How To Look Good
Get back to work with confidence
Knowing how to dress will help you when you return to the workplace
Going back to work after time off with the kids can be a terrifying prospect. And not only because you might be wondering if you've forgotten how to actually use your brain. But there's also that big worry of What do I wear?
I understand the loss of confidence you feel after being immersed in childcare. It seems as though you are out of step with fashion, I know because so many women I talk to say they go through this.
It's only natural; many women feel that somehow they've lost their identity when they have kids. They've become a mother rather than a woman. And how they dress reflects this. Most women spend all of their time after having kids in jeans, flat shoes and whatever top won't show up the stains.
And while that's great for chasing after toddlers, it's just not going to cut it in the competitive workplace.
Getting the respect you deserve starts with dressing the part. And if your confidence is a little low, knowing how to dress is going to help you fake it just long enough till that pre-child confidence comes flooding back. And trust me. It will.
If you feel comfortable and confident in your new office outfit, then you will in turn exude confidence, feel more relaxed and perform better.
So here are my top tips for how to dress when heading back to work.
Capsule wardrobe
Get items that you can mix and match, so that you don't have to panic about what top goes with what skirt when you wake up in the morning. Invest in some classic tailoreditems like an a-line skirt, a pencil skirt, a great pair of trousers, even a waist-coat. Choose these in solid colours like dark neutrals.
Blouses and tops can be in lighter neutrals and then inject colour and personal style through your accessories. For an executive style be aware of prints...keep them simple and in vertical lines suggesting order and authority. And always make sure your shoes are shined.
Go easy on yourself
Luckily, this season it's all about the big easy. Rather than looking like you haven't bothered, this style is all about effortless cool. Say goodbye to hard edges and hello to drapey jersey fabrics, ruched and pleated chiffons. Their forgiving nips and tucks flatter in all the right places. That way no one needs to know you got dressed in 5 mins.
Give your style an update
If you've been out of the workplace for a while, you may find that a lot of your smart clothes are out of fashion. But it doesn't mean they all have to head to the charity shop. Classic items like simple skirts and trousers never go out of style. Go through all the clothes you already own and think about what you could do to make them look fresh and new. It might mean a quick visit to a tailor to get a subtle adjustment or investing in some accessories to give your look a lift. But it's going to be cheaper than rushing out and buying a whole new wardrobe.
Go Military
A sharp, military jacket is not only in the list of new fashion trends, it can also help you feel like you deserve your place in the boardroom. Throw it over a shift dress for effortless, ageless style. Dress it up with jewellery and scarves for important meetings. Or dress it down, with a pair of smart jeans, for those more casual Fridays.
Great underwear
The key to surviving in the workplace is having the right support. And this is especially true of your underwear. Control underwear is a great secret weapon designed to hold you in, in all the right places and give you a sleek silhouette. Most importantly it will give you confidence in experimenting with some new looks. Also make sure that you are wearing a well-made, properly-fitted bra.
Know what to wear for your shape.
It might be that your shape has changed since you last slipped into a suit. And what worked for you before, may just not work now. First identify your shapeand then find the clothes to best flatter you.What you want to project is order, authority, calmness and clarity. And choosing clothes with the right features for your shape will help.
Through experience, I know some people want that helping hand or that little bit of reassurance so we have teamed up with workafterkids.co.uk to help you dress for your shape, we are giving away a FREE eBook on how to do this to 10 lucky readers, just visit Howtoolookgood.comto enter.
From her website www.howtolookgood.comher e-books help women of all shapes and sizes towards an effortless understanding of how to dress.
