Regardless of what courses you study, or what professions you want to enter, college is a springboard to prepare and launch us into the world of full-time employment. Many of you may enter workspaces where dress codes will be in place and formal wear could be non-negotiable. However, formal wear doesn’t have to be drab and this article is here to show you that you can comply with the formal wear dress code and still have fun with fashion by playing with colour, texture and different cuts.
Colour is one of the easiest ways to play around with your workwear wardrobe as majority of workplaces don’t have any rules in place against certain colours. Sure, if you’re working in a more serious environment, then neon yellow might not be the colour choice for you, but bright colours are not the enemy. ASOS and Topshop are always good shouts for fun suits. From bright pinks to more muted rusts, these colourful suits will be great for your wardrobe as you can pair them with tops in complimenting colours or in different textures such as a ribbed high neck.
If you work in a more casual setting where there aren’t restrictions on the length of your bottom half attire, then a short suit might be the one for you. Still falling under the formal category, these pieces give off a more casual vibe and are perfect for when your workplace gets too warm. Similar to the more formal suits mentioned above, you can mix these suits with tops of different textures, different patterns or interesting belts. If shorts are too much for you but you still want to mix it up a bit, why not try a culotte style trousers? Still formal and an appropriate length, this cut might be enough for you to feel like you’re still playing around with fashion at work.
Accessories are key to elevating any outfit, but I feel this can be forgotten when it comes to men’s fashion. If you’re working in an especially formal place, then ties are a great opportunity to inject some fun into your sartorial ensemble. Topman have a great selection when it comes to formal wear and they have an equally great selection of ties. Such an abundance of choice allows you to play with different colours to compliment your suit, decide between patterns such as paisley or polka dot, and even textures such as knits! Injecting fun into your workwear doesn’t have to come in big, brash displays; a small change like a tie can be more than enough to liven up your workwear.
Dresses are another great option for your workwear wardrobe, with many shops offering midi-length options that would be appropriate for the workplace. Also, in comparison to suits, dresses oftentimes have a wider variety of colour and pattern options if you’re looking to brighten up your workwear and introduce something fresh to your style. Many dresses are versatile to go from summer to winter, with the option to wear a light polo neck underneath the dress if it suits the style when the colder months set in. Easily accessorised with belts, midi-maxi length dresses would be a great investment for your workwear wardrobe.
If you’re brave enough, then bringing patterns into your work wardrobe can be a great way to have some fun with expressing yourself. Tartans and checks are a great way to bring something new to the fashion table but can still be muted enough if in neutral colours such as greys as they won’t distract too much if you’re working in a highly formal workplace. If you want your prints to be a bit more noticeable then houndstooth and paisley are great shouts. Texture, Texture, Texture!
A final way to inject some fun into your wardrobe is the option of a jumpsuit or boiler suit if you’re workplace clothing rules don’t only allow suits. A comfortable attire option, these pieces are great because they keep you covered and don’t necessarily look ‘sloppy’ even though they could be deemed a more casual choice. With so many options when it comes to colours and textures (from linen to denim), you’re spoilt for choice.