Business attires to get you through the workweek
When I started my first legitimate internship I realized just how hard it is to dress for the office. Half my dresses were either a tad too short, a tad too baggy, a tad too casual — it was so hard to find the right balance. Looking for the right fabric, the right color, and the right cut can be enough to make any working girl’s head spin.
But lately, we here at Your Coffee Break have found a solution. We’ve been turning to the designs of Monika Csutak for fun and unique office-appropriate dresses to take us all the way through the winter season. After lusting over their dresses, we talked to the designer behind the line to find out all her top secrets for putting together a closet that will get you through the workweek in perfect style.
So what do the designer of Monika Csutak look for in a good office-appropriate dress? “Something that is elegant, yet comfortable. An outfit that can easily take you from day to night.” Happily for us, their black knee-length dress with white detail around the neck happens to fit the bill. The length makes it appropriate for the office while the subtle slit on the side makes it fun for nighttime if you pulled on some higher heels and a swipe of bright lipstick. But for the day, stick with modest pumps, minimal accessories and light make-up for a business attire look that you’ll be actually excited to wear. And remember, it’s all about the comfort, elegance, and versatility.
Do you ever wonder what’s inside a designer’s mind when creating a dress? I mean, it’s hard enough to pick one out, so designing a work-appropriate dress seems like a whole different kettle of worms. Monika Csutak told us she pays attention to fabrics that are carefully selected to create an outfit that is comfortable to wear and flattering at the same time to boost self-confidence. Especially in the wintertime, fabric choice can be extremely important as your battling those cold temperatures but also trying to look chic once you’re inside (with heating, hopefully). Look for something sturdy and warm but that won’t bother you if you’re sitting in a three-hour long meeting. For example, an itchy wool sweater? No, thank you. Instead we’d opt for one of Monika Csutak’s long-sleeve wool-crepe dresses to leave us toasty and feeling confident. “Wool-crepe dresses are a perfect passe-partout for the cold season: Our fabrics will keep ladies warm and stylish with no compromises.” As someone who is often found sitting behind her desk wrapped up in a big, chunky scarf in the wintertime, these dresses seem like a perfect solution to all winter dressing woes.
Top off any of those dresses with a classic, warm coat, a precious scarf like this one from Johnstons of Elgin and a matching hat and you’ll be prepared for whatever crazy weather comes your way. There’s nothing worse than walking into the office first thing in the morning with frozen hair, a red nose, and chilly hands. Accessorizing your beautiful dresses with this winter wear will ensure that your look stays chic from the moment you leave your house to the second you arrive at your desk. “Choose some high quality wardrobe staples and accessorise them with the right pieces. Think gloves, scarves, and hats, and add a bit of sparkle or colour!”
These pops of colour work especially well if you decide to stick to more neutral work dresses, which Monika Csutak suggests. Browns, blacks, and creams are great investments as they go with everything and usually end up being timeless. Play up your ensemble with accessories and you’ll keep your business attire fun and unique, instead of boring. We are loving Vamp London’s Sahara collection.
Speaking of neutrals, one of our favorite picks for these winter months would have to be Monika Csutak’s little black dress. Just like the designer says, “Every woman needs to own a little black dress to feel flawless in all situations. It is one of the most versatile pieces in your wardrobe and the number of outfits you can create is virtually endless.” And for a season when you’re more preoccupied with what gift to get your best friend and what cookies to bake for your holiday party, an easy, no-fuss black dress is the ideal option for the office.
Tell us, when it comes to winter, what sort of business attire gets you through the week?
