Ladies, I'm hoping you can help me, because I'm in a rut with my fall/winter office wardrobe! Summer is fine b/c I can wear skirts and cropped pants to liven things up, but once winter comes, it's black, grey, or tan pants every day with some random top. How can I mix it up? Should I try colored pants, or is it all about having more fun tops? Or are accessories the key? Or all of the above!? I don't want to look like everyone else, so fun and different ideas would be awesome. Also, if this helps, I wear a lot of jewel tones in fall/winter (deep blues, jade greens, burgundies and purples).
My office is relatively conservative (not suits, but no jeans), but if a look is creative AND professional I could pull it off. Price doesn't matter because I just want inspiration and ideas! I look forward to hearing any suggestions :)
If you already have a pretty basic wardrobe, then I think accessories are the best way to liven things up. Tights and scarves are always great, as are boots and big chunky necklaces. A few belts will probably help liven up your look too. Also I think mixing textures is a good way to mix things up this fall. Tweed pants with a cordoroy blazer in some pretty fall colors is a look I'm planning on wearing this fall. A sweater vest over a button down would also be a cute way to add some ooph to your outfit without being too over-the-top for a conservative corporate wardrobe.
Here are some ideas:
You can also experiment with color combinations. I tend to wear a lot of jewel tones too. I find that wearing them with browns tends to make the outfit look warmer and a little more unusual than pairing them with greys and blacks. I've also found that adding in some different colors like rust, olive green, and navy look good with some of those colors as well. HTH!
Definetly try out some skirts. I am eyeing this one from White house/black market...ok their website is down but it is more of a gray and white shirt that is knee length and kinda comes up a little in the front. As soon as I can get on the site again I'll copy and paste for you to see. It is on the cover of their Sept Catalogue and is shown with a black turtleneck tank and boots. Very cute for fall. ~$88
This thread is so helpful. I'm sort of in a work clothing rut, but I don't want to spend a lot on most of the fall shapes. I think I will focus on belts and pencil skirts...and of course, my quest for leopard print shoes!