Suit Up! Here’s What To Wear To Work In 2024
Level up!
By Carol Zatt | 31st January 2024Let’s be real… there’s nothing more frustrating than standing in front of a closet filled with clothes and feeling like you have nothing to wear! It’s a classic conundrum that (we can safely assume) most women have felt at some point in their lives. Add to that, the complexity of dressing for a work environment and your morning routine could go from serene to stressful quicker than you can say ‘double-breasted blazer’.
Whether you’re conquering the corporate world or embracing the work-from-home lifestyle, transitioning back to the office after a summer of flip-flops and makeup-free days certainly requires a little finesse.
But never underestimate the impact of a meticulously curated ensemble – think of it like confidence hanging in your closet, ready to take on that ever-increasing workload and make a memorable impression that stands out – even behind a screen.
If you haven’t elevated your wardrobe game for the new year, now’s your chance! We understand that crafting the ideal work outfit can feel like a fashion puzzle of mixing and matching, but don’t let it be the (only) reason why you might be late to that morning meeting…
To help you achieve that polished yet effortlessly chic 9-5 look in no time, we’ve enlisted the expertise of Annabel Falco, the fashion ambassador for Queen Street Mall to share her office-approved favourites to uplift your personal style and take it to the next level.
Get ready to exude effortless elegance while triumphing over those KPIs – below are Annabel’s insider secrets on mastering the art of workwear.
Hey Annabel! What are your non-negotiable workwear staples for 2024?
A wardrobe full of well-cut, quality basics and accessories can transform an outfit from desk to dinner and beyond. With that being said, I would recommend every wardrobe include essential fashion items that can be layered, mix-and-matched, and accessories for both office and weekend activities. These are my absolute non-negotiables:
- A black blazer
- A little black dress (LBD)
- A printed dress
- Tailored trousers
- Dark denim jeans
- A white button-down shirt
- Basic tees
- Basic singlets
- Mid-length skirt
- Trench coat
Where can we find quality staples to return to work looking fresh in 2024?
The City is my go-to for all my shopping needs as it truly is a one-stop-shop! From my favourite local brands all the way to high-end luxury designers, The City has something for every wardrobe and budget. In terms of retailers for quality staples, I love COS, CAMILLA AND MARC (via David Jones in QueensPlaza), Uniqlo, Viktoria & Woods (QueensPlaza) and Cue (Wintergarden). Brands like Dissh (Wintergarden), Novo Shoes (Uptown), Lovisa (Uptown) and Oroton (Pop Up) are great go-to’s to find fun accessories and accent pieces that can add interest and turn a basic outfit into your own unique look.
We’re ready to shop for some fresh new pieces. Where do we save and where do we splurge?
Pending budget, I would say spend your money on luxe accessories such as a classic Fendi “Peekaboo” bag (QueensPlaza) or Balenciaga (QueensPlaza) “Knife” heels as these will last for years and dress up your high-street staples. Once you’ve nailed your accessory wardrobe, you can start building on your basics and swap out cheaper purchases for quality items.
Ok, let’s talk colour. What is your take on introducing colour at work, and which colours are most suitable for the office?
Red is a HUGE trend for spring and summer and while it is a bold colour choice, injecting this hue into your daily dressing routine is the easiest way to revamp tired wardrobes. For those wanting a high-street option, I recommend heading into Zara (Wintergarden) to pick up a matching kitten heel and tote bag combo. For those who love a designer splurge (guilty!), visit Salvatore Ferragamo (a heritage brand that I think is one to watch this year) (QueensPlaza) for the most delicious patent red wedge heels! They have been on my wish list for months! Alternatively, a red lip can do no wrong and is a great way to infuse this trend into your look. You can try any of The City’s great beauty stores such as Mecca Maxima (Wintergarden), Mecca Cosmetica (QueensPlaza) and David Jones (QueensPlaza), to find the best lippy.
What would you recommend for those who want to look polished in the office without wearing heels?
If heels aren’t your thing, ditch them – there are so many fabulous flats on the market! A pointed toe can immediately dress up a casual fit and Scanlan Theodore (QueensPlaza) has the best polished kitten heels on the market. Ballet flats are also having a moment, so I suggest visiting Chanel in (QueensPlaza) for a pair of the “originals” or picking up a cost-efficient pair of mesh ballet flats from Seed Heritage (Wintergarden)
What are your top five must-have pieces from Brisbane City to see you through 2024:
- Viktoria & Woods (QueensPlaza) Bramwell Pant – buy every colour! They are the most flattering tailored pants I have come across.
- Hermès Mini Kelly or Birkin bag. This year is all about the investment bag.
- Optiko (Tattersall’s Arcade) statement glasses. You can look but you’ll fail, no one does specs better!
- A sleek suit from Brisbane City newcomer, Rebecca Vallance (QueensPlaza).
- Country Road (via David Jones in QueensPlaza) basic tees and singlets.
