Create a work wardrobe that works for you

It is 7am, you have just jumped out of the shower and are facing the horror of horrors-choosing an outfit for work. For men it is often just a matter of stepping into a suit, whereas women need to consider a variety of factors.

With research and a modest budget, even the most time-strapped back-to-work mother can put together a work wardrobe.

Fashion stylist Di Cant says there are different dress codes for different workplaces, but a few rules are universal.

“You should look like the job you do,” Cant says. “If you work in a law firm, you should dress in a more formal manner.”

Black suits are ideal in the corporate world, Cant says, but shift dresses can be more stylish.

“Dresses will work but there are boundaries. When businesswomen wear them they give the look of total immaculate grooming.”

As for mums returning to work, a new wardrobe does not have to be expensive.

“You need to buy a few outfits that really work and take the pain and worry out of choosing what to wear.”

Working mothers should choose basics in natural, grey and black.

“I do suggest you have one good jersey dress in the wardrobe,” Cant adds.

Meanwhile, Westfield stylist Kim Ring believes women need to take a little more time when dressing for work.

“A lot of women in their 30s have lost a lot of self-esteem,” Ring says.

“But they should always remember: it’s about dressing for the job you would like, not the one you are doing.”

She also says that women should never feel intimidated or too dressy.

“If you’re too casual it can affect productivity because you’re not in the right frame of mind to be professional,” Ring says.

Buying one basic suit is the ideal way to set up a wardrobe, adding the dress, shirt and waistcoat when you can.

“Create a little uniform yourself and keep all the suiting in classic colours,” she adds.

Knee-length skirts are a must, as are closed-in shoes and stockings in corporate jobs.

In creative industries such as fashion and media, Cant says denim can be OK.

“Dark denim always looks more professional and the jeans should be boot cut and not low-rise.”

Graduates, says Cant, must consider their shape and the industry they are going into.

“Invest in one great outfit for all of your interviews and that way if you feel good, you’ll look good.”

And what are the biggest mistakes in dressing for work?

“Halter neck tops,” Ring says. “You should never dress like you’re going to a nightclub … it’s embarrassing when you see people wearing the wrong clothes.”

What to do and not to do when dressing for success

• DO wear stockings if in a corporate position
• DO wear peep-toe or covered-in shoes with sensible heels
• DO look like the job you do, or aim higher for the job you would like
• DO wear knee-length skirts
• DO buy good accessories — good shoes, a signature bag and sunglasses
• DO wear scarves as accessories, rather than noisy jewellery
• DO wear a shirt with a collar in a casual workplace
• DO invest in at least one well-cut suit
• DON’T wear jeans to corporate jobs
• DON’T wear ripped jeans
• DON’T have painted toenails in strappy shoes
• DON’T wear miniskirts
• DON’T wear T-shirts with logos on them, even in casual workplaces