Stylish in the Cube
It's one of the puzzles in life: how to dress for the office. Add the desire to be stylish and trendy, and most women are truly baffled. But fear not: Looking stylish and trendy while still work-appropriate doesn't have to be a challenge. Jordin Sparks (pictured) makes it look downright effortless! Keep certain guidelines in mind, and you'll be known as the office trendsetter in no time.
Know the Environment
Not all office environments are created equal. Corporate environments tend to be a little stricter when it comes to dress codes, so a super-stylish look—like the one seen here on designer Nicky Hilton at an event in New York—might not fit in well. If you work in a more relaxed environment, you'll have some license to play with style, says Dawn Del Russo, New York-based fashion stylist and owner of Bella Dawn boutique.
Ease Into It
When trying to create a more stylish office wardrobe, it's smart to start small rather than with a full-on trendy look, Del Russo says. To keep the balance, try wearing a more adventurous piece on top with a basic piece on bottom—like actress AnnaSophia Robb does here at a film festival in New York—or vice versa, suggests Kristina Michniak, fashion expert based in Greensburg, Penn., and global apparel manager for e-commerce platform Spreadshirt.
RELATED: Trend Alert: Wearing Stripes
Go Bold on the Bottom
One popular trend that's safe for the office is playing with colored or patterned pants. Whether it's a floral, polka dot, geometric or abstract print—like the one actress Emmanuelle Chriqui shows off here at a charity event in Santa Monica, Calif.—Michniak says it's best to stick with chino, linen or cotton versions rather than denim for the office. "Pair it with a blazer to attain a professional look and balance out the playful pants," she advises.
Take a Walk on the Wild Side
Animal prints always look modern and can work in most office environments when styled correctly. Del Russo suggests pairing an animal print top with a skirt or tailored trousers, like actress Rose Byrne does here at a film festival in New York. Add a blazer on top to let the print pop from underneath, she says. "That's a little accent, but it's not overdoing it."
Pile on the Accessories
One quick way to add style to any look is through accessories like jewelry, belts, handbags and shoes. For an instantly updated look, Del Russo suggests layering multiple necklaces—as Jamie-Lynn Sigler does here at an event in Los Angeles, Calif., mixing pearls, gems and chains. Play with bold and chunky statement necklaces, rings and belts to help spruce up even the simplest of work outfits.
Bring in Some Color
Another simple way to add style in seconds is by playing with colors, especially when it comes to your accessories. Michniak suggests adding a bright shoe to an otherwise neutral look—like actress Jayma Mays does here at an event in West Hollywood, Calif.—or going for a handbag with a playful print to add some drama to a solid dress.
Play With Your Shape
Dressing for work doesn't mean you can't tastefully show off a nice figure. Fitted shift dresses are safe for most offices, and you can go solid or play with a pattern, like actress Elizabeth Banks does here at a charity event in Beverly Hills, Calif. If you work in a laid-back or fashionable environment, pair a more body-conscious dress with a long-sleeve top, and belt it to cover the dress while still looking stylish, Del Russo suggests.
Head for the Heels
If you're looking for the simplest way to instantly upgrade your work wardrobe, Del Russo says a great pair of heels—like the ones actress Isla Fisher wears here at an event in New York—are the way to do it. She says most women go for flats at the office, which instantly dress down an office look, while heels add edge and style.
