How to Make an Impression at Work without Spending Too Much  

A large chunk of our day is spent at the workplace. So it makes complete sense to dress well and look sharp at the office. Besides, there are many added advantages to dressing well at work. Whether you like it or not, perceptions are made through your clothing, and our clothes do say a lot about us: you will be taken a lot more seriously when you are well-dressed, rather than looking careless and scattered.

Work wear is a tricky category, but you will be surprised to know that you can do it just right, using a few key lessons. And you don’t need to break the bank for that! Following are a few easy and budget-friendly tips to have a work wardrobe that is chic, stylish and impressive.

Invest in Pantsuits and Dress Suits

Yes, these aren’t exactly inexpensive or budget-friendly when you think of them on the first go. But nothing quite spells sophistication like a pantsuit.  And the key is to invest in two or three pantsuits to have a versatile and sophisticated office wear collection that will last for years.

Besides, when you go to buy a pair of trousers, skirt, jacket, or blazer separately, it can actually work out to be much more expensive, while if purchased as a set, it is economic and versatile. Moreover, the detailed fit and form that you get in an entire suit is often missing in separates.

Also, when you have a well-fitted pair of trousers or a blazer and skirt, you can dress them up and make the outfit look formal and suave. For instance, team up your button-down shirt with a pair of trousers, or your casual tees with a well cut-out blazer and necklace to immediately add a formal touch to your ensemble and make it work-appropriate.

Throw in Some Color

This is such a simple trick to raise the bar of work-wear fashion, that it’s almost surprising that such few people follow it. Who ever said that work wear was all about beige, blacks and navy? Why do we primarily incorporate these colors in our office wardrobe?

Well, it’s time to break the norm. Colors can do wonders to your personality and your style. We are not talking fluorescent shirts and orange trousers here. But a little pop of color can add a much- needed fun quotient to your prim and proper office style. A jacket or blazer in a bold color can make your monochrome office look go from drab to fab effortlessly.  Shoes are also a great way to bring in color and express yourself. Classy heels in prints or bright colors can lift up the dullest of outfits.

Lastly, accessories can make all the difference: a bold chunky neck-piece, danglers, statement rings and bracelets are all great ways to add a dash of glamour to your office outfit. However, mixing all this together is never a good option. The key to office accessorizing is to sport one piece at a time, and to do it well.

Add a Scarf to Your Outfit

They are pretty, professional, elegant and versatile. An effervescent scarf makes its presence felt in all seasons, whether summer, winter, or spring.  Adding a simple floral scarf in demure colors and prints can also tone down your business attire and take you effortlessly from a work day to an evening date.

So even if you are a banker in crisp-cut suits and monotone skirts, or a CEO with minimal accessories and sharp-as-razor tailored outfits, a pretty scarf can add that much-needed femininity to your outfit without being over-the-top. A good pashmina can also make the most inexpensive and simple outfit look refined and posh. It’s your way of saying that you may be powerful, but surely do not belong to the boys’ club.

A scarf can also be a good way to protect your hair from the harsh sun, or to team up with a low-cut blouse, by providing strategic coverage. As they say, the golden rule of workwear dressing is not to reveal too much skin.

So bottom line: investing in a good scarf is absolutely necessary for a working woman. For that special client meeting, or when you really need to dress to impress,like a sexy bandage dress  a good scarf can be your go-to solution and save much of your time, money, not to mention cupboard rummaging. 

Maintain a Beauty Routine

A clear complexion, lustrous hair and a few good cosmetics can do wonders for your look. Pick a good night cream or serum for your face and neck. Apply it religiously every night. Wake up to great skin. A great skin and smile are your best accessories. They will complement all your clothes and the results these days are fairly inexpensive to achieve.

Next, eat lots of fruits, drink lots of water, apply for, and receive some good skin care freebies that will last you a month or two, and you are all set to glow.

Use the same technique for your hair. Argon oil or coconut oil for your hair is great. So deep-condition it  once a week with one of those oils. (Check for freebies for oils and shampoos too!) Using these, you can try out different hairstyles that can take your style quotient notches higher, and avoid making an outfit repetitive.

Your go-to cosmetics for putting your office look together should be a transparent mascara, nude, red and pink lip stains, and some basic pearl or red nail polish. Transparent mascara immediately opens your eyes and makes them look more alert. While pearls and pinks are the accepted office make-up color, red nails or lips can be alluring sometimes, and spell power and elegance simultaneously. Opt for these occasionally to look like an in-control diva who knows how to have fun too! However, remember the trick is to keep it occasional. Doing it every day will only kill the charm and make you look trashy instead of classy.

Use all of these magic pointers to look poised and perfect at work easily, without spending too much time or effort.  The time you do spend on the process may well pay off in how you are viewed at the office!