We’re willing to bet that there are very few of us who wake up an hour earlier to meticulously plan what we’re going to wear for work. It’s a lot more likely that you find yourself amongst a pile of clothing, claiming that you’ve got nothing to wear. If that’s the case, this post is for you.

The 9-5 grind is a struggle enough without having to worry about your sartorial choices for the office. Here are some tips to make sure you’re dressing for success.

Spaghetti straps are not allowed

While the summer may call for a sleeveless blouse tucked neatly into a pencil skirt, you should never opt for anything that doesn’t extend to the edges of your shoulders. No matter how good your tan is looking or how much you’ve toned your arms at the gym, you’re still in a professional environment.

Be mindful of your neckline

Your office might be a little more casual than most, but that doesn’t mean you’ve been given the opportunity to show off your cleavage. You should always make sure that the neckline of your shirt or blouse never goes lower than 4 inches below your collarbone. The same goes for micro miniskirts and dresses. 

Pair jeans with something more formal

Sometimes, jeans are ok for the office, but you should try to pair your denim with something a little less casual such as a pair of oxfords or a blazer. Regardless of what you’re wearing on top, you should try to stick to darker denim as they look a whole lot more sophisticated than a lighter pair. Distressed denim, jeggings and low-rise jeans are always a no-go, and you should always make sure your jeans are well-fitting. If you’re someone who struggles to find jeans that fit your body shape, check out Ashleigh Plus Size.

Keep print mixing to a minimum

We all love a good print…or two but if you’re prone to mixing your prints (something that is hugely fashion-forward) try and keep it to a minimum while you’re at work. Look for prints that have a subtle nod to the season such as polka dots and florals for spring/summer or tartan for autumn/winter. Large, busy prints tend to swamp your frame, so this is something else to be wary of. Instead, look for office-suitable clothing with small, delicate prints.

Leave your hemline at the knee

It almost goes without saying that a teeny tiny miniskirt in the office doesn’t necessarily ooze professionalism. If your pins are your best asset, you can still show them off just as long as you leave the hemline no higher than a few inches above the knee. A midi skirt can look really chic when paired with a heel and a structured blazer.

Cultivating your image

Regardless of how much we’d like to think otherwise, the way that we dress makes a huge difference to the way we’re perceived. That means, when it comes to the office, you don’t want to be perceived as lazy or disrespectful because of what you choose to wear. The clothes that you wear give you a chance to demonstrate exactly who you are and how you care to be treated. Remember that when you’re raking through your wardrobe in the morning.