Under-40 fashion trends

As a businesswoman, mother and homemaker, I know only too well the pressure women of today are under—We are expected to “have it all” and do it in style! Working women have no shortage of decisions to make, including what to wear between the hours of 9 to 6. For those looking for work-wear inspiration, there is a shortage of go-to sources. Here are a few of my personal style tips.

Business expectations for working women as far as dress code goes are finally changing with the times. In the past, women who worked in big
corporations or those that held high profile public positions were expected to dress in a certain way. Formal, bordering on androgynous.

Style is much more than clothes; it is how we carry ourselves and how we move. Grooming, before anything, is an essential style decision. Invest in a good hairstyle and keep your hands and nails clean. Painted nails should never be chipped. I love adding a bold colour to my nails with a neutral or complementary print.

Develop your own personal style. Although it is important that fashion choices are appropriate for the workplace, we as women have a fantastic opportunity to establish a distinct business style of our own. It is a delicate balance, but is totally attainable. By looking at the latest fashion trends, you can create a look that is both professional and fashionable. I aim with my fashion brand to cater to the modern working woman by providing versatile styles that are multi-purpose.

PRINTS

Among our best-selling garments, season after season, are our bold printed blouses. For a toned down version of your favourite print, wear it underneath your business suit. It is important that a print is bold enough to catch people’s eyes without being distracting. You want to be tastefully stylish, not loud and gaudy!

COLOUR

Bold jewel tones are always a popular catwalk look. Invest in classic neutral trousers or pencil skirts and dress them up with bright silk on trend blouses. The silk adds a feminine edge and softens the work look. Colour is a great way to update your wardrobe and stay current with your work looks.

TREND

I try not being a slave to a trend, instead I go with my instinct and invest in pieces that I love. Pieces that will seamlessly fit into my existing wardrobe. It is important to stay true to your body shape and natural style; no one wants to look like a fashion victim. Having said that, I am loving the botanical trend that is in right now. I will be definitely wearing T&G’s Hot chilli print to the office! On a dark ground it has a subtle yet bold edge. Teamed with our chic slim trousers I can go right from work to a dinner party.

SILHOUETTE

I am happy to mix things up a little when dressing to work. If I am in the factory for the day I will wear a cotton salwar-kameez. I find that it is cool and comfortable without drawing too much attention. I will switch into a pair of leather skinny jeans and a tailored jacket for meetings with international buyers. Ultimately, comfort is key along with presenting the correct image to one's clients or employees.

TRAVEL

I travel a lot for business and packing is a military operation. I like to keep my identity yet still be comfortable. I’m often heading straight into business meetings directly from the airport! Fabrications are important, natural cottons and silk provide the ideal solutions—I like to wear a loose wrap-style jacket with a waterfall hem as a smart casual option, this can be teamed with a silk vest and jeans. Wedges are a lifesaver too when traveling; they are stylish and comfortable.

ONLINE

Shop online! It took me a while to get used to this phenomenon. But let’s face it, in today’s world we don’t have the luxury of time to walk around sifting through boutiques for the perfect outfits. The internet offers us a way to stay in touch with the current trends and meets all our shopping requirements as most prominent brands today are available to us at the click of a mouse.

olmdesk@outlookindia.com