Everyone at some point has muttered the oh-so familiar question, “Do you think this is work appropriate?”

If you haven’t, you must be one wildly assertive human being, and as an overthinker I'm both jealous and in awe of you.

When I first got my job offer atMamamiaI was excited, but stumped about what to wear. I know the pandemic has really changed the way people dress in a corporate workplace, but you never quite know what the vibe will be until you actually rock up.

In retrospect, I now know thatMamamiahas a relaxed dress code that brings out all-round outfit slays. Exhibit A:

Nonetheless, before starting, my family told me to avoid anything form-fitting or short. Not to mention pieces that draw attention to my chest. So practically my entire wardrobe. Great.

So I did what any distressed 20 something year old would do: I complained and overshared on the internet.

I turned to TikTok to document my struggles and triumphs in finding big bust-friendly work 'fits and as a result got lots of insightful recommendations and inspiration.

TikTok helped coin my style as a “casual corporate girlie,” and it’s been good fun ever since. So with that said, here are my top tips for nailing that casual corporate aesthetic, and none of these will tell you to download an outfit planning app.

1. Stay true to your personal style.

If you’re a self-proclaimed fashion girl like me, you would be familiar with the financial sting that comes along with it. So as someone who spends a ridiculous amount of moolah on clothes, one of my mantras is that if I’m pulling out the big bucks, I’m going to re-wear the sh*t out of it - both in and outside the office.

This capsule wardrobe mindset has given me an excuse to identify the styles that bring me joy, and the ones that simply don’t.

This has meant me parting ways with fitted blazers, cropped blouses, camisoles and v-neck t-shirts. I’d always find these pieces made my bust look bulky, yet I would continue to wear them because I felt like I "had to."

As an alternative I’ve opted for boyfriend blazers, turtlenecks, crew neck tees and oversized shirts. These selections feel a lot more “me” and are pieces I will actually reach for, even on weekends.

My latest purchase that I’ve welcomed into my capsule wardrobe is a grey boyfriend style cropped blazer from the label Djerf Avenue, with a matching mini skirt. This set is so comfortable to wear to the office with a shirt and pair of loafers, but come Friday night I'm styling these exact pieces with a corset and sneakers. Balance.

2. Create your own fashion starter kit.

I am a Rachel Green fromFriendsstan. Miss Green is the blueprint for chic, comfortable and fun corporate looks. The biggest style lesson I learnt from watching her on screen is to invest in your favourite line-ups that you can wear on rotation. Almost like a personalised fashion starter kit. Think of it like this: if you were a TV character, what key pieces would viewers always associate you with?

My starter kit includes:

A lot of my starter kit pieces are from Australian brand Thrills, who create vintage inspired streetwear that still holds a place in corporate attire. I love coupling their blue Clyde knit vest with a trusty oversized button up - this is a look I restyle at least once a fortnight.

For my baby t-shirt obsession, Realisation Par takes the cake. Not only are they big bust friendly, but they always look so effortless to take from day to night, no matter the occasion. For more affordable options, Uniqlo has almost identical dupes of the iconic SKIMS cotton tees.