Dynamic Business

As fashion evolves and changes over time, so to our perceptions of what is deemed a ‘work appropriate outfit’ and what is considered ‘fashionable.’  Have you ever wondered what your work ‘look’ says about you? We give you three distinctive daytime looks from the latest book from UK fashionistas Trinny and Susannah and how to achieve them. Then we asked five Aussie businesswomen what they wear to work and why.

THE SOPHISTICATE
Assured and stylish
The Oxford English Dictionary describes a sophisticated person as “showing wordly experience and knowledge of fashion and culture”.

Trinny and Susannah say: If you are in your mid-forties onwards and you want to exude a clean, confident look, try grown-up sophisticate rather than girly gamine and you will never look like mutton dressed as lamb. The mark of the Sophisticate is her classically timeless way of dressing. We wouldn’t know if you bought your suit or trousers last week or in 1946.

White shirt: A classic white shirt is one of the staples of a Sophisticate wardrobe. You know better than anyone how to dress it up or down. If you wear jeans, for example, it is never with a t-shirt but with a crisp, well-cut white shirt.

Jackets: The Sophisticate is definitely a jacket-wearer. You understand smart separates better than anyone. Whether your jacket has a princess collar or a v-neck, it is fitted at the waist with a neat shoulder, never a large shoulder pad. Your jacket is integral to completing your look.

Trousers: You wear a lot of trousers, always tailored in classic fabrics. Your trousers are beautiful classics that will last for decades.

Jewellery: A Sophisticate rarely wears stand-out jewellery, with the notable exception of the chain belt, a favourite since Sophisticate Coco Chanel made it synonymous with chic dressing. Otherwise, your jewellery is confined to a delicate pair of drop earrings, a wedding band and a functional yet chic watch.

MINIMALIST
Calm and authoritative
The Oxford English dictionary describes minimalist as “deliberately simple…in design or style”.

Trinny and Susannah say: The simplest of separates are all that is needed for a Minimalist outfit during the day. By keeping the colour uniform and the lines clean, you are halfway there. What takes the outfit from neat secretary or therapist to Minimalist, is the addition of just one or two strong, sculptural accessories.

Stripping back: The art of Minimalist dressing is very much about creating a sculptural feel. A Minimalist doesn’t believe in soft, diaphanous wafts. Your clothing is always quite protective, like a modernist suit of armour.

Textures: You break up your outfit not with pattern, but with texture. It’s always a modern fabric, whether it’s sheer, shiny or rough. Details such as cuffs, trim or print are in same-on-same colour.
White shirt: A superbly tailored white shirt is one of the key foundations of a Minimalist look. Wear it buttoned up, either with or without a tie.

Coats: A sculptural statement coat is great for evening, perhaps with exaggerated sleeves.

THE GAMINE
Innocent and childlike
The Oxford English Dictionary describes a Gamine as: “A girl with a mischievous, boyish charm”.

Trinny and Susannah say: The Gamine look is sweet, neat and petite. You are vulnerable, girly and feminine in a playful way. Your look relies on shape and colour rather than obvious labels.

Blouse: A cotton blouse with a pretty collar is the backbone of the Gamine’s wardrobe. She usually teams it with a neat cardigan or sweater.

Skirts: Gamine clothes always have a little girl quality. Skirts are flared or A-line, never bottom-hugging.
Dresses: Every Gamine needs a cute, tunic dress. The skirt is flared and the hemline should be just above the knee.

Accessories: Belts are delicate and slim. Find one in a vintage market to be sure that nobody else has the same one.

Shoes: A Gamine girl cannot skip to the park in spiked heels or Doctor Martens. The perfect Gamine footwear is a pair of flat ballet pumps.