael Michael Kors Dillon Leather Satchel Bag, Ray ban sunglasses Look via www.polyvore.com
Smart layering

Most of our office are fully air conditioned so you can wear fashionable outerwear every day. The plus side of this is that your outerwear, whether it is a blazer, jacket or cardigan not only keeps you warm but will also add extra layering and style points to your look for that day.

Images Source Pinterest

CANNCI Black knitted lace leather slouch bag, Yoins Wide Leg Trousers,River Island Black print ruched sleeve blazer, Dagger Black Patent Heels, Hollow Crochet Tank Top Look via Polyvore @ www.polyvore.com

Balance is key

There are so many new silhouettes on trend right now and the great thing about these new silhouettes is that they are wearable and you can include them into your work wear. Culottes with is loose and flowy silhouette and because of that makes them a chic option for a more polished look for work. Pair it with a more pieces that are more structured silhouette like a polished a blazer or a crisp button down.

Images Source Pinterest

Opt for sleeves

Sleeveless pieces tend to look more casual although there are some exceptions such as sleeveless shift dresses and sleeveless collared shirts. So rather opt for pieces with sleeves.

Make your daily black and white look by livening it up with colour

Work wear are often black and white but you can dress up even the most simplest to look more interesting by adding splashes of colour. Or by switching black and white with grey. But do keep in mind to wear colours suits your skin tone and brings out her best and fits in with your daily work wear basics.

Image Source Pinterest

Work and skimpy are not a good match

Keep it stylish and avoid off shoulder tops, sheer dresses and to short mini dresses Yes they are all very chic and on trend but a corporate office environment is not the place to wear these street style pieces. Remember if it shows too much skin it is an automatic no-no. You can add pieces like a trench to add a layer of length. Skirt hemlines should finish above or below the knee, as it will make your legs look slimmer and longer.

Image Source Pinterest

With shades of brown and cream to khakis, gold, sunflower yellow, sand hues, antique red, denim blue and Lilly orange I love the eye catching colours of 70’s fashion

Walking into Topshop this Retro '70s florals wide leg trousers was the first thing that caught my eye. The earthy colours, the print, that “70’s show” vibe love it!!

www.topshop.com

The 70’s offers a kaleidoscope of prints and patterns ranging from geometric motifs, ethnic patterns, check prints, audacious abstract and floral designs.

F&F Blue diamond print dress @ www.tesco.com

The Tailored simple silhouette of the A-line design ensured that the 70’s fashionista’s stayed elegant and feminine. In fabrics like suede for a soft and delicate touch, adding patchwork or fringe elements to boost the design aesthetic.

Real patch work suede skirt @ www.newlook.com

Suede fringe cape @ www.newlook.com

What would the 70’s be without the retro high waists, whether that’s a mini, midi or maxi skirt or a pair of jeans, pants or shorts, pair it with slim-fitting tops in order to emphasize the waist design of the bottoms.

Autograph Suede high waist midi skirt @ www.marksandspencer.com

Romantic ruffles and frills, looks amazing with jeans or short shorts

Chunky heels are the way to go !!!

Suede Knee high boots @ www.littlewoods.com

Faux fur leather jacket @ www.laredoute.co.ukk

F&F Suede coat @ www.tesco.com

Rain drops can wreak havoc on your freshly styled hair, and as we are seeing more rainy days then sunny ones Cover up and stay chic and stylish in whatever your hat of choice is.

Shop the look at http://www.primark.com

Hat £8/€10, Coat £25/€40, Blouse £10/€13, Skirt £8/€12, Boots £18/€25, Bag £7/€10

Vintage Buckle Floppy Available at http://uk.accessorize.com

Wool fedora, £8/€10 @ http://www.primark.com

Brown floppy hat £14, White lace crop top £28, Necklace £8.50 Ring £6.50

Available @ http://www.dorothyperkins.com

Black Fedora @ www.next.co.uk

Christys' Madison Wide Brim Wool Felt Fedora Hat @ www.asos.com

Matador Felt hat @ www.asos.com

Felt Fedora Hat with Symbol Print Band @ www.asos.com

Shorts can be a tricky one. Either you’re a massive fan and love getting your legs out for the summer, or you hate your knees and shy away from even a cropped pair of trousers. However, this summer there could be a solution: culottes.

If only summer can be around January to December!! We would all love that, but the reality is summer is only 3 months of the year. Pretty soon we will be in August and saying goodbye to the summer. So it’s best to start start adding key autumn pieces to your wardrobe now to make the summer- autumn transition that much easier.

Cardigans

Soft knits are perfect for those chilly summer evenings. Keep it casual with a light knit

Freeman T.Porter Soft Cardigan paired with t-shirt and Freeman T.Porter jeans
Available @ www.laredoute.co.uk

As a light layer, for a bit of extra warmth on those cooler rainy days. Soft grey cardigan @ www.laredoute.co.uk

Add drama to you look with a printed cardigan invest in this soft Grey Aztec print cardigan @ www.laredoute.co.uk

Ankle Boots

Suede is a nice fabric to go for when it comes to ankle boots but if you want a sleeker look go for leather.

Ankle boots with strap fastening with Les Petists Prix dress @ www.laredoute.co.uk
Studded Anine Bing Charlie Boots with western-style top stitching on the toe, contrast suede side panels and eye catching pin studding Available @ www.question-air.com

Chain detail ankle boot @ www.very.co.uk

Scarfs

While the weather is still sunny accessorize with a scarf that is not so thick and heavy, so that it does not leave you sweating but still keeps you warm on cooler days.

Scarfs are a perfect way to jazz up a drab outfit as it adds a pop of colour to your outfit.

Hats

A hat makes for a great accessory no matter the season but are more prominent during autumn. While the weather is still hot and sunny you can wear it to protect your hair from sun damage or to hide a bad hair day.

Fedora Hat with Leopard print Blouse and black A-line skirt @ Next – www.next.co.uk

Black fedora hat, with pussy bow blouse and black crepe midi skirt @ Miss Selfridge www.missselfridge.com

Fedora hat with Cape Blazer, fringe kimono and shorts @ www.primark.com

Whether you add these pieces bit by bit because you are not ready to let go off the summer. Think of it as layering and as the weather slowly changes you add one piece at a time and then another layer and before you know it, you will be fully dressed for autumn.

Denim is always in fashion, whether it is a denim skirt, jeans, dungarees or shorts, it just never goes out of style. It is effortless and great for ever season. You can never go wrong with denim.

Here are some of my favourite looks to shop for now.

Super Cute Ruffled top paired with a highwaisted shorts. Shop the look @ www.pixiemarket.com

The button down skirt has a retro 70’s feel to it. Perfect for work paired with a shirt or a ruffled top for a festival boho feel and a plain t-shirt for a casual Saturday look.

Go contemporary with long denim culottes, keeping it street casual with a printed t-shirt or show off your midriff with a crop top and a highwaisted boyfriend style denim jeans.

Shop these looks @ www.pixiemarket.com & www.forever21.com

The romper or playsuit, super versatile and easy to wear, go for a relaxed day look paired with sneakers or sandals and a super sexy look with killer heels for night time.

90’s fashion staple the Dungarees are back and everyone is wearing them. Try out the classic stonewash denim or be bold and go for a white dungaree pair it with printed or plain t-shirts in crop or long styles. Great with heels for a more dressed up look or flats or platform if you are going more casual.

Shop these looks @ www.forever21.com & www.prettylittlethings.com

Love this cute frill dress with pockets from the Pixie market, it is super girly sexy.

For a more laid back look this midi dress from forever 21 is great for lazy days.

Shop these looks @ www.pixiemarket.com & www.forever21.com

Pink, reminds me of being a little girl and as an adult the last thing you want is to look like a little princess when you are wearing it. Here are a few hints and tips on how to wear pink like a woman and not like a little girl.

You just love pink but as a strong career women you do not want to seem to girly. Wearing pink in an office setting, opt for a fitted shift dress or a power suit in the shade that complements your colouring. Stay clear of girlish fabrics like lace, chiffon instead go for silk, cotton or linen.

If you are going for a brighter pink shades, can be a bit much in one outfit. So rather go for a splash especially if you are wearing muted colours, that hint of pink will liven it up.

Mixing pink printed pieces are great way to spice up the colour. Add elements like contrasting accessories to break the colour.

Contrasting textures are a great way, to be less pink Barbie, so pair a cute pink dress with a leather biker jacket for a more edgy look.

Keep your look stylish by colour blocking your pinks with neutral colours and complementing bold colours.

Summer trends are about the whites and blues! Here in the UK, we've witnessed one of the hottest, clearest summers in a long time (holds breath). There is no better time than to clean out your wardrobe and reach out for summer-stylish pieces before the greys set back in.

From top-left: 

• Shoes: Chloé Navy Leather Slingback Wedge
• Dress: Miguelina Brudgette Crochet Caftan
• Skirt: See By Chloe Denim A-Line Skirt
• Top: Nicholas Lace Crop Top
• Choker: Jennifer Fisher
• Bag: Valentino Rainbow Striped Flap Shoulder Bag

Let me know your thoughts on my favourite High-Street-inspired pieces!

Pleats are bang on trend this season and a great style to bring out the lady in you. It is also one of those styles that works for any shape, age and height.

Make sure that your pleat style flatters your shape

1. The stitched-down pleats lies flat at the top and is an ideal tummy concealer.
2. Accordion pleats are full through the hips, giving you an hourglass effect.
3. If you have big bums, Knife pleats are perfect as it has the least volume thus creating the illusion of a flat bum.

Highlight your waist

To ensure a slimmed down look, always show off the waistband of your skirt, so whatever you pair it with be sure to tuck it in.

For Curvy ladies a light flowy fabric will not add bulk to your hips.
Short Legs, a hemline that is higher in the middle does not cut you off at the calves
Apple shaped, hide your tummy with stitched-down pleats

Use colour for effect, play around with colours to create interesting contrast

When you think of pleats, it is always paired with cute ballet flats but you can go a bit edgy by pairing it with booties, sneakers or metallic heels.

With summer fast approaching there is an influx of special occasions to dress up for, from the races to weddings to hen parties. We all get excited for an excuse to get our glad rags on and get all dolled up to have fun with friends and loved ones. But before you go weaving in and out of the rails searching endlessly for that perfect outfit, here's some inspiration to get you started.

MONOCHROME

So if you want to go for a fresh summer look, a monochrome dress is a great choice. Whether it's a print or plain, it'll look great against your (hopefully) sun kissed skin, and leaves you open to glam it up with bright accessories. The cut of the first dress is flawless with its open sides and high neck, the perfect balance of sophisticated yet sexy. The marble swirled print dress is very flattering with its layered waist and asymmetric design. For an event like the races or a wedding opt for a more delicate sandal style shoe. If you feel daring enough, the pure white dress is simple yet stunning and a great option in the hot weather. Monochrome floral prints are gorgeous, look bang on trend this season wearing them in a dipped hem or Bardot style.

PRINT

Of course bright and bold prints are always something you want to wear when the sun comes out, expressing that fabulous feeling the good weather brings. Busy florals are a popular option, as are graphic geometrics. The halter neck style daisy dress with skater skirt is great for a fun and feminine look. The A-line dress with geometric patterns is a fabulous look for those who prefer to wear something a little less figure hugging but still flattering. Feel like a hippy princess in the washed out floral stripe maxi dress. A little less bold, the spring green dress with scattered floral print is the picture of elegance with its high neck and midi length. Make the most of high neck style dresses with a classy updo.

NUDES AND PALES

Dresses in more subtle tones can be just as striking as bold and vibrant hues. There is beauty in simplicity, and with a natural makeup palette and some classy accessories, you can guarantee an elegant and feminine look. From the draped pale pink style above, to the sweet powder blue ensemble with pretty capped sleeves, to the embellished peach beauty, the selection above will suit various shapes and tastes.

Happy shopping!!

By Sarah Mac Crossan