54 54 548400 00

Dress for successWhat are SA’s biggest work wear trends?When it comes to office attire, there is far more choice and scope for individuality nowadays. With more international brands filtering into South Africa and showcasing trends, consumers are learning to be less conservative in their work clothing, incorporating their own personal style. Colour and prints are big trends for both men and women and corporate clothing is no longer restricted to black, white or grey. You can still keep your look professional with neutrals, but by adding a printed blouse or touch of colour such as navy, red or even yellow, allows for a more fashionable and individual look.

Business workers tend to wear a lot of suits. What tips do you have for showing personality?When it comes to suits, you can never go wrong with a really good quality, well-cut, white shirt. It’s worth investing in the best you can afford. Not only will it keep well, but a good shirt in beautiful fabric always stands out.

Another option is to add a touch of colour, print or texture. For example, pastel colours work really well in the workplace and you can add your personal touch with printed shirts or blouses, the use of accessories such as cufflinks, patterned socks, scarves and jewellery. The key is not to overdo it to keep it professional.

Professionals often attend night affairs. How should they dress for out of office functions?At a work function, you definitely want to keep it smart but also bring through your own style. Not only are you an ambassador for your company, but it’s a great opportunity to showcase your personal brand.

To get the balance – unless it is a black tie event – apply the smart casual approach. Men should wear a blazer or smart jacket with chinos, trousers (you could even get away with dark indigo jeans if your industry is more creative), a good belt and leather shoes. A suit is always appropriate, but I would stay away from grey as it is dreadfully dull and a sure sign that you’ve come straight from the office.

For ladies, you can never go wrong with a desk-to-dinner dress. If you come straight from the office, add heels and an evening bag or clutch to smarten up a dress, blouse and skirt or trousers. Keep accessories classy and avoid showing too much flesh to give a great impression.

As we head into the next season, what should shoppers look for? With the onset of winter, our wardrobes do tend to get darker, but instead of falling back on black and grey, work other autumnal colours in such as charcoal, navy, tobacco, burgundy and shades of deep green and blue.

Checks are big for winter for both men and women and work well in the workplace, especially in shirts, skirts and jackets. Invest in a good coat or jacket, good boots and add colour through knitwear and accessories like scarves or belts.

What is the biggest work wear faux pas?Dressing too sexy for the office is the biggest faux pas. No matter what industry you work in, showing too much skin or cleavage is a big no-no and sends the wrong impression, especially if your role involves presenting or is client-facing. I’ve seen it time and time again with younger colleagues, and it’s not just the males in the office who find it hard to concentrate when there is too much on show.

Who is your business style icon?I have to say Tom Ford for always being impeccably dressed. Despite working at the forefront of fashion and pushing the boundaries in his work, his own look is always classic, simple and elegant. He really knows how to pull off a suit.

Whether its business casual or a tailored suit, brokers work hard to look good

inside and out of the office. RISKSA speaks to fashion

trend and buying manager Georgina Simone Rawden on the dos and don’ts of

workplace fashion.

Laura Owings