Bored of monochrome workwear? Here's how to make colour office-appropriate
Isabel Spearman is a brand and image consultant who previously worked as special adviser to Samantha Cameron at Downing Street. Each week , she offers a helping hand dissecting workwear dress codes and offering a modern take on power dressing.
To ask Isabel Spearman your workwear questions, email isabel.spearman@telegraph.co.uk or follow her on instagram @isabelspearman
This week, she advises on spring colours to brighten up your workwear...
Q: I’m deathly bored of my monochrome winter work wardrobe - is there anything not black or navy that you’d suggest for the office?
A. When I see public figures adopting a fresh Spring wardrobe it inspires me to dig the more colourful items out from the back of my wardrobe, and invest in some new ones. Whether it’s the Duchess of Cambridge in her vibrant green Catherine Walker ensemble, or Melania Trump’s blush pink trouser suit with a daffodil yellow knit, they both embodied Spring last week.
Double breasted trench, £110, & Other Stories; Stripe knit, £139, ME+EM
Many of my clients are feeling more comfortable about experimenting with brighter colours at work - though they still look for guidance on how to make it office appropriate. Workwear-specific brands are a good place to start as they offer the gently gently approach: Libby London’s slate blue pencil skirt is a great example. A pretty print is also an easy way to introduce colour - the Fold have a pink and blue silk dress (£325) that can be toned down with navy if needed.
Alice jacket, £169, Hobbs; Edith Turner skirt, £135, Libby London
Yellow is a colour that can frighten people but it can look really smart and allow you to stand out; just adapt your make-up to suit with a good blusher and neutral lip colour. Hobbs’ jacket is a very classic shape and would perk up navy trousers no end. If you prefer a more subtle shade then snap up one of Uniqlo’s merino sweaters which come in a softer tone, similar to that worn by the First Lady. Multicolour knits are another simple way of injecting a bit of colour. ME + Em’s striped top would do the trick with a black suit. If you need to keep colours on the muted side at your desk (lawyers, this is for you), then an elegant trench coat in a bright colour worn over a monochrome suit should put a spring (ahem) in your step.
