Every career girl has a streamlined idea of how to dress up for the workplace. Quite often, it includes a blazer and a skirt or a pair of trousers. There’s nothing wrong with knowing the basics of officewear, but if you depend on that formula too much, you might feel your style is getting boring and unoriginal. Dressing up for the office should be as fun as dressing up for a night out—maybe not as casual, but just as stylish. Switch up your work ensemble with some of these trendy pieces:
A shirtdress isn’t just a classy date night look—it’s a business casual OOTD that’s perfect for your nine-to-five, too. Opt for a shirtdress made with a breathable and soft fabric to keep you cool during your office commute. If you have striped or printed shirtdresses, you can tone them down with a solid-colored blazer while you’re busy chasing deadlines at the office.
Make it last: To keep your shirtdress from wrinkling, check to see if your washing machine has a steam or vapor care setting. This will help relax the fabric and keep your dress looking soft and fresh.
There’s no doubt that a blazer is a classic closet staple, but it may not be the best option to wear to the office, especially when you live in a country where the heat and humidity can be downright unforgiving. Opt instead for a longline vest—they can still make you look polished and professional when worn with a long-sleeved top, or fun and trendy when worn with something sleeveless on Casual Fridays.
Make it last: Vests can be made from different kinds of fabric, from thin and flowy to thick and structured. Read the label and wash instructions to know what setting to use in your washing machine, but remember that it’s always safe to wash in cold water on the delicate cycle to prevent damage.
Is it possible to look sexy while wearing office-appropriate clothes? Answer: Yes. Just like the wrap dress, a wrap top cinches your waist and highlights the natural curves of your body; the only difference is that you’ll need to wear separate bottoms to complete your outfit. A sleek pair of narrow trousers will do the trick and make you look crisp and ready for the morning presentation you’ve been working on for days.
Make it last: If you've accidentally gotten food on your top, prevent them from staining your clothes by dealing with it immediately. Soak them right away to remove the stain, or try soaking them in salt and soda water before putting them in the washing machine.
Midi skirts are experimental with length, lines, cuts, and styles. They’re the focal point of an entire look, as opposed to the usual knee-length pencil skirt worn as an afterthought. Aside from fashionable, midi skirts are versatile in nature and can be dressed up or down with a long-sleeved turtleneck and ankle booties or with a crop top and a pair of sneakers, respectively.
Make it last: Nothing pops more than a bright midi skirt, so it's important to take proper care of it so that its color stays vibrant. When washing your clothes, separate brights from neutrals—and if the color stands out on its own, consider washing it by itself. Turn them inside out to avoid rubbing fibers before you put them in the washing machine.
While a black blazer and trousers combo may be the most appropriate ensemble to wear at the office, it can look uninspired and boring. If you want to start power dressing, go for a patterned suit. It doesn’t matter what industry you’re in either—anyone can respect the sight of a houndstooth, herringbone, or glen plaid suit when it’s thoughtfully matched with a high-neck top and a pair of pointed-toe heels.
Make it last: Blazers can be made using different fabrics, so it's important to know how to store them so that they maintain their structure. Stiff blazers made from wool or thick linen may be hanged, but for anything more delicate (like silk or cotton), it would be best to fold them neatly and stack them in your drawers.
Officewear staples need proper TLC, especially since these are constantly worn during most of the week. Keep your fashion pieces looking polished and brand new with the Electrolux UltimateCare™ 900 Front Load Washing Machine—it has UltraMix™ technology that helps to care for colors and reduce color fading so your clothes look vibrant even if you use them over and over again. You don’t have to worry about detergent stains either, as the SensorWash™ technology detects dirt levels and adjusts the cycle duration accordingly to improve rinsing and prevent residue marks.
Not only do your clothes get the gentle care they need, these staples will last longer, too. This is why the washing machine is used and adored by many fashion enthusiasts, including local designer Rajo Laurel. "The clothes I create embody timelessness, romance and luxury so for me, it’s really important to care for these pieces. From the vibrancy of a garment’s color to its structure, I believe that clothes need the best possible care to help a woman look and feel her best. I have personally placed my trust in the Electrolux UltimateCare Washing Machine and I am so happy to say it has taken the best care of my clothes. One year later, my clothes still look as good as new."
Listen to what he has to say about the Electrolux UltimateCare™ Washing Machine by watching this video:
Visit the Electrolux website or follow Electrolux on Facebook to learn more.