Figuring out what to wear to work can be a bit crap.
No matter how many times you lay your clothes out the night before, some days nothing you own looks right.
Really, all we want is to be comfortable and effortlessly stylish at work, yeah?
Like one of those French girls. Or your co-worker who always seems to get it right without even trying.
The good news? You can pull of that chic, uncomplicated French style too. Everyone can.
So in the name of beautiful images and things we’d really like to own, see below the definitive guide to looking chic and French at work.
What to buy and how to style it.
Because, sorry, your accent probably isn’t cutting it.
1. The blazer
Chucking on a blazer is possibly the easiest way to 'fake French'.
Draped over your shoulders or paired with high-waisted pieces, a blazer's structure will elevate your look into chic territory without being fussy in the slightest.
Checked blazers are everywhere at the moment, but a classic, long line silhouette in black or navy will never date.
ASOS Tailored Bold Spring Check Blazer, $109
Missguided Curve Black Check Longline Blazer, $70
Atmos&Here Monaco Long line Loose Blazer, $99.95
Zara Double-Breasted Blazer, $159
2. The denim jean
Yes, a good denim jean is a staple no matter what your style.
But if your office dress code allows for them, they're a great way to look chic at work.
Choose a clean, uncomplicated cut for a sophisticated take on classic denim. Straight, boyfriend or 'mum' style jeans are great options if you're over skinny jeans.
And if you must have rips, make them on a light stone wash pair. Or compromise by picking a pair with distressing on the hem.
River Island Plus Raw Hem Skinny Jeans, $84
Supré The Cool Mom Denim Jean, $50
ASOS CURVE RIDLEY High Waist Skinny Jeans in Clean Black, $50
Target Lily Loves Mom Jeans, $35
3. The colour palette
Basically, black = French.
Just like their coffee. And as some who've been to Paris might say, their souls.
But welcome other moody autumn/winter tones like olive green, navy, toasty brown, and of course any and all shades of red too.
Style tip - I saw Mamamia's Executive Editor Leigh Campbell with the sleeves of her coloured knit cuffed over her black blazer the other day. Stylish but unexpected.
The Fifth Rooftop Polka Dot Long Sleeve Top, $79.95
Witchery Soft Pleat Skirt in Plum, $119.95
The Fifth Habitat Knit, $109.95
Forecast Ashlyn Turtleneck Sweater, $39.99
ASOS CURVE Woven Peg Pants with OBI Tie, $50
4. The white shirt
White shirts don't have to look corporate.
If you're someone who needs to wear a shirt or blouse in the office, picking a crisp, white shirt with a different silhouette or interesting sleeve detailing looks polished, not boxy.
White shirts should come with a warning though - for some reason, they seem to always end up with a splotch of sauce down the front.
Or maybe that's just us.
Evans Eyelet Flute Sleeve Top, $59.95
Witchery Cotton Shirt, $129.95
Cotton On Women Rebecca Shirt, $29.95
Zara Draped Knot Blouse, $69.95
5. Simple accessories
French style is known for its simplicity.
Swap your chunky, elaborate earrings for fine pieces in silver, gold or rose gold, and a timeless watch with matching hardware won't go astray either.
Add a black bag in a classic shape and a scarf for your chignon and get on the next flight to Paris, stat.
Cinquante The Knot Cuff, $149
Lauve Riley Necklace, $58
Scarfy Official Gingham Style, $24
Cooper St Sprint Turnlock Tote, $39.99
Daniel Wellington Classic York Leather Watch, $189
6. The refined shoe
Step away from your Stan Smith sneakers and towards more refined footwear.
Like, for example, a loafer or mule. Or a loafer mule.
Anything with a point is also especially chic. Mainly because it looks like you mean business while being completely effortless.
If only.
And red boots are a great way to inject a trendiness - or je ne sais quoi - into an otherwise timeless ensemble.
Jo Mercer Prague Slingback Loafer, $189.95
Spurr Simona Loafer Mules, $49.95
Kmart Pointy Toe Loafers, $15
Rubi Cha Cha Slingback Heel, $49.95
Rubi Milan Kitten Mule Heel, $49.95
Rubi Evie Bow Mule, $29.95
Zara Leather Ankle Boots with Block Heel, $139
Oh, and then there's horizontal stripes. Of course.
But you know enough about them already.
What's your favourite work wear look? Do you like to get dressed up for work?
Top Comments
All these outfits are frumpy. And they call this “fashion”?
Disappointing.
Denim and skinny jeans? Hardly any workplaces would allow them to be worn. No place I have worked in the past 18 years. It's a very casual and unprofessional look.
The long blazer would look ridiculous on anyone shorter than 5 foot 9.
Most of the photos used as examples are not work appropriate outfits, they're fashion and hobo-looking at that.
It just looks like someone wrote an article based on some mundane "chic" stuff she pinned on Pinterest.
“Blazers? For work? Groundbreaking.”
Could those ‘mum’ jeans get any uglier? They probably work if you’re the young, tall, slim model type, you can wear them ironically. On my dumpy middle aged ass, they would be the living embodiment of that SNL picture! https://uploads.disquscdn.c...