SKIRTS FOR OFFICE PLUS PLAY

Choosing a wardrobe to wear to work can be confusing and pricey so I’ll be doing a series of posts on work-wear for the office and beyond. Now unless you wear a corporate uniform and absolutely have to wear a set style and pieces I believe that there is room for your personality to shine a little in the office.

Gone are the days where we clock in and look like clones of each other, the office set up is a more relaxed space. We can work remotely, only visiting the office occasionally or for short periods of time. We also leave the office for meetings, Skype, travel and for some of us the ‘office’ doesn’t always look like a traditional work space.

So when advising ladies on ‘work wear’ I say look for pieces that can take you to work and beyond. Perhaps a dress/skirt/top that can do double duty at events or even on the weekends. Think outside the box a little when choosing pieces for work, look at fabric construction, durability and think about whether you can make it work hard again and again. Oh, and don’t feel bad for investing a few extra dollars in a piece that will work as hard as you do 🙂

So with that in mind let’s focus on work skirts today.

For a skirt to work in an office it needs to be well made, the correct length for the environment and it needs to be able to be paired back with multiple tops to create as many looks as possible. Ugh, I know that sounds like the holy grail of shopping a perfect wardrobe but it really is easy to do once you know what you are looking for.

For your work skirts to work on weekends you might look at one with stripes that you can add crisp white blouse to or a stretch fabric that can be teamed back with sneakers and a casual shirt or tee.

For work skirts to go effortlessly and stylishly from boardroom to bar look at a pleather or leather skirt, a skirt with a touch of lace or a skirt with personality like a fit and flare style.

A patterned skirt always looks great with a simple shirt, let your personality shine through the skirt and add some key accessories.

What shapes work best with what skirt style.

-A pear shape will work best with a fit and flare style or A line style that hits the knee.

-Hourglass shapes look amazing in a pencil skirt…every single time! Add a peplum and you are a star!

-An apple shape looks fab in a sexy pencil skirt or an A line midi skirt.

-A column shape looks fab in a fitted style, have fun with pockets, ruffles and zip details to help create shape.  A maxi or longer skirt with a drop waist and pleats will work on your shape every single time, try an asymmetric hemline to create shape too.

-If you are petite look for styles that don’t swamp you, you have permission to have fun with shorter skirts, just not too short. Adding a skirt with details like a tulip shape or pleats will give you some shape.

Taking work skirts from the office to the weekend

-The easiest way to adapt a work wear skirt to play is with your choice of footwear. A white or coloured sneaker adds a relaxed and comfy vibe, we all know I am a huge fan of sneakers with a skirt or dress…any skirt or dress 🙂

-Adding a plain tee to a skirt with a denim vest, denim jacket or leather jacket will add some masculine edge to a more feminine skirt for a touch of gritty pretty. Wanna make it more edgy? Add a tee with a rock slogan and a blingy statement neck piece.

Adapting your work skirts for events?

-The same rules apply, choose some statement heels or fun sandals and make that work skirt shine with a pretty blouse and great accessories. Think about adding a blouse in on trend colours or patterns or luxe it up a bit with flashy fabrics. Just because you wore it to the office doesn’t mean it can’t do double duty at a fancy dinner or your nephews twenty first bash.

What to wear ‘under’ your skirt.

Here’s my hot tip…wear something! Haha, in the office you don’t want to be left blushing because you bent too far over or a gush of wind caught you and your skirt by surprise. Wear comfy knickers and seam free if wearing a pencil skirt.

Alana heel Frankie4 Footwear
Elomi Morgan bra from Buxom Envy
Sonsee Anti Chafe shorts in black or nude (short length)

If the summer heat makes your thighs feel like they might combust then use 3B cream or get your hands on some anti chafe shorts. These ones from Sonsee do the trick for me. They are available in multiple lengths and a few colours, I prefer the shorter length in a plain finish but you might like the lace. These anti chafe shorts are seam free, have reinforced thighs, are NOT shape=wear and keep you drier and cooler.They also have an anti roll waistband giving you peace of mind when getting up and down from a desk that your pants stay put.

You might remember this pair I wore…

My fave finds

Ok, here’s the fun bit, let’s take a look at some styles of work skirts that I know can go from the office and beyond……

Karen Pleated Faux Leather Skirt (14-24), Chambray Panelled A-Line Skirt (10-20), You Got the Look Harlow Pencil Skirt (12-26)

Hunt & Kelly Stripe Magic Skirt (0-3), Mallorca Blue Bungalow Rouched Skirt (S-XL), City Chic Spotty Dotty Skirt (XS-XL)

Cooper Street Curvy Jourdan Maxi Skirt (18-24), ASOS Curve Postcard Print Maxi Skirt (16-28), Bohemian Traders Tea Skirt (XXS-4XL)

Katies Printed Hanky Hem Skirt (8-20), ASOS Curvy Sateen Midi Skirt (18-24), Bohemian Traders Gingham Maxi Wrap Skirt (XXS-4XL)

 

Well, that’s it, do you think you will look at skirts a little differently now? Tried anti chafe shorts?

Let me know if you have a favourite skirt style

Til next time,

Jen x

This post contains items sent to me for editorial consideration and affiliate links in accordance with my disclosure policy.

Updated March 2018