Workwear is one area of women’s wear that has rarely been experimented with. For almost a decade now, a clichéd button-down collared shirt and a standard pair of trousers have been definitive of what an average Indian woman’s work wardrobe looks like. While there’s a lot of innovation in eveningwear and summer fashion, most women are stuck in a rut when it comes to their corporate wardrobes. This seems almost unfair, considering most independent women spend a considerable part of their day in the office. But reinvention seems to be on its way with designers from all over the world renovating the work look. “Women’s workwear is no more the clichéd trousers, standard collared shirts and pencil skirts. This genre has managed to create a niche for itself over the last few years, which means that one can get as innovative with workwear as they do with any other trend on the map,” agrees designer Sanchita Ajjampur of the eponymous label, ‘Sanchita’ who has successfully crafted tailored corporate wear options for women as a part of her Spring/Summer 2015 collection. To begin with, swap your usual trousers for a chic leather pencil skirt. Alternatively, you could simply layer your white shirt under a dress and take it from the office to dinnertime. Ajjampur suggests playing with the silhouettes and replacing the boring stripes with some edgy prints, adding, “Androgynous tailoring combined with a luxe sportswear creates a clean and sophisticated trend. Also, modernised silhouettes with tribal prints on loose-fit trousers work best as transitional outerwear pieces.
You could also replace your sober palette with bright and fun hues, prints and colour-blocked outfits that are now the successors of the boring old stripes and plain staples.”
Additionally, a shift or a sheath dress and a slim-cut blazer adds a dash of modernity to your work wear. For those of you who want to take this experimentation a step ahead, accessories are your best bet. Designer Anita Dongre believes it’s the best way to look professional without compromising on your personal style. “One sure-shot way of making a simple outfit stand out is to hone your accessory-experimenting skills. Opt for fun styles or prints – be it a scarf, belt, neckpiece or even a bag. Always remember to add that one “statement” piece to your everyday look, or if it’s too much of an effort, keep them handy in your office drawer— a well-tailored jacket and a pair of smart pumps at work will save you from hitting that roadblock when faced with a sudden meeting or presentation,” advises Dongre. She also suggests making a monotonous maxi dress more definitive for work by adding a statement choker or a printed scarf. A change to your usual ensemble not only breaks the monotony but also elevates your confidence. However, various reasons, such as a stringent office dress code, often leave little room to explore and play with options. Don’t fret because you could still rule the boardroom with minor alterations to your classic office attire. “To make the classic workwear trouser and shirt look interesting, you could simply add a structured leather bag along with a pair of bright shoes. You could also pair your pencil skirt with a silk top and a pair of heels for a feminine yet formal look. If you want to add a smidge of colour to your outfit, the easiest way is to wear solid-colour shirts with fitted trousers. You could also opt for knee-length dresses or skirts in any colour or print and accentuate the look with a smart blazer and heels,” recommends Hemant Sagar of the designer duo Lecoanet Hemant.
