Seven new ways to dress for the office (and feel great)
Photo, Alvaro Goveia. Hair and makeup, Sheri Stroh.
Dress for Success
1. A crisp white shirt
Pretty up a man-style Oxford with a strand of ultra-feminine pearls and a simple cardigan thrown over your shoulders. Finish the look with a bright red lip and a sleek pony.
T by Alexander Wang shirt, $410. Theory sweater, $245, Holt Renfrew. Nadri necklace, $110, The Bay. Ring, $168, Club Monaco.
2. An A-line skirt
Look for unexpected details, like this modern leather waistband, to update your favourite office basics. Tip: A monochromatic palette is instantly slimming.
Jonathan Simkhai top, $355, Holt Renfrew. Skirt, Mulberry. Matsuda glasses, $450, Josephson. Nadri necklace, $110, The Bay.
Under $100 | Watch, $70, Timex.
Beauty notes: Make a bold makeup statement with a bright, matte lipstick and matching nail colour. Leave the rest of your makeup on the neutral side with groomed brows and a coat of mascara.
Get this look: Lise Watier Rouge Gourmand lipstick in Red Velvet, $22. Dior Couture Colour Nail Lacquer in Pandore, $25.
3. Punches of red
Show off your powerful side in this confident shade. To double up the sex appeal, pair a ruby top with a forever-flattering pencil skirt and red-hot pumps.
Holt Renfrew Private Label top, $170, Holt Renfrew. Skirt, $245, Judith & Charles. Shoes, $120, Nine West. Anne et Valentin glasses, $385, Josephson. Nadri necklace, $110, The Bay. KV Bijou bracelet, $250, Elle Hardware.
4. Wide-leg trousers
Go with the flow in a pair of high-waisted billowy pants. Make legs look extra long by choosing trousers that brush the floor (even when you’re wearing heels). Define your waist with a slim belt.
Top, pants, belt, prices available upon request at Michael Kors. Bracelet, $145, Club Monaco. Under $100 | Brooch, $45, Some Like it Vintage. Watch, $90, Timex. Ring, $85, Club Monaco.
5. Black and white
Nothing works better than this perennial colour combo. Play it up with an oversized graphic print.
Top, $225, Pink Tartan. Skirt, $298, Hugo Boss. Under $100 | Watch, $100, Timex.
6. Polka-dot prints
Want to have fun with a take-me-seriously outfit? Just add some dots! Want to have fun with your favourite jeans? Ditto!
Skirt, $160, Banana Republic. Under $100 | Jones New York top, $79, The Bay.
Hair how-to: For the ultimate sleek updo, start by flat-ironing your hair. Then brush it into a tight, high ponytail. Wrap a strand of hair around the elastic (secure with a bobby pin) and finish with a shine spray.
Get this look: Sebastian Shine Shaker Spray, $21.
7. Collarless pieces
The new power dressing is way less stiff and way more comfortable than you’d expect. Opt for soft silk tops, drapey cardigans and unstructured jackets — and layer, layer, layer. It’s classic and modern all at once.
Coat, $500, JNBY. Vest, $690, Dennis Merotto. Pants, $378, shoes, $358, J.Crew. Soixante Neuf Jewels necklace, $180, Elle Hardware. Mulberry purse, $1,200, Holt Renfrew.
Click here for a behind-the-scenes look at the making of these photos.
GET CHATELAINE IN YOUR INBOX!
Subscribe to our newsletters for our very best stories, recipes, style and shopping tips, horoscopes and special offers.
Chatelaine celebrates, inspires, informs and empowers. We know that Canadian women contain multitudes, and we cover all of the issues—big and small—that matter to them, from climate change to caregiving, Canadian fashion and what to cook now.
Subscribe to Chatelaine!
Want to streamline your life? In our Spring 2025 issue, we’ll show you how—whether it’s paring down your wardrobe, decluttering your messiest spaces or spending way less time cooking thanks to an easy, mostly make-ahead meal plan for busy weeknights. Plus, our first annual Pantry Awards.