It’s an (almost) age-old predicament. Should your 9-5 wardrobe be HR-friendly or fashion-forward? Because let’s be honest, nothing stifles your stylish reputation like having to adhere to bland AF dress codes at work. It’s one of the things I love about working at Showpo HQ. You won’t find any stuffy corporate-wear when you walk through our doors. But I get it, not every workplace is like that.

However, finding the balance between office appropriate and fashionable isn’t as hard as it seems.

To curate your very own killer workwear wardrobe, take cues from these foolproof styling tips. Apply them to your wardrobe and you’ll be radiating boss vibes even if you’ve only just started your career.

The Blazer

You know what they say, waste not, want not. If you’re going to back yourself by investing in a few staple blazers, make sure you get one that can work overtime. Pairing a neutral-hued blazer with denim is perfect for casual Fridays but come Monday morning you can easily wear it again with white pants and a button-down shirt.

Don’t be afraid to size up in a blazer either. Having a bit of room to move and layer up is a lifesaver come winter. In the warmer months, having a larger fit will give you that oversized silhouette the fashion pack loves.

The Crisp White Shirt

If a white shirt isn’t already in your rotation, fix that ASAP. The crisper, the better. You’re guaranteed that this look will fit in with your existing work wardrobe. White button-downs can be worn with midis, tailored pants, jeans or skirts and the result is effortless-chic every single time.

Our favourite way to wear a white shirt is with an ‘editor’s tuck’. Simply find the side of your shirt that sits underneath the other half (normally this is the one with buttons), tuck it into the front and leave the other side untucked. You might have to fiddle with the sides a bit but the result should be a super flattering asymmetrical hem.

The Coat

Choosing a coat you can wear to work is all about choosing one you can style a thousand different ways. I can’t go past an oversized coat like these ones. For cooler spring mornings, you can layer up underneath.

A great styling trick for a coat like this is choosing a solid, wear-every-season colour. Black, tan and beige will always be in style but if you’re committed to colour don’t be afraid of a deep navy or emerald green.

Sneakers are a great way to dress down structured coats if you work somewhere a little more casual. If not, a sky-high pair of Chelsea boots in the winter work a treat, as do strappy stilettos in the summer.

Linen

I wish linen loved me as much as I love it. I’ve been told numerous times by my fiancé that I wear enough linen to rival a wine-loving mum on holidays in the Hamptons. My only gripe with linen is that it creases, but I’ll let you in on a secret. If you wear it with enough confidence, people will assume the creases are #farshun and not just fussy fabric.

Linen pants and tops are equally fab options when you’re sweating it out in the summer on your commute to work. It’s basically the one fabric that ensures you don’t walk into work looking like a hot and bothered mess.

The Bike Short

Before you go getting all angry in the comments, I know this look isn’t everyone’s (or every workplace’s) cuppa tea. Bike shorts are more controversial than chunky sneakers when it comes to wearing trend-led pieces to work. However, for relaxed workplaces, a bike short and blazer combo looks super smart and is super comfortable.