How to get out of the black rut with your workwear
Q. Patterned and colourful workwear is out of the question for me – but I’d still like to break away from my black suits. How do I strike the right balance?
A. My suggestions for a working wardrobe generally include print or bright colours. But, as I was reminded by a new client a few weeks ago, in some office environments (predominately the legal profession) black is still really the only accepted uniform. This client wanted to break away from it – and with a higher profile than usual case looming, she wanted to experiment with what felt appropriate but more like her.
Pink pleated shirt, £25.99, Zara; Crop trouser, £109, Whistles; Pleated skirt, £98, Libby London; Scalloped jacket, £145, Tara Jarmon
The solution was to introduce sober colour combinations and keep everything tailored and super smart. Look for muted block colours that really complement each other – green with cream, red and dusty pink, camel and navy. If you feel most comfortable in suits, try suiting in jewel tones that are discreet but just that bit more interesting than black.
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If these colours are still too strong, use navy as your base colour: try a navy fitted shift dress and experiment with a tan or plum jacket. Dove grey can look just as pretty in the summer as in the winter. If you are sticking to block colours rather than print, look for texture in the fabric to give the colour a bit more depth and interest. In terms of cut, look for clean lines without fussy detailing to keep the outfit looking modern and slick.
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I’ve noticed a shift towards women developing personal uniforms and not feeling the need to conform entirely to their peer group. There’s still a desire to feel and look appropriate to the role you have been hired to do – but with a little bit more of your own identity. I had the pleasure of meeting family lawyer supreme Baroness Shackleton at an event earlier in the year, and she was dressed from head to toe in electric green snakeprint and looked fantastic. We discussed the limitations of her working wardrobe, and while she doesn’t always stick to black in court, she does keep the more vibrant colours and prints in her wardrobe for evening functions. The day that someone turns up to court wearing snakeprint is likely a long way off – but I’m looking forward to it.
