9 to 5 style in the comfort of your own home

WFH style seems to have knocked many of you more than when ‘Dress down Friday’ or ‘Smart Casual’ became a thing in the office… and I totally get it. Throw in the anxiety of the ‘you know what’ and mix with adjusting to working alongside your partners odd habits or learning to teach your little ones from home AND trying to stay positive, it all becomes a living nightmare.

The added ‘what on earth shall I wear today’ question leads to the decay of having any joy of dressing left as you pull on leggings and a huge boxy jumper when you start your day. OR you could be loving working from home and just simply need some new pieces but internet shopping is too overwhelming, stresses you out, makes you overthink everything and you feel at a loose end so you end up buying nothing and feeling deluded. Either scenario or anything in between sound relatable? Thought so.

I have five simple steps to help boost your positivity each day and keep you smiling followed 5 by trendy, versatile and cozy options.

1.       Wear colour near your face as it triggers a physiological response and will benefit how you feel all day. Wear green to harmonize and balance you, blue for calm and communicating and yellow brings joy, optimism, and clarity, which is perfect for unsure times like this.

2.       Keep to your usual beauty/skincare routine but treat yourself to an extra bath or face/hair mask a week. I recommend Wake products (no sponsored)

3.       Add in the 6 pm rule to your routine, when it gets to the end of your day, shower, brush and redo your hair and make-up and change into a trendier outfit, even if it's just for an hour whilst you cook and have dinner.

4.       Use this time to set up a Pinterest account and search for new styles and brands you like the look of (or recipes, workouts, dream wedding boards?!) – you could even edit your wardrobe. Check my IGTV for a free tutorial.

5.       The most important - PLAN YOUR OUTFIT THE NIGHT BEFORE and drink Gin in the week and wine at the weekend (Or both)

Below, find a different look for each day of the week featuring brands I know and trust for reliable for fit, quality, and versatility and ending with much-needed accessories. Let me know what you like and get shopping!

Monday - Business as usual in the boiler suit

The boiler suit… my definition of a ‘One-stop’ look and quickest way for easy style on a Monday. Smart (remind yourself you’re at work after a weekend stuck indoors), comfy (because no one is watching your posture right now) and stylish because they are bang on trend at the moment.

If you have a more relaxed job, choose for my FAVE whistles one now on offer or for a smarter chicer version go for the Who What Wear version in a chic rose. Pink is the colour to choose if you're trying to win some new business as its charming, persuasive and playful.

Don’t be afraid of the boiler suit - now is the time to trail them because no one can see you and you’ll have time to get your head around how awesome they will look on you. If you are petite choose a more tailored shape compared to a taller lady who can pull of a floaty wide leg. Make sure you cinch all boiler suits in at the waist - you can always loosen it after lunch!

Tuesday Trouser style –

Trousers - probably the nations go to other than leggings (which ill touch on later but should be BANNED)

I have been LIVING in my Traffic People Red trousers they are steps above leggings but just as comfy. If you need to break out of the leggings phase choose bottoms with a slight stretch, or even elasticated waist - this used to have a bad rep for giving off ‘granny vibes’ but thanks to Athleisure style, its made a comeback.

Talking of granny, cardi’s are FAB for working at home BUT you have to style them correctly and choose a contemporary shape and colour otherwise it’s a one-way ticket to granny land ( FYI I love my nan) Similar Cardi link here

Wear them with nothing underneath (maybe a lacey bra) and TUCK THEM IN, pair with your jeans and its a classic cozy look for working from home. Id choose MOM or boyfriend jeans when WFH but if you’re a skinny jeans only kinda gal, make sure they STRETCH. Also, cardis look super cute with midi skirts, treat yourself to a satin or printed one to play and miz textures (check out my snakeskin one below for an example)

Wednesday - Dress to impress

Avoid the mid-week slump in a floaty and colourful dress. I’m currently obsessed with Who WHat Wears collection available on Zalando (The ONLY decent and affordable place to shop online other than Matches, Moda Operandi, Farfetch Wolf & Badger, and Net a porter)

This WWW floral Midi is ideal for many reasons. The neckline is brilliant if you are a bustier lady. It opens up your chest and draws attention up to your gorgeous face. If you are flatter chested or get cold you can wear a mesh or turtle neck underneath. The uber-cool sleeves are fab for if you have narrow shoulders/ as they play with proportion and you can also cinch in the waist as much as you like this little number. The print won’t age and the wonderful greens will level out your emotions and the hints of orange will help you with your communication skills.

If you’re not a dress person, there is a midi skirt out there for everyone - they can be pleated, asymmetric, bias cut, straight, you name it and there will be the perfect version for you out there. The only thing they aren’t good for is riding a bike… Wear them with tights and boots in the AW months and bare legs and sandals in SS. OR dress them down with a trainer and up with a heel… so versatile and oh SO COMFY TOO. If you are petite, don’t go overboard on a floaty version and if you are conscious of your yummy area if avoid pleats unless they are the lovely flat pleats, they are harder to find though which can be a bit of a task, unless you're a personal stylist!

Thursday - Boost your business game, with blazer style

Every woman should own a blazer… they are so powerful, sexy and wardrobe must-have. There are so many styles out there it’s pretty mind-boggling if you don’t know what you’re looking for so I have chosen two very different options to demonstrate what to look out for.

Reiss is renowned for its spot-on tailoring. If you’re going to invest in a blazer, Reiss is your brand. Id choose a checked texture similar to the one pictured because it works with both neutral hues, bold colours and you can cleverly clash it with prints. Blazer’s ooze that ‘I have my act together’ vibe, perfect for when you’re talking to your boss. I’ve been struggling to stay warm and my blazer has been working wonders for me. You can layer your cardis under it as well as wear it with your mom jeans at the weekend(perfect pub attire - remember when we could do that?!). The perfect sophisticated investment.

This whistles blazer is the gateway into blazer style if you haven’t taken the plunge yet. They are friendlier on your budget and Whistles tends to offer 25% off regularly. There are almost 20 variations of this jersey piece including colour, print and shape. They are shorter than the average blazer so a fabulous slim fit, particularly if you are petite I recommend you size down in this blazer for that snug fit across your shoulders. As the fabric is a woven jersey, people know that you aren’t trying to match it with anything, so it can be thrown over quite literally ANYTHING to smarter it up. Highly recommended.

Friday – Mastering the video call from the waist up

For when your week feels like a year and you can’t face getting dressed but you have THAT important call… it’s all about the drama of the waist up. This is the ONLY time leggings are almost acceptable in my eyes… and if you HAVE to wear them please opt for similar versions to these wet look and animal print fashion leggings by Mint Velvet. (yes they will look great with your blazers and cardis too… or under dresses/skirts instead of PJs for warmth)

I love this white T with puff sleeves from Warehouse and it makes the ultimate video call top. The feminine but powerful 80s shoulders will show ‘em whos boss in every call. Accessorise it with bright and bold earrings with hair up or hair down and a beautiful headband (see below for both)

Ganni is the brand for statement blouses and a statement is what we will be making in this bobby-dazzler of a blouse! Pull your hair back with this, pop on lippy and gold earrings and voila! Imagine this under a red blazer…. If the neckline isn’t for you, try a big collar which is a huge trend this season or stick to the puff sleeves, all available to check on Gannis website too.

Finally, the finishing touches – Accessories are the ultimate game-changers

Accessories, the most fun, exciting and cost-effective way of transforming and completing your look. A Short Story London is by far the BEST independent brand out there. Handmade metal works and beaded galore, there are accessories that will make your heart melt. Pair them with literally anything… There are no rules with statement pieces apart from trust your judgment.

War & Drobe HAND make each headband, scrunchie and every item of clothing is hand made from sustainable fabrics and limited edition so head over fast! I LIVE in my headband, it gives me such a boost and also is very good at hiding any roots if we haven’t been to the hairdresser for a few weeks! Headbands work with blazers, midi dresses and skirts, and jeans with a cardi… but the ultimate finisher for waist up dressing!

Finally, try matching your socks (maybe even undies if that’s not taking to too far!) and recycle your holy pants and socks 😉

Next up blog-wise is weekend dressing, lockdown style! Releasing Thursday evening! Then for the weekend a blog on the best places to shop online. Thank you so much for reading and please stay safe

Love Sian x