Getting ready for your first day at work can be just as intimidating as the job itself. From deciding what to wear and following corporate rules, to wanting everyone to silently approve of your choices; work wear can be tricky and how! To bring you some respite, we put together a list of office wardrobe staples that will get you looking your stylish best.

If you’re the marketing bee Whether you hide behind the screen, or are out there being a working social bee, this role requires you to look people-ready at all times. As a marketing professional, invest in a great pair of everyday trousers and team it with a jumper and scarf for desk days. For client meetings, pair a pencil skirt with a smart blouse or a slim fit shirt. Since you’re mostly on the move, wear kitten heels or wedges to complete your look with minimal, yet statement accessories.
For the working fashionista
The great thing about working in fashion is you can have fun and make your own rules! To start off, put your money on key staples such as a great pair of jeans (light shades if you want to accentuate your lower body, dark if you want to slim it down), loose tees in pastels (pastels are a hot trend this season), formal and casual blousons, printed flared skirts, a pencil skirt and a standard jacket in tweed or plaid. Finish up with a pair of nude pumps that are such saviours and ballerinas for those on-foot days. Carry a sling or doctor bag to store your must-haves.

Are you a hard-core corporate girl Oh, aren’t you a serious toughie? Working in a competitive corporate environment requires you to look put-together at all times. Play it safe-chic here by staying away from jeans, leggings or flared skirts. Stick to the no-nonsense list of trousers, skinny pants and pussy-bow blouses. To layer, stock up on some fitted blazers in basic shirts to go over your shirts. While you have to keep your accessories minimal, don’t shy away from the occasional statement piece in terms of a big cuff or a neckpiece.
Calling out finance and IT geeks
Working in a serious business environment can have some restrictions. A general rule – if it looks like you can wear it to a party, DON’T wear it to work. Stick to knee length pencil dresses in sombre colours minus the print. Invest in a good quality pantsuit for impactful meetings. Keep in mind that the length of your skirts should not be above the knee. Jeans, leggings, minis, crop tops are a strict no-no. Amp up with a rose gold/silver watch to go with your look.
Written by Deepa Sajnani on 24th Mar 2014