Dresses for work: 3 fashionable options that will surprise you!

Tired of wearing the same boring outfits to the office? Time to renew your look. Try these three dresses for work to leave an indelible mark!

If you feel that your look doesn’t project your essence and your leadership style, don’t ignore these concerns. You might need to update your image to make the right impression. Here are three dresses for work that are a far cry from the classic office number.

Use your clothes to help people focus their attention on you.

In a recent interview, the fashion designer Ozwald Boateng, former creative director of Givenchy, said that people who are not bold with their working clothes, are unlikely to drive growth for the company for which they work. “When you’re a leader, you need to be heard and anything that helps focus the attention of the people who work for you is key,” he said.

Serge Brunschwig, Chief Operating Officer for Christian Dior, said that, ultimately, people remember how you look and not what you say. “We always say that one image is worth 1,000 words. Leaders are going to use thousands and thousands of words but the way they dress should be used to enhance their speech. Nobody’s going to listen really, so at the end what’s going to stay is the appearance,” he said.

While these statements may be a bit over the top, I want to emphasize the importance of your image as an ally of your professionalism and leadership. And this image that you project through your clothes, should be unique to you. Therefore, it should stand apart from any uniformed looks. Especially if you are still following style parameters created by men for men.

Dresses for work that help you leave your mark

Let me show you some dresses for work with original twists, that move away from the traditional and sometimes boring work attire.

1Bare shoulders

Who said dresses for work don’t leave room for you to be fashionable? Photo: polyvore.com/pilitapia

The off the shoulder style is the star of this season and you can easily incorporate it into your work wardrobe. Ideally, you can wear it in a classic shade: black, white, brown or nude. Avoid prints if you don’t want to look too flashy. This style is ideal for curvy women and hourglass figures.

Beware not to go overboard with accessories. The beauty of this dress lies in it underscoring your torso. Therefore, it is best to leave that area free of accessories.

If you feel too exposed when wearing skintight dresses for work, you can always throw a blazer on to cover your derriere and hips. Use the one I chose for this occasion as an example.

Don't miss these business casuals dos and don'ts!

2Take a chance with ruffles

Consider dresses for work that can be used for the after hours cocktail party. Photo: polyvore.com/pilitapia

A woolen cardigan, a cocktail dress and a leather belt in the same look? Yes, I didn’t go nuts. Just creative and bold. Mixing textures and garments that are intended for different occasions is key to putting together a distinctive look.

I invite you to consider this flattering cocktail dress with a cardigan and to finish the look off with a belt, to accentuate your waist. This resource is called layering and is a strong trend this fall-winter season.

3A bit of sparkle on your work outfit won’t hurt

Sometimes, it is good to break the mold with your work wardrobe. Just like I did with this great looking gold dress. Photo: polyvore.com/pilitapia

Did you buy a wonderful dress for a formal dinner and you have never used it again because you can’t find the right opportunity to wear it? Take it to the office! Yes! Make the most of your investment and wear that outfit to work and feel like a diva.

Obviously, make sure the dress is not too elegant or too provocative (super short or with a plunging neckline, for example) or that it’s not covered with paillettes.

A perfect dress for work. Combine it with a smooth coat to give it a more formal touch.

“When we put on a piece of clothing we cannot help but adopt some of the characteristics associated with it, even if we are unaware of it,”explained Professor Karen J. Pino, University of Hertfordshire, UK, in her book Mind What You Wear: The Psychology of Fashion.

In the studies conducted by this expert, one participant admitted: ““If I’m in casual clothes I relax and am tomboyish, but if I dress up for a meeting or a special occasion, it can alter the way I walk and hold myself.”

As you see, what you wear has the power to change your mood and your self-confidence. So, opt for dresses for work that make you feel attractive, and that reflect the charisma and leadership that make you unique and successful.

And if you need some help developing or strengthening key leadership skills, it may be time to explore our Step Up program.