3 August, 2024
As much as we find trends fun and the opportunity to experiment with different styles, we need to keep in mind that trends shouldn’t always be taken too seriously. Who said you can't be stylish when it comes to the corporate world? There are plenty of ways to find appropriate yet sophisticated outfits to wear to work. Recently, I had the pleasure of interviewing Jas, a content creator known for her practical and chic takes on office wear. Through her perspective and advice, Jas sheds light on the importance of realistic and fashionable office attire.
Jas’s opinion that "OOTD videos should be left to those who work in an office" stems from her uncertainty about some content creators’ advice on office fashion. She noticed that many creators were recommending styles that didn’t seem practical for actual office environments. "I became suspicious that some of these creators weren’t really wearing the styles they were recommending to their actual offices," Jas explains. "There has been a lot of confusion created about what is appropriate to wear to a regular corporate office." Jas aims to provide positive and realistic videos that educate both newcomers and young women about practical office fashion. She emphasises that people in corporate settings don’t need to chase trends to look stylish and professional.
Jas Kaur
The 'Office Siren' trend, which takes a bold approach to corporate wear, has gained popularity in the last couple of months. Jas acknowledges the creativity behind it but warns about the potential risks. "Making fashion statements in the corporate environment is going to be frowned upon in certain roles or at particular companies," Jas notes. "While it's nice to look good and attractive, parts of 'Office Siren' can be too inappropriate." She advises younger women to be cautious about adopting such trends, as they could face consequences like being overlooked for promotions or even dismissal. Jas believes that every workplace is different, and individuals should tailor their style to fit their specific environment.
For Jas, staying true to her style involves a disciplined approach to fashion. She emphasises the importance of listening to her instincts and taking time to consider new purchases. "When I see something that I like, I become more reluctant to purchase it if I give myself some time to think about it," she says. By delaying her buying decisions, Jas ensures that new items will fit seamlessly into her existing wardrobe. She also follows a shopping budget, which helps her avoid impulsive purchases and the trap of chasing every trend.
Jas Kaur
Jas offers practical advice for creating a professional yet stylish look. She highlights the importance of colour consistency, suggesting monochromatic outfits for a polished appearance. "Black, grey, and navy blue are timeless corporate colours," she says, adding that these shades can be easily contrasted with a bold accessory like a red jumper or scarf. For accessories, Jas prefers a minimalistic approach, opting for simple watches, belts, and stud earrings.
When it comes to hair and makeup, Jas believes that less is often more. She favours muted tones that enhance natural beauty, reserving brighter lipstick for days when she wants to add a pop of colour. "On days I feel like I need to look vibrant or fun, I might pop on a brighter lipstick and keep the rest of my makeup pretty neutral," she shares. This understated approach extends to her wardrobe essentials, which include classic pieces like a shirt, pants, blazer, and cashmere jumper.
Transitioning an outfit from day to night can be effortlessly done with a few key changes. Jas suggests swapping flats for heels, changing subtle jewellery for statement pieces, and adding a bold lip or sparkly eyeshadow. "Personally, I’d probably wear all black for this type of situation, as it’s easy to style and elevate the look," she says.
Jas describes her style as chic and simplistic, focusing on quality over quantity. Her journey with fashion has evolved from chasing fast trends to curating a disciplined wardrobe that prioritises timeless pieces. This shift has not only helped her stay on budget but also allowed her to rewear her clothes for longer periods. "With years of experience and educating myself about the negative impact of having a high turnover of clothing in my wardrobe, my perspective has shifted," Jas explains. "Now, I aim to be disciplined with my purchases and only go for what I consider to be quality items."
Pinterest and other fashion influencers provide inspiration for Jas, but she also draws ideas from her colleagues' creative office outfits. "What is great is that a lot of my inspiration comes straight from my colleagues. They are so creative with their office outfits and it’s really fun to pick up on what they are doing and incorporate it into my own look," she says.
Jas Kaur