Getting dressed for work, even if you have a strict dress code, doesn’t have to be a dull routine. Your blazers, tailored trousers, and white button-downs might not give you much freedom for self-expression, but the right accessories can change everything.
A wisely added scarf or a bag that goes out of the ordinary can help you make your outfits have more personality without pushing the limits of the company’s policies, and when you look better, you feel more confident and thus are more productive – clearly a win-win situation.
So, what are the five accessories that you can wear to the office without having the HR go after you?
Mary Jane Shoes
Loafers, Oxfords, and ankle boots are all perfectly acceptable options for the professional setting, but in summer, the last thing you want to do is spend eight hours a day in a pair of leather shoes, especially when the AC doesn’t work.
Mary Janes are the next best thing, timeless yet playful at the same time, with a sleek shape that can make any outfit look more intriguing. They’re closed-toe – one of the most important rules of any office – and they fit perfectly the strict dress code.
Whether you get a pair with a small block heel or choose a more practical version that looks like flats, Mary Jane shoes are exactly what you need to add some character to the office look.
Tweed Bag
Your office bag is not just a simple purse – it’s your whole life for a good chunk of the day. A leather tote is a classic, but it’s by far not the only option, especially when you want to make your outfits stand out more. Go for Irish tweed bags instead: tweed brings texture, history, and a little old-money energy to your office looks without being stuffy.
If you prefer the structured look of the tote, there are plenty of tweed tote bags that come in classic black-and-white designs and patterns, but satchels, saddle bags, and even a fancy backpack are all excellent choices as well.
Plus, since these handbags are crafted by actual artisans and made of handwoven tweed, they will serve you for a very long time, even if you overstuff them. An Irish bag made of tweed is professional, but it doesn’t feel like the same bag that everyone else is carrying.
Silk Scarf
Despite their versatility, scarves, especially small ones made of 100% silk, are one of the most overlooked accessories in the office wardrobe. That’s a shame, as scarves are great at literally everything: add them to a simple black dress, a plain button-up, or just wrap them around the handle of your bag and you’ll immediately get a look that’s more fun.
Incorporating a small silk scarf into your office looks is one of the easiest ways to bring some color without overstepping the corporate boundaries, and once you start wearing it, you’ll wonder how you ever went without it.
Hoop Earrings
Your choice of jewelry is extremely limited when it comes to office wear, but if there’s one piece that’s universally agreed as the best for looking good and staying professional, it’s hoop earrings. They’re simple enough to not draw too much attention but they add just enough shine to make you feel more confident.
The best thing about hoop earrings is that they have range and are actually a lot more unique than you might think. They can be bold and statement-making, great for those days when you can wear anything to the office, but they also come in small and subtle versions that are perfect for everyday wear.
If you want something a little different, try a slightly oval shape or a twisted design to get a look that’s still understated, but definitely not predictable.
Sheer Tights
Most times, sheer tights are seen as nothing but a practical layer, one to keep you warm in the cold weather or prevent your legs from looking bare when wearing a skirt or a dress. However, they’ve got way more to that.
They’re playful, but not out of place, and if you can experiment with different patterns without risking getting an email from HR, it can become your go-to accessory in no time. A pair of sheer black tights with a delicate polka dot or herringbone pattern will keep your outfits presentable and make even the most basic skirt-and-blouse combination look intentional.
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