Well not me, specifically – technically at the moment, my work wardrobe consists of whatever I want it to (usually PJ’s for the first half of the day to be honest) working from home has its pro’s people!

However, apparently the majority of us live in the “real world” and have to get up, get dressed and go into an office everyday. (I’m trying my hardest to escape the real world and play dress-ups for the rest of my life, but that’s another story).

This blog post has been inspired by a good friend of mine who has very recently acquired herself a “real job” (they are jobs that you have in the “real world” I’m told) and she has asked me to give her some tips on how to dress appropriately for the corporate world.

Now I have touched on this topic before (see here) but I think coming into a new season (and the hotter months) it’s a great time to re-assess your work wardrobe, and how it will survive the summer.

So here are my top tips for playing dress-ups in the “real world“. To look the part in the office, start with these key pieces:

1. A well-cut blazer (black is best for all year around, but also don’t discount lighter colours for spring and summer). If you aren’t a blazer person, a fitted cardigan (number 1 in image below) is a good alternative. If you have a bust and hips (but a tiny waist) make sure you buy a blazer that is fitted through the waist, this will show off your shape and not add bulk.

2. Well tailored pants – wide leg pants are flattering on almost everybody. They hide a hip very well and they elongate the leg. If you would prefer a straighter leg, make sure they are not too tight. White linen pants are great for the warmer months too, just make sure you dress them up with a sharp blouse and blazer (and PLEASE make sure they are not see-through!). Cropped pants (think Audrey Hepburn) are another good option, they look great with a ballet flat if you feet are over the heels too!

3. A pencil (or A-line) skirt, depending on your shape. A well cut, fitted pencil skirt can be great for the office. Make sure if it is fitted, it is sitting BELOW the knee though – leave something to the imagination in the workplace.

1) Forever New a-line skirt $69.95. 2) Witchery tulip skirt on sale $29.95. 3) Jacqui E draped jersey skirt $99.95. 4) Asos.com fishtail pencil skirt $55.91. 5) Jacqui E black skirt $99.95. 6) Country Road striped jersey skirt $79.95

4. A feminine blouse that suits your shape. Busty? don’t add a blouse with lots of ruffle detail, find something more fitted. Pear-shaped? A pussy-bow blouse with a wide leg pant suits you to a tee!! Sleeveless options are great for the warmer months, just make sure your bottom half is appropriately covered, the office is not the place to bare all! (Obviously if a blouse is sheer, wear a cami or singlet under it too…..)

1) Sportsgirl sleeveless blouse $79.95. 2) Forever New bow front blouse $69.99. 3) Jacqui E silk blouse $79.95. 4) Sportsgirl blouse $89.95. 5) Jacqui E sleeveless blouse $79.95. 6) Barkins ruffle top $19.95 on sale

5. A tailored, well cut dress. This is NOT a dress you would wear to a nightclub or party (unless it’s a after work on Friday party). To the knee, not clingy or low-cut. Have fun with colour and print though! Spring is here so wear light fabrics like cotton and linen. If I lived in the “real world” and had a “real job” I would LIVE in dresses! Feminine, yet classy enough for the office.

6. A well made pair of LOW, classic pumps. You have to admit it, most dresses and skirts look better in heels. Find a pair that are comfortable, classic and a basic black or nude. (Remember that nude elongates you leg – nude shoes are your friends!) Keep a pair of ballet flats under your desk for lunch runs, but meeting with the boss – be well-heeled. (Don’t worry, work shoes no longer = ugly shoes – as IF I would let you wear ugly shoes, here are some hot little numbers that will be puuuuurfect for the office)

1 & 2) Wittner corporate heels $149.95. 3) Bon Bon ice-cream heels @birdsnest.com $89.95. 4) Spendless Shoes tan wedges $29.95. 5) Payless Shoes kitten heels in red $39.95

So some of these options may be a little more $$ that the clothes we normally talk about but I believe that work wardrobe essentials need to last a little while, so I definitely suggest in investing in the key pieces in your wardrobe (a blazer, a classic skirt, a good pair of pants). Add you own touch of style with accessories – shoes, jewellery and handbags.

Finally, here are some Spring 2011 campaign images from a few of our local retailers, I think they are a good example of how to dress for the office (without you 1980’s power suit and joggers). If you want to re-work your work look (haha, see what I did there!?) flick through the latest Spring campaigns from stores put together a mood board of the look you want to create, this is kinda what mine would look like (should I choose to get a “real job” again in the “real world”. Yes, I am rubbing it in – shuudup! at least you earn a “real salary”!)

spring campaign images from Country Road (image 2 and 5), Sussan (image 1 and 3) and Jacqui E (image 4 and 6). Great ways to get dressed for the 'real world' this Spring!

Do you have any other work wear options that you keep going back to?

What is in your work wardrobe for Spring? (and if you work from home, NO, uggs don’t count as work wear. ever.)