fashion

It can be difficult to add seasonal changes to an office outfit, especially if there is a certain dress code in place. This summer however, you needn’t feel stuck in a rut with your outfit choices whilst at work because at Ravel we’ve got some excellent ways to brighten up your office outfit.

Firstly, let’s consider the popular summer shades that have the potential to work well as office attire when incorporated correctly:

• Coral – A summer staple and an all round flattering colour on every skintone.
• Green – One of the most popular shades for 2017 due to Pantone choosing it as their ‘Colour of The Year’ – from emerald green to lime green, it’s all groovy.
• Pink – Not just any pink, but ‘millennial pink’ which is the shade everyone has been swooning over. It’s a beautiful dusky rose.
• Blue – A whole spectrum of blue is perfect for summer, from cool water light blue to modern navy.

Now we have a colour palette in mind for ways to brighten up an office outfit, it’s time to take a look at our suggestions!

1. Sun-inspired accessories

An inexpensive way to update an otherwise plain work outfit is to treat yourself to some stylish accessories. As summer is all about embracing a new colour palette, accessories is a fabulous method of incorporating shades into your everyday work look. Plastic jewellery such as bangles or beads can radiate a bright colour especially well. A beautiful statement necklace can add extra style whilst also being eye-catching – the perfect finishing touch.

If you love your designer handbags but tend to steer towards a ‘safe’ colour such as black or navy, take it to another level by investing in an on-trend metallic bag or looking for a python print that will add a little something extra to create a fashion forward work ensemble.

If you’re not too keen on bright pops of colour in your accessories, you could simply layer up or coordinate your jewellery. For example, as rose gold is very much still in fashion, match a pair of rose gold earrings with a rose gold bracelet and necklace. You could also opt for a watch that has a coloured dial face. Another way to accessorise can be to layer necklaces or bracelets, or even ‘stack’ multiple rings onto one finger. It’s a subtle detail that will still be noticed, without being too overpowering.

2. Summer footwear

Here at Ravel we believe that a good pair of shoes can change your entire mood, whatever the occasion. When you’re wearing uninspiring footwear for work, you just might feel that your whole outfit isn’t as great as you want it to be!

For those who prefer a bit of height to their everyday shoe, we suggest working the combination style of a wedge and espadrille for summertime. A wedge espadrille can make you feel summery even when you’re sat inside enjoying the office air con, and we have a number of espadrille wedges to take your fancy here at Ravel. Choose from black, navy or coral coloured wedge espadrilles for assured style that can be worn with skirts and trousers.

If there’s no policy on open toe shoes in your office, then hurrah! This summer calls for a stylish sandal that can add a spring to your step from the photocopier to your desk. Get on board with the ever so popular embroidery trend with the Ravel Savannah flat sandals in white leather with beautiful floral embroidered detailing, or swap your usual black footwear for a more summer season appropriate hue with the Ravel Anderson strappy sandals in tan. Bring the timeless denim trend into the office without wearing jeans by opting for the Ravel Ritzville flat sandals in blue denim which can be worn from desk to cocktails with friends!

3. Embrace prints

It’s such a classic look but animal prints and other creative patterns can work wonders to bring an outfit right up to date. Subtle pops of leopard print or Aztec print fit right in with summer wardrobes and can be styled effortlessly for work too! Our V&A footwear collaboration will suit those who seek some exceptional prints due to the patterns that are taken directly from an artist’s work from the V&A archive. We love that the V&A footwear takes a print and makes it work perfectly on different footwear styles, such as ballet pumps, wedges, pointed court shoes and sandals. The V&A women’s shoes with the red rose pattern would be a wonderful pop of colour for an otherwise plain work outfit, as would the intriguing 70s inspired print with browns and turquoise colour scheme. The flat pumps and pointed court shoes are absolutely ideal for the work environment.

4. Lighten your wardrobe

An obvious yet failsafe method of brightening your work outfit options is to invest in a summer work wardrobe. Trade the darker colours with lighter ones, or opt for light shades of your current favourites if you don’t want to step too far outside of your comfort zone. The ‘millennial pink’ is a popular top colour, whilst textures such as ruffles are an important summertime detail not to miss out on. Similarly, with the prints mentioned above, a patterned shirt can really bring some elevated style to your look as a welcome summertime outfit option for work. From polka dots to paisley, something that will bring your outfit to life is exactly what you need! If you’re feeling daring, why not try out a white trouser suit?

5. Nail it at work

The power of a good manicure and pedicure should never be underestimated. Bright colours on the fingernails (and toes if they’re being shown off in sandals) can lift your mood whilst adding to an overall outfit. If you’re current work wardrobe is tethered to the usual colour scheme of greys, creams, black and white, then temporary changes such as painted nails can go a long way into brightening up the look, even if it is subtle! Whilst red will always be a staple nail varnish shade, try a vibrant turquoise or coral nail varnish for summer that will contrast wonderfully against a grey or navy jacket, or select a lovely lilac nail polish shade that will bring a touch of femininity to your office outfit.

Brighten your work outfit this summer with Ravel and take a look at our popular range of sandals, flat pumps and wedge espadrilles to add some seasonal updates to your footwear collection.