6 outfits to revamp your work wardrobe

Posted on 27 May, 2016

In need of a corporate wardrobe refresh?

We asked Canberra Outlet Centre‘s stylist Nicole Dwight to find six key pieces that can easily revamp work wear; while being versatile enough to transition from desk to drinks. Using pieces from CUE and Veronika Maine at the Canberra Outlet Centre, she takes us through the classic work wear looks you’ll be wearing again and again.

The New Little Black Dress

Black dress with additional sleeve, $154.50

Nicole: This is the quintessential desk to dinner outfit – you can wear this dress with a blazer and some opaque tights for a more corporate look, or strappy heels when you’re heading out to drinks. The delicate keyhole in the shoulder is very on trend (but not too revealing) and it’s knee length with some interesting detail. This dress is never going to go out of fashion; you could team it with a blazer or shrug, or you could wear a nice peep-toe ankle boot.

The classic top and skirt

Black bell sleeve top, $104.50, and scalloped pencil skirt, $92.50.

Nicole: This skirt has so much versatility in that you can pair it with a white shirt or a roll neck knit for the cooler weather and it will look great either way. As it’s high waisted it’s also very flattering for most figures. The top is an adult version of the ‘crop top’, which works perfectly with a high waisted skirt. The sleeve detail adds an edge to this piece – it has a strap on the sleeve to pull it in, which just takes the average black corporate top to another level.

The pop of colour

Maroon top, $107.50 and navy pants, $179.50.

Nicole: People tend to stick to monochrome for corporate wear but you also need a pop of colour sometimes to brighten up the day. This is a beautiful warm red that flatters most skin tones. Again, the flared pant is very flattering while the top has gathering at the hip which creates a beautiful shape. Navy pants also look very expensive and are a great corporate option instead of the usual black.

The warm winter dress

Black dress with back cut out, $149.50.

Nicole: The scalloped back gives this LBD an edge. It’s a jersey fabric, so it’s very thick and warm for winter. Again, it has the kick on the sleeve and hem, which is really on trend. You could team this dress with a knee or over the knee boot, which are huge at the moment, and a nice blazer for the office. It’s very stretchy too, so it’s super comfortable.

The flared pant and top

Black and white flare pants, $70.50, with white tunic, $84.50 .

Nicole: I adore this look because it’s very 1960s ‘mod’. Tunic tops and dresses over pants are very much on trend again – it’s a 1990s concept with a 1960s flair. The long line top with fitted flares at the bottom is also very flattering and chic!

The corporate coat

Long white coat, $224.50, bustier, $76.50,with black flare, $119.95.

Nicole: These flares are divine – they are a beautiful high waisted style, and are well tailored with a cuff. I’ve teamed them with a bustier so you can take the jacket off for an evening look. The coat  is very chic and professional for the day – the long lines make every outfit look expensive, and are very elongating on your figure. It’s also a great investment piece as it is so versatile. Because of its beautiful white colour, it will compliment so many other outfits and will transition with the seasons.

Lauren Smith, new manager at Cue, Canberra Outlet Centre, says the store currently has a huge corporate range for sizes 6 to 16.

“We’re not the traditional outlet where you find a lot of older stock from the previous season, we’ve got plenty of new pieces for winter coming through and many of our items range from 30 to 70 per cent off,” she says.

The team at Cue say they pride themselves on their customer service, with the staff also offering styling assistance if required.

Photography: Martin Ollman

Shoes: Jo Mercer

Hair and Makeup: Hairhouse Warehouse

Model: Kate Freeman

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