Style Guide: How to dress for the office

The Perfect Outfit Ideas: How to Choose Good Clothes?

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Malaysia-based Shameena, a leading fashionista, and our Fashion Editor, discusses the perfect outfit ideas after discussing in detail the body types of women. She gives invaluable tips for choosing clothes, in the weekly column, exclusively in Different Truths.

Recap: The five main body shapes (or silhouettes if you will) are Hourglass, Rectangle, Pear, Apple and Inverted Triangle body shape. Examining your shape allows you the opportunity to ga in a better understanding of what these areas are, which will allow you to learn about dressing to fit and flatter your figure. What’s most important here is to take a note of the proportions of your body – lower compared to upper half. And then figure out what needs to be trimmed or added to create a proportional body shape or to create more of an hourglass effect.

Now, that we had determined and learned about our body shape and its features from my last week’s article, next question which might arise in your mind would be: How to choose good clothes? Or what are the prefect outfit ideas?

Good Fit = Good fashion: What is a Good Fit?

When it comes to looking good, it’s not only your size or shape that matters, it’s the fit of your clothes. Wearing the right clothes shouldn’t be about following the latest fashion trends; it should be about choosing what actually suits you and what makes you feel comfortable and confident.

Fitting clothes does not mean suffocating in a slim fit if you are oversized or hiding your form by wearing baggy clothes to act more relaxed. It simply means wearing what works for you that allows you to breathe without you getting lost in what you wear.

From a personal perspective, what you wear affects how you present yourself and how you feel about yourself. This translates into your confidence level, making people think of you as less confident and over time, your confidence will get affected by this.

In fashion, there are some qualities that drive nearly all of your clothing’s effect on your appearance. They are good cut, shape, colour, texture and pattern.

A good fit, fabric and style are the major elements that define a piece of clothing, for good or ill effect. They’re where you’re getting the most “bang for your buck” in your clothing purchases.

Good Fit

The fit of your clothing has the ability to be a total make-or-break, no matter what its other characteristics are. A good fit doesn’t just slide onto the body without discomfort it’s one that’s tailored to flatter your frame specifically, emphasising the features you want to draw attention to and minimising the ones you want to conceal.

Length: The easiest bad fit to spot is the garment’s length, if it is either too short or too long.

The easiest bad fit to spot is the garment’s length, if it is either too short or too long. Width: Different bodies need vastly different widths – which can be a problem when buying clothing in simplistic sizes like “small,” “large,” “extra-large” and so forth. Length also differs from US, EU, UK sizes and even from brands of clothing.

You can usually get a good sense of whether or not a garment’s width is correct just from how it feels to wear it. If the fabric is pinching and wrinkling because it’s being stretched too far, or swaying and flapping because it’s hanging too loose, the clothing is going to need adjustment. A too-tight or too-loose fit is uncomfortable as well as unsightly, making this a key one to fix.

Colour: Our fashion colour choices say a lot about the image we are trying to portray and how we feel about ourselves. Colours produce different reactions when used in different fabrics and when put together in different colour combinations. The rights colours can make your skin tone appear more even, reduce the appearance of wrinkles and dark circles and make you look brighter and healthier. While on the other hand wearing a colour which isn’t so good for you can make you look tired, dull and even ill.

I will be discussing colour analysis in details in my upcoming article exclusively on Different Truths. Once you know your personal colour, practice by understanding their association with seasonable colours (spring, summer, winter, and fall). They can give a set of guidelines for a flattering effect of your clothes. You’ll also be able to forecast colours for the next season.

Prints and Patterns: Prints and patterns not only give an outfit a shot of personality, but they also have the ability to complement your beautiful body shape and provide proportion.

I will be discussing print and patterns in details on my upcoming article on Different Truths. With the simple knowledge, you’ll have an easier time shopping (and cleaning out your closet) for what prints and patterns work best for your body.

Fabric

Price tags of clothes are set based on based on the fabric you select. This should give you an idea of how important fabric selection is. It’s the first fundamental choice in a garment’s construction.

The fabric used can affect many things about a garment; its weight and texture, most obviously, but also the way it drapes on the body, the way it feels after hours of prolonged wear; the care and cleaning it requires.

Style

Style is the cornerstone of appearance, it’s a reference to the overall character of an item — to the impression it gives other people when they glance at it.

I always lay emphasis on selfhood for style. Our sense of well-being, of contentedness, of meaningfulness, of how we perceive our personal identity – all these relate directly to the individual’s notion of selfhood. My golden rule is “Always wear what you want to wear”.

Good Design

Good design is not just what looks good. It also needs to perform, convert, astonish, and fulfil its purpose. A good design cannot be measured by a finite way – multiple perspectives are needed. Innovative design can both be a break-through the existing fashion and a redesign of an existing fashion. A breakthrough design adds a before unseen value and function to the user, while a redesign improves an existing style. If that style is derived from your own self-hood. Viola!

A good design has an important objective. It builds on sustainability in the sense that design and materials are durable and not just a trend. A good design should be based on its use and designed to improve a given situation for its user.

Moreover, a good design is effective and efficient in fulfilling its purpose. It relies on as few external factors and inputs as possible, and these are easy to measure and manipulate to achieve an expected other output, especially with your own styling. A good design is always the simplest possible working solution.

How to Choose Good Clothes?

Most of us find going clothes shopping difficult and confusing. Sometimes you head to a department store with an idea in mind, but once you get there you have no idea where to start. There are so many different styles, cuts, sizes, colours and brands that you may feel overwhelmed. Often ask ourselves How to choose good clothes?

Having an idea of what looks good on you will make choosing good clothes much easier. There are some tips you need to know before you go clothes shopping.

Examine and determine your body shape: Please refer to by last two articles on body shape and what to wear according to your body shape.

Know your measurement: Whether you’re buying clothing off-the-rack or having it tailored, it’s best to keep your exact proportions in mind. Use a tape measure and write down the exact numbers. This helps you to examine and determine your clothes size as well.

Get to know your body: We often have a pre-set mind that not every trend works for every woman. That’s ok, but unless you don’t try variety you would never know! Trying on a wide range of clothing, instead of the same types over and over, can help you find new styles that feel and look better on you.

Find brands and labels that suit you: Discovering stores or clothing line that flatters your body and fits you well, you will likely find that they will be consistent in this. This is always handy to save yourself some time and frustration, keep going back to the stores with clothes that have fit you well in the past. But don’t get stuck in a fashion rut. Often we find a label we like and don’t look around for what could possibly be a better fit.

Give yourself a lot of time: Finding the time is always the problem, but when we feel rushed, we’re more likely to grab the first few items we see, not necessarily the ones that fit us best. I love to take a lot of time to shop clothes. I window shop first, then try each of them what I like, instead of just wearing I feel it on me and then determine.

Primary opinion should be yours: Shopping is fun with a companion or friends. People have many different opinions because they have different life experience and perspectives. Always very little can be said with absolute certainty outside the realm of mathematics. Hence when you choose or confused follow your heart’s desire or let the primary opinion be yours always and second opinion from your companion.

Try these given tips, if you have any opinion of your own? Leave us a comment and share the article with your network! I will be discussing about patterns and colour in my upcoming article, so stay tuned. Till then happy shopping!

©Shameena Abdurahiman

Photos sourced by the author.

#FashionFunda #Fitting #Style #FashionAndColor #FittingFashion #Material #FabricAndFashion #DifferentTruths

How To Dress in Cold Weather

On days when your breath hangs in the air, your clothing strategy is key. Here are our tips for how to dress when the temperatures drop.

Layers, Layers Everywhere

Layering lets you adjust your body’s thermostat by putting on and removing items to maintain an even comfort level as conditions and your exertion levels change. For a more detailed explanation, read Layering Basics. This clothing strategy is especially important in wintry weather.

To dress for cold weather, you need three layers to work in concert for maximum warmth:

Base layer: Your long underwear needs to keep your skin as dry as possible. Middle layer: Your fleece or puffy jacket needs to hang onto as much body heat as possible. Outer layer: Your rain gear needs to protect you from rain and wind.

How to Choose Your Base/Underwear Layer

Warm skin starts with dry skin, so your long undies’ job is to wick perspiration away from you. (Wet skin is a recipe for becoming chilled.)

Fabric: Synthetics like polyesters are great at both wicking and drying. Wool—soft, nonitchy merino wool—is a good natural fiber option.

Synthetics like polyesters are great at both wicking and drying. Wool—soft, nonitchy merino wool—is a good natural fiber option. Fit: Wicking can’t happen in places where fabric isn’t touching skin, so you want a comfortably snug (not tight) fit everywhere.

Wicking can’t happen in places where fabric isn’t touching skin, so you want a comfortably snug (not tight) fit everywhere. Thickness (weight): Heavyweight makes sense for below-freezing temps and low activity levels. Midweight is a good all-around choice. Lightweight is best left to milder conditions.

Shop for Long Underwear

How to Choose Your Middle/Insulating Layer

This is the layer most of us think about in cold conditions, so it’s not surprising that its job is to retain warmth.

Insulation material: If you’re a huge fleece fan, then make sure your jacket is heavyweight fleece. When you’re talking serious cold, then puffy jackets come into play. Down is the gold standard here, but not so great if it gets wet. Puffy jackets with synthetic fills are your better option when conditions are damp or you’ll be breaking a serious sweat. To learn more, read Down vs. Synthetic: Which Insulation is Right for You?

If you’re a huge fleece fan, then make sure your jacket is heavyweight fleece. When you’re talking serious cold, then puffy jackets come into play. Down is the gold standard here, but not so great if it gets wet. Puffy jackets with synthetic fills are your better option when conditions are damp or you’ll be breaking a serious sweat. To learn more, read Down vs. Synthetic: Which Insulation is Right for You? Insulation thickness: This is tricky because you can’t rely on thickness to indicate warmth level when insulation types differ. And any temperature rating on a jacket isn’t useful because there are too many variables—wind, rain, activity level and more. You can eyeball two jackets with identical insulation specs, though, and conclude that puffier equals warmer. To learn more, read How to Choose Insulated Outerwear.

This is tricky because you can’t rely on thickness to indicate warmth level when insulation types differ. And any temperature rating on a jacket isn’t useful because there are too many variables—wind, rain, activity level and more. You can eyeball two jackets with identical insulation specs, though, and conclude that puffier equals warmer. To learn more, read How to Choose Insulated Outerwear. Full coverage: It’s easy to become jacket obsessed. Save some love for the legs. Pack along a pair of fleece pants or insulated pants so your lower half can stay as warm as your top side.

Shop for Insulating Layers

How to Choose Your Outer Layer (Shell Jackets and Pants)

This is your outer line of defense. Even though it’s often referred to as “rainwear,” this layer’s job is to shield the underneath layers from snow, sleet, rain and wind. For a detailed discussion on rainwear, read How to Choose Rainwear. Whatever you wear needs three important attributes:

Precipitation protection: A wicking base layer can’t keep your skin dry if what’s falling from the skies soaks you from the outside. In winter you don’t want to sacrifice any warmth to evaporation cooling. So wear a shell that’s “waterproof,” rather than merely “water resistant,” unless conditions are crystal clear and shelter will always be close at hand. For a deeper dive, read What Does It Mean If a Jacket is Water Resistant?

A wicking base layer can’t keep your skin dry if what’s falling from the skies soaks you from the outside. In winter you don’t want to sacrifice any warmth to evaporation cooling. So wear a shell that’s “waterproof,” rather than merely “water resistant,” unless conditions are crystal clear and shelter will always be close at hand. For a deeper dive, read What Does It Mean If a Jacket is Water Resistant? Breathable protection: Perspiration wicked by your base layer needs a way to escape. Wear a shell that’s breathable or moisture can build up inside it and soak you. You don’t need the most expensive GORE-TEX ® rainwear—any shell that’s designated as “waterproof/breathable” should cover you.

Perspiration wicked by your base layer needs a way to escape. Wear a shell that’s breathable or moisture can build up inside it and soak you. You don’t need the most expensive GORE-TEX rainwear—any shell that’s designated as “waterproof/breathable” should cover you. Windchill protection: The good news is that any shell that’s “waterproof” is also “windproof.”

The good news is that any shell that’s “waterproof” is also “windproof.” Shell pants: Cold wet ankles are no fun, so be sure your boot tops are covered. If your pants don’t do that, then consider adding a pair of gaiters.

Shop for Shell Jackets

Shop for Shell Pants

How to Keep Your Head, Hands and Feet Warm

To prevent extremities from getting cold, cover up everywhere. You can read How to Keep Your Hands Warm for some tips. The warmest options in hats, gloves and footwear do the same thing as layers elsewhere: wick, insulate and block rain and wind.

Hats : Wool and synthetic beanies work well, and you can rely on your shell jacket’s hood for rain coverage. Full-on winter hats will have insulation inside a shell material. Make sure any headwear covers your ears. If your face is uncomfortably cold, then wear a balaclava.

Wool and synthetic beanies work well, and you can rely on your shell jacket’s hood for rain coverage. Full-on winter hats will have insulation inside a shell material. Make sure any headwear covers your ears. If your face is uncomfortably cold, then wear a balaclava. Gloves : Fleece gloves provide basic warmth. Insulated gloves, especially ones with waterproof/breathable shells are better. Mittens, because they let finger share warmth, will always be a warmer option than a glove made of the same materials.

Fleece gloves provide basic warmth. Insulated gloves, especially ones with waterproof/breathable shells are better. Mittens, because they let finger share warmth, will always be a warmer option than a glove made of the same materials. Boots : Boots with thick, non-cotton socks can provide warmth when conditions are merely cold but not wet or snowy. Waterproof boots are the next step up. Winter boots, in addition to offering traction on snow or ice, will include insulation.

Boots with thick, non-cotton socks can provide warmth when conditions are merely cold but not wet or snowy. Waterproof boots are the next step up. Winter boots, in addition to offering traction on snow or ice, will include insulation. A warmer coat: Think of this as a twist on “cold hands, warm heart.” If your heart is truly toasty, then it has plenty of warm blood to pump out to your hands and feet.

Think of this as a twist on “cold hands, warm heart.” If your heart is truly toasty, then it has plenty of warm blood to pump out to your hands and feet. Warming packets: You can also add warmth by slipping hand or foot warmers inside your gloves or socks. Some gloves include pockets sized for the packets. Brands like Grabber and Heat Factory make them in a variety of sizes.

You can also add warmth by slipping hand or foot warmers inside your gloves or socks. Some gloves include pockets sized for the packets. Brands like Grabber and Heat Factory make them in a variety of sizes. Electric accessories: If you prefer nondisposable heat (and have lots of disposable income) you can get rechargeable warmers, gloves, socks and insoles. The price for these is steep, though, so most people only turn to them if their hands and feet are chronically cold.

Additional Layering Tips for Cold Weather

Don’t wait to adjust layers: Throw on a shell at the first sign of rain or wind, and remove your insulating jacket the minute you start to sweat. Staying warm and dry is easier than warming up or drying out.

Throw on a shell at the first sign of rain or wind, and remove your insulating jacket the minute you start to sweat. Staying warm and dry is easier than warming up or drying out. Cotton is a no-no in any layer: Set aside your love of cotton flannel (or anything cotton) because it soaks up water and takes forever to dry out. That’s a recipe for hypothermia.

Set aside your love of cotton flannel (or anything cotton) because it soaks up water and takes forever to dry out. That’s a recipe for hypothermia. Layers should play well together: Middle and outer layers need to glide on and off. When they fit too tightly with the layers beneath them, then adjustments become cumbersome and you risk constricting circulation.

Beyond Clothing

To learn additional strategies for staying warm outdoors, and about cold-weather health concerns, read How Do I Stay Warm Without a Fire and Winter Camping and Backpacking Tips.

Style Guide: How to dress for the office

Fiona Sinclair Scott , CNN Written by Contributors Illustrations by Leanza Abucayan

Fiona Sinclair Scott is CNN Style's global editor.

If the thought of retiring your comfortable sweats and choosing a new outfit to leave the house in each morning is an intimidating prospect, you're in good company. For the better part of the pandemic, I've lived in a pair of stretchy, soft wool trousers in the cooler months, switching allegiance in summer to a white linen dress that my brother-in-law dubbed "the ghost dress" (likening its so flowy, so oversized shape to that of a large bedsheet with a hole cut out for my head).

Now, many of us are readjusting to being back in an office -- a prospect that may come with numerous challenges but perhaps none greater than one looming concern: What to wear?

This guide -- with input from four fashion insiders -- should help you get back in the right mindset for dressing up (or simply getting dressed) for work.

One caveat: If your dressing for work energy is akin to Julia Roberts playing Erin Brockovich ("As long as I've got one ass instead of two, I'll wear what I like if that's all right with you"), you don't need me or this guide, you need a high five. Keep it up.

Formalities out of the way, read on for everything you need to know about dressing for the office.

The green tip: Shop your wardrobe

When in a sartorial panic, there's a tendency to solve it with a shopping spree. But as we all wise up to the impact of our consumption habits on the planet, consider this sustainable alternative: Get your hand out of your pocket and dig deep inside your wardrobe instead.

"It's a first step," said Los Angeles-based stylist Cassandra Dittmer, who suggests you figure out what you have, what you love, what needs repair and what you might want to pass on. "Hopefully (you'll) uncover some hidden gems."

"At the end of the process, you should feel a deeper connection to your wardrobe, find the gaps that need filling and give yourself a great basis to work from each day when putting your outfits together with ease."

I did this last month and rediscovered an old pair of trousers that I'm wearing again after re-dying them black. (Faded black jeans, trousers and sweaters really benefit from running them through a wash cycle with an at-home clothes dye capsule, such as the kind made by Dylon).

"Buy clothes that fit you across your widest part and tailor the rest inward." Lauren Chan, model and founder of Henning

Model, size-inclusivity activist and Henning founder Lauren Chan. Credit: Melodie Jeng/Getty Images

Bonus tip: If you live in a country with hot and cold seasons, pack your summer clothes away when fall arrives. You'll be surprised by the aura of newness they take on when you retrieve them from storage months later.

Dittmer, who has built her styling business around eco-conscious values, suggests you may want to go further and channel your inner Cher Horowitz (à la the movie "Clueless"): "Document your looks and take pictures of outfits you love and feel most confident in. A convenient folder on your phone will make a quick and handy reference point when you are scrambling to pack for a work trip or getting ready in the morning."

The basics: Polished comfort

There's a way to dress comfortably without looking bedraggled, and with many employers loosening up on the rules, it's a great time to try a polished but casual look.

Joanna Dai, who left her job in finance to start her own eponymous fashion brand, has noticed a trend away from overly formal office fashion conventions like formal suits and restrictive pencil skirts.

"In the new normal things have gotten more casual in office," said Dai, noting that, as companies recognize the importance of well-being at work, many have adopted more relaxed dress codes that allow for jeans and sneakers or done away with dress codes altogether.

"Never underestimate the power of a good fit." Cassandra Ditter, Los Angeles-based stylist

Embracing more casual attire while also looking professional begins with understanding the importance of quality materials, fit and color.

"Never underestimate the power of a good fit," Dittmer said. "I'm not talking expensive, Savile Row tailoring -- but making sure your trousers are cut to the most flattering fit can be a huge improvement and make you feel really well put together. Most dry cleaners offer very accessible tailoring services."

Model and the founder of size-inclusive fashion brand Henning, Lauren Chan, agreed a good tailor is important, adding, "Here's a secret: Clothes aren't actually meant to fit you. They're built to fit an 'average build' which is -- spoiler alert -- no one. Buy clothes that fit you across your widest part (for me, it's my waist) and tailor the rest inward."

When it comes to materials, most linens, while beautiful, wrinkle easily and are not going to be your friend throughout an eight-hour day at a desk job. On the other hand, polyester is pretty wrinkle-resistant, but it's a synthetic fabric that's terrible for the planet and doesn't breathe -- putting you at risk of unsightly sweat patches and a guilty conscience. Check labels for organic and sustainably made cotton or new fabrics made with a high percentage of recycled materials.

Clockwise from left to right: White trouser menswear look courtesy Arket; Brown trouser menswear look courtesy Mr Porter; Layered blazer street style look via Getty Images; Yellow suit, Michael Kors, via Getty Images; Frame straight leg jeans courtesy Net-a-Porter; Red trouser look, Gabriela Hearst, via Getty Images; Slouchy street style look via Getty Images; Midi skirt look courtesy Dai.

Dai puts a lot of emphasis on what she calls "high-functioning" environmentally friendly materials, such as micromodal (made from the cellulose of natural beechwood trees in a closed-loop, carbon neutral process) or recycled polyamide (made from plastic waste like fishing nets and carpet). Many of the items in her lines are made from wrinkle-resistant, machine washable, stretch materials that are great for people with busy schedules who don't have time to iron or make regular trips to the dry cleaner.

Olie Arnold, style director at menswear e-commerce site Mr Porter, suggests opting for unlined suits. "Go for suits and jackets which are unlined and deconstructed with a breathable fabric," he said, "as they will give you a smart look with a comfortable fit."

And, he advises, if you want to relax your suit further, don't bother with a formal shirt. "If you can push the envelope a little at your workplace, a merino wool long-sleeve polo is a perfect companion, breaking up your outfit without losing that professional look." Merino wool is naturally temperature regulating, too.

Personally, I also love an oversize jacket and slouchy suits, and there are many options out there right now at a range of price points. Brands like Arket (another Scandinavian label within the H&M group) offer some solid midrange casual suits. Keep the jacket unbuttoned always and wear a good quality cotton T-shirt underneath. Pair it with boots or sneakers (French brand Veja has good green credentials, offering many styles appropriate for the office).

Fashion designer Charlie Casely-Hayford wearing a Casely-Hayford suit T-shirt. Credit: Kirstin Sinclair/Getty Images

The aside: A note for newbies

Whether you landed a new role or your first ever job during the pandemic, you might be looking at walking into your office without any prior reference for what people used to wear before Covid.

First off, just ask -- it's totally reasonable to ask your colleagues or manager what the vibe is. And if you're still unsure, remember this sound advice from Arnold: "Be yourself, dress for the occasion and make sure you feel comfortable. If you don't feel comfortable in what you wear, it can reflect on how you present yourself and your productivity."

The golden rule: Create your own uniform and then build on it

Set yourself up by establishing some staple pieces that can form the basis of your work wardrobe. A great pair of black trousers, a blazer and some quality shirts can go a long way.

Drawing on her own closet as an example, Dai said, "I have a uniform or a capsule collection in my wardrobe. I've got a skinny-ankle trouser which is great for cycling into work because they won't get caught on the chain. I also have a wide-leg just to add that difference in the week...And then one or two good blazers."

Model Paloma Elsesser walks the runway during the Chloe 2022 show in a black dress for every day. Credit: Victor Virgile/Gamma-Rapho/Getty Images

Every item in your collection of staples should be something you can imagine wearing multiple times in a week, and you should be able to style each item in at least three different outfits.

"Be yourself, dress for the occasion and make sure you feel comfortable. If you don't feel comfortable in what you wear, it can reflect on how you present yourself and your productivity." Oli Arnold, style director at Mr Porter

In cooler months, a well-tailored pair of trousers paired with quality knitwear and a boot is fuss-free, especially if you stick to classic colors like black, navy, grays and tans, which are very easy to interchange. The knitwear can be swapped out for a blouse or shirt in warmer weather for a similar effect.

Writer, activist and broadcaster Sinéad Burke in a classic Burberry trench coat. Credit: Kirstin Sinclair/Getty Images

Skirts can play into this uniform, too. An A-line skirt cut an inch or two above the knee with a crisp white shirt with a French tuck (a more relaxed approach where the back of your shirt remains mostly untucked) could be added into your rotation in warmer months. Also, midlength skirts pair nicely with structured, thick cotton T-shirts or a thin wool sweater.

The twist: Accessorize

Mix up the uniform with jewelry and accessories. I'm a big fan of the workwear uniform, but I'll mix it up with some form of accessory.

Arnold points to footwear as another way to elevate a simple look. "A classic hard shoe, such as a pair of Penny Loafers from John Lobb or George Cleverley, are a personal staple. You can't go wrong with their practicality and long-lasting craftsmanship, whilst (they) can easily elevate an outfit if you go a little more casual."

A pair of tan flats are also great if you don't want to wear sneakers. Go for a sharp, pointed toe as opposed to anything rounded. Also, a beautiful silk scarf (worn folded into a triangle and draped over your shoulders), a watch or -- my personal favorite -- big earrings can be quite impactful.

If you're looking for an investment piece, I'd always (much to my bank account's horror) splash out on a bag. A beautifully crafted handbag or tote will last forever and immediately lift a look. If that sounds expensive, scroll down for tips on renting. Alternatively, the luxury resale market is booming. Use sites like Vestiaire or Resee to find deals on pre-vetted, secondhand luxury items.

Clockwise from left to right: Patent leather coat and scarf street style look via Getty Images; Totême scarf courtesy Net-a-Porter; Red Loewe bag photographed by Hannah Crosskey for Cocoon; Pink gingham jacket street style look and navy jacket with Chanel bag street style look via Getty Images; Statement earrings look via Getty Images; Black Balenciaga bag photographed by Charlie Gates for Cocoon; Tangerine jacket street style look via Getty Images; Cream Gucci bag photographed by Hannah Crosskey for Cocoon.

The debate: To denim or not to denim

A no-denim policy might be the last bastion of formal workwear culture at some corporate workplaces, but for many companies, denim is absolutely acceptable.

"I really do believe you can wear denim, even in more formal offices (or) at least on a Friday," said Dai, who added that she preferred black denim when she still worked in a corporate setting. "If you're not seeing clients or you have clients who are more casual than you are then I think (if you're considering) a denim for a lunch meeting, go for it!"

Dittmer agrees. "To ease yourself in, start with dark, straight-leg denim which can look really polished. Denim can be a great base layer for crisp shirting, beautiful blouses, and is a great way to break out of your classic work uniform style and branch out into more playful looks."

Look for darker denim washes, and a classic straight or wide leg. Gen Z ruled out skinny jeans last year, much to the despair of many millennials, and -- while I don't live and die by trends -- I think they might have a point. Also, keep your ankles away at work (a tiny hint is fine but avoid a cropped jean). And while we're seeing a lot of low-slung options on the runway as the fashion world continues to be inspired by Y2K style, high-waisted options are the best bet for the office (they're also the most flattering).

The pep talk: Don't forget to make it fun

If you're dreading heading back to the office because you hate your commute, or it's messing up your childcare routine, or you've simply realized during the pandemic that you're a happy introvert, consider the benefits of dopamine dressing.

Lean into the chance to express yourself and play with fashion. Use clothes to set the mood for your day, depending on what's on the agenda.

Influencer Darja Barannik playing with color in Copenhagen. Credit: Christian Vierig/Getty Images

Renting is an excellent way to experiment and add some fun pieces to your wardrobe. For Dittmer, "It's a great low-commitment, low-cost way to try out new styles and brands."

It's also a great way to inject a little bit of luxury into your life. I pay for a monthly subscription to a rental company called Cocoon that allows me to select one designer bag every four weeks to be delivered to my door. The one I'm sporting this month retails around $2,000, but it cost me $130. Renting is also a great option should you need to dress up for a work event. More and more online styling services are popping up with plenty of partywear.

Above all, remember that fashion is supposed to be fun. Don't take it too seriously; wear clothes that make you feel confident and happy. It's horribly cheesy, but a smile really is the best accessory.

Top image credits: Clockwise from left to right: Yellow skirt and shirt look courtesy Arket; Navy suit street style look via Getty Images; Brown suit courtesy Mr Porter; Maxi dress and blazer street style look via Getty Images; White shirt look courtesy Dai; Black trousers and oversize white shirt look courtesy Dai; trench coat look courtesy Arket.