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Having a head for business needn’t affect your style credentials. Fiona Fraser proves you can look stylish and on trend this season whilst remaining professional at all times

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The ladies
Navigating an office dress code can be a tricky affair and selecting a work wardrobe can be as equally challenging. When we think of corporate clobber images of washed out colours and styles with a hint of over-done eighties power dressing spring to mind – fashion’s shoulder pad moment is one most of us would rather forget. Whilst the styles, colours, lengths and fit of your fashion choices will speak volumes about your ability to do your job it shouldn’t mean you forfeit all sense of personal style. Traditionally, women in business were likely to be dressed similarly to their male counterparts. Shapeless jackets, unflattering suits, cotton shirts, ill-fitting black trousers, black shoes and neutral tights have been the uniform of choice for a long time. There has been little or no place for colour, trends and femininity in the dog-eat-dog world of business and staid board rooms, well that is until now. Skinny leg trousers, capes, vertigo inducing heels and bubble skirts are just a few of this season’s key fashion trends but they would be hideously misplaced in a working environment however with careful selection you can pull off this autumn/winter trends and still be taken seriously. This seasons catwalks are awash with pussy bow blouses, cleverly tailored suits and waistcoats, a variety of trouser styles, cinched skirts and an array of understated accessories perfect for 9-5 fashion. To achieve an effortlessly stylish look this season opt for intelligent, confident tailoring and mix with blouses and accessories in regal shades of navy, plum and ochre. For real city chic stick with black and white and experiment with sleeveless cut shirts and jackets and narrow legged trousers.

Fashion CV – Polish your professional image and raise the work wear style stakes  
Zara, Reiss, Jaeger and Principles, are keeping a close eye on this seasons key trends and equally importantly they are easy to find on the High Street.

The roomy handbag is back this season. Choose a structured style, it will help achieve a pulled-together, tailored look. Patent is a big trend this season; watch out for shades of mushroom, deep plum and navy blue.

Colour plays a big part in professional image. Navy (trustworthy), grey (conservative) and black (chic). Most of these colours work well in trouser suits, skirts and shoes. Mix black with softer feminine colours like lilac, soft pink and ivory.

When selecting suitable office attire exercise caution, you’re a business woman not a fashion victim!

Career killers
Unlike a fashion faux pas, a career killer outfit can do your professional image permanent damage.

See-through lace, miniskirts, spaghetti straps, stilettos and peep toe shoes are better suited to working on the street rather than the office.

Jeans, shorts, scruffy T-shirts, hats and trainers are a no, no even for dress down Friday. Opt for soft tailoring mixed with light knits and casual shirts for a dressed down look with clout.

Wrinkled and baggy-fit clothing can look sloppy; there is a time and a place for that ‘just got out of bed’ look.

Bold colours like hot pink and wild prints can be a bit risky for the office however some creative types can pull them off.

The Gents
Business attire for men is about aiming to achieve a professional look, not necessarily about being fashionable. Men don’t have as much fashion leeway as women at the office however; it is possible to balance a professional and fashionable look without looking out of place in a business environment. This season sees the re-working of the classic sharp suit teamed with a crisp shirt, narrow tie and uber smart footwear a la Dries Van Noten and Nicole Farhi. Start with the suit, push aside your dull, machine washable, moth balled, grey two piece and inject a little colour into your work wear wardrobe. Suits in key colours such as navy, charcoal grey and dark brown are popping up everywhere. Invest in a good quality suit from high street stores such as Reiss and French Connection or if your bank balance permits purchase a two or three made-to-measure suits. A good cut in the right shade will see you through a few seasons. Autumn/winter sees the welcomed return of the comforting cardigan – a perfect alternative to the waistcoat. Shades of teal and dark purple are sure to add a splash of colour under a suit without being too overpowering. Tuck your cardi into suit trousers or for a more off-duty look layer over a casual shirt. Keep accessories sharp and good quality, tan shoes and belts add a bit of an edge to an otherwise dull navy suit. Not forgetting the shirt, although there are plenty of styles and patterns out there this season keeping your shirt plain and simple would be the better option giving you the flexibility to experiment with accessories and more on trend suits.

Style resume
Stylish, sharp and suave, you can’t go wrong with this list.

A tailored suit should be seen as an investment not an extravagance. Oliver Woo boasts a made to measure service with all the finishing touches you would expect from a Savile Row tailor.

As a general rule of thumb belts should co-ordinate with your shoes and should be constructed of good quality leather.
This season sees the return of the lightweight cardigan. The good old cardi can be dressed up for smart days and dressed down for casual Fridays.

No man bags here instead opt for a stylish number from Knomo, perfect for carrying your laptop and documents.

Board room disasters
Don’t be remembered for your ridiculous dress sense. Avoid a corporate catastrophe at all costs.

Banish novelty ties and socks to the bottom of your underwear draw, or better still donate them to charity at least they will go to good use.

Stay away from canvas shoes, trainers and slip on shoes. A good pair of shoes is a must for a sharp business look.

Brown suede shoes are a sign of untrustworthiness and unreliability in the world of business so stick with classic brogue styles in black and shades of brown.

Don’t be too outlandish with your style; there is one thing to look ahead of the pack and another to look like a walking accident.

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