If you look your best then you are more likely to feel your best. Dressing well in the workplace can help to give you confidence, which will improve your performance at work.
We have put together this guide to give you all the advice you need to know about creating sexy, modern outfits that are perfect for the workplace. Keep reading for some outfit inspiration.
Tips And Tricks For Creating The Perfect Work Outfit
Here are some general tips and tricks and things to keep in mind when you are putting together your work wardrobe:
Capsule Wardrobe
A great way to plan your work clothes is to create a capsule wardrobe. Choose a few statement pieces to build your style around – a skirt, a blazer, a pair of trousers etc – then build from there.
Choose shirts, blouses, shoes and accessories that work with those pieces. This makes it easy to get dressed in a rush as you know that any combination of garments will work.
Dress For The Occasion
When you are thinking about what to wear to work, you need to consider what you will be doing at work. If you are meeting clients then you might need to dress smarter on that day, and make sure that your appearance is in line with the reputation of the company.
If you have an important meeting or presentation then you need to choose an outfit that commands respect. If you are traveling for meetings then you need to make sure your outfit is practical and comfortable as well as smart.
Consistency
There is nothing wrong with experimentation when it comes to style and fashion. However, in the workplace it is best to stick to a consistent style.
It is more professional, and portrays a level of self-assuredness and reliability which will benefit you when it comes to promotions in your career. Try switching up your look with the seasons to give you some variety.
Silhouette
When you’re putting together an outfit you need to think about the silhouette that you want to create. Do you want to accentuate your smooth curves? Do you want sharp tailored lines? Or do you want flowy, soft lines?
Modesty
There is a thin line between creating an alluring look and dressing unprofessionally. Try to make sure your outfit is balanced – if you are showing off your legs then wear a higher neck top. If your top is low cut then wear a longer skirt.
Color
Monochrome outfits are always smart, but there will be some days when you want to add a pop of color to your office clothes. Red, magenta and purple are excellent choices for making your outfits more sexy and womanly.
Make-Up
You want to look your best at work, but you don’t want to look like you are relying too hard. Your make-up should be neat and flattering without looking too heavy.
Do not put the same amount of makeup on as you would for a night out with your friends. Choose neutral shades that bring out the color of your eyes. You can occasionally throw in a red lipstick with the right outfit for a sexy look.
Accessories
If you use an ugly work rucksack then it could ruin your sexy outfit. Make sure you choose a nice bag to complement the rest of your clothes.
The right jewelry can really set off an outfit. You can also add a pair of sexy glasses to your work look.
Outfit Inspiration
Here are some great outfit ideas for you to try along with product recommendations.
The Classic Pencil Skirt
You can build so many different outfits around a classic pencil skirt like this one. For a simple but professional look, pair it with a long sleeved white blouse and a pair of patent black stiletto heels. This is an outfit that you can wear in almost any professional situation.
If you want to try something a bit different, you could pair the pencil skirt with a patterned silky blouse. This look is a bit more bold and colorful.
In the winter you can wear your pencil skirt with a turtleneck top and some knee high suede boots for a warm and cozy outfit that still looks sleek and smart.
You don’t have to stick to a black pencil skirt. You could go for navy, brown, or a camel color.
The Satin Blouse
A satin blouse is a great way to introduce some femininity into a work outfit. Try something like a button down satin blouse in a rich color like navy or emerald green.
Wear it with straight leg suit pants in gray or black. You can even add a blazer if you want to. The trick with this look is to go for a more casual, relaxed style rather than tight fitting and sharp lines.
The blouse creates a softness that should continue with the trousers and the blazer.
Wear this outfit with a pair of gray suede stiletto heels and a soft gray clutch bag. Choose silver jewelry that is simple and delicate.
The High Waisted Wide Leg Trousers
Sometimes it is sexier to hide your body rather than show it off, as it leaves people wanting more.
These high waist straight leg trousers will accentuate your waist and elongate your legs, but will leave the rest up to the imagination. They are also very slimming and flattering.
Stick with a monochrome look and paint these trousers with a classic white button down blouse. You can have a fitted look, or you can choose a larger size and have it half tucked in and half out for a more casual style.
As your legs are fully covered, you can show a bit of chest and your outfit will still look balanced.
Finding the perfect blazer isn’t easy, and it will be different for everyone. You might want a relaxed fit casual blazer like this one that you can chuck on over any work outfit.
You may prefer a plaid blazer as more of a statement piece, but be careful not to pair it with any clashing patterns. A long blazer is very modern and creates more of a loose silhouette.
A blazer style cardigan is ideal for chilly days in the office to help you feel warm and cozy. If you are feeling brave, you could try a bold patterned blazer in a boyfriend fit.
The trick to styling a blazer is to not overdo it. Stick with simple shapes and colors so that the attention is on the blazer.
A great way to accessorize a blazer outfit is with a pair of large earrings – some big gold studs or a pair of silver hoops. This keeps the attention on your neck and shoulders.
The Skirt Suit
A skirt suit is a perfect way to create a modern and sexy outfit for the workplace. There are lots of different options, so you need to find the one that will suit you the best.
You don’t need to work too hard to style a skirt suit – the shape of the jacket and skirt will flatter your body and create a professional yet alluring look.
Wear a pair of heels that makes your legs look good – perhaps something with an ankle strap. Choose a simple bag that won’t draw attention away from the suit.
The Herringbone Skirt
A herringbone skirt will give your outfit a vintage feel but with modern shapes. There are different styles of herringbone skirts that you can choose from.
It is important to not add any other patterns to the outfit as this will clash with the herringbone. Stick to a plain blouse or jumper tucked into the skirt, and some simple, dainty shoes.
The Red Blouse
If you want to make your work outfit more sensual, you can wear a red blouse for a pop of color. A red blouse tucked into a pencil skirt or underneath a pantsuit is a great way to make your outfit more feminine.
There are several options that would look great. This mesh sleeve red blouse would look lovely tucked into a skirt. The sleeves are modest but still sexy.
Red blouses look great with black or gray- pick one of these colors for the rest of your outfit and stick to it. Accessorize with gold jewelry and a bold red lipstick that complements the shade of red on your blouse.
The Office Dress
Everyone needs that perfect, flattering dress that you can chuck on at the last minute to always look good in the office. It is good to build up a small collection of office dresses so you can always have one on hand.
They can also be useful for those days when you go straight from the office to meet your friends for dinner or drinks.
Pair this printed cowl neck dress with a pair of sparkly earrings and some closed-toe heeled shoes for a smart and pretty outfit.
This black ruffle dress is super slimming and would look amazing with red heels and a red clutch bag. This color block front zipper dress is a great way to add a pop of color to your work outfit.
A peplum dress is an easy way to dress elegantly at work. You might also love this flowy pinstripe office dress that combines a masculine print with a feminine shape.
The Floral Blouse
Just because you need to dress professionally does not mean that your outfits have to be boring. Adding a floral blouse to your workwear will make you look feminine and pretty but still smart enough for the office.
This blouse comes in lots of different patterns. It has a v-neck design and ruffle details on the sleeves. You can wear it with pants or tucked into a skirt.
In the summer you could try a sleeveless chiffon floral blouse with a high neck. It would look great with slim leg tailored trousers and a pair of pastel colored heeled sandals.
The Bow Tie Neck Blouse
If you want a fashion forward office outfit, try a blouse with bow tie neck detail. Not a bow tie like formal menswear, but a pretty bow like you would tie on a present. It looks smart but womanly and adds lovely detail to your outfit.
This polka dot lantern sleeve blouse with bow tie neck detail is perfect for creating a monochrome look with black trousers and shoes and a statement white bag.
To switch up your usual outfit with a bit of style, replace your classic white button down shirt with this white chiffon bow tie neck blouse instead.
The Leather Pencil Skirt
If you want to turn heads as you walk through the office then a faux leather bodycon pencil skirt is the item you need. It is sexy, sensual, and oozes confidence. It also looks smart with blouses and shirts.
You can stick to a pair of black stiletto heels, or go for something more bold like bright red or leopard print shoes.
When it comes to choosing your make up for this outfit, you should go with either a bold red lip or a smokey eye. Never do both as you will look like you are wearing too much makeup.
The Wrap Dress
If you’re struggling to decide what to wear to the office on a warm day, it’s time to whip out the wrap dress. It is effortlessly beautiful, with flowing fabric and a shapely waist to highlight your figure.
You can pair these dresses with chunky heeled sandals and a brown leather bag for a perfect summer look. The great thing about these dresses is you can also wear them with sneakers for a casual outfit for the weekends.
The Little Black Dress
An LBD isn’t just for cocktail parties – it can also be a great thing to wear to work if you want to look your best.
This vintage style black dress has a lace pattern and a figure-hugging shape that will highlight your curves. The scalloped edging makes this dress look even more feminine.
A Little Black Dress can work very well at the office…
You could put your hair in an elegant up-do and wear some fancy earrings like pearls or jewels, or leave your hair down and choose a statement necklace instead.
Amazing Work Wear Capsule Wardrobe Video
This Nina Lea Caine video is the best work work outfit video that I have ever seen. My favorite outfit is the sleeveless blazer that she explains at about the 16:50 mark.
A great video that shows great ideas for looking stylish and classy at work
Summary
With these outfit ideas you will be able to look sexy and professional in the workplace. These looks are perfect for modern women who like to turn heads in the office whilst still being taken seriously at work.
You can use these ideas to build a wardrobe of workwear that is flattering and feminine, so that you never have to worry about looking unfashionable at work.
Hi, my name is Jenna Reign and I have teamed up with my best friend, Sam, to deliver you all of the style secrets to help you stay ahead of the trends. We both met in fashion school and have been inseparable ever since!
Despite our deep love for fashion, even we found it difficult navigating our closets when trying to leave the house for the first time since the pandemic was announced. Were the trends still evolving, or did they get put on hold like the rest of the world?
