Office wear that works

It's the end of the working year, and if you are anything like me you maybe getting a little dazed and confused by the daily effort to wrap up warm in outfits that are suitable for the office environment.

Jeans and Ugg Boots are the cosy answer for Saturday fun, but what about when you have to put your professional head on. Here's a quick guide to how to get it right every time.

A lush wool trouser suit is your best friend in the office. Opt for grey or navy as a staple and team with interesting separates to create a work ready capsule wardrobe.

Add to this a few cashmere fine knits, a classic white shirt, a knitted dress and some fabulous accessories and you have all the office options you need.

I am not a fan of trousers with heals. They might seem an innocuous combo but when you take into account the minefield that is heal height v trouser length, you can easily end up tripping over frayed helms, or looking like you put your pants in a hot wash, i.e. they shrunk.

The answer, if you are going for a trouser suit, think flats. Comfortable and effortlessly chic, a classic pair of pumps will take your work suit from tacky to ultra classy in an instant. Flats with trousers look elegant and in my opinion, more professional as you are not tottering around on heals while your trousers flap at your ankles.
Great if you are blessed with long legs I hear you say, but not so great for the petites. I don't really buy in to the theory that short women must wear heals, unfortunately I think that if you are under 5'3 and wear 6 inch heels, you don’t look any taller, you just look like a little person with a funny walk. Embrace your petite stature and wear cute little outfits that taller women can't pull off. ( Leggy ladies struggle with minis and jumper dresses in the office)

Of course there is a place for heals. Pencil skirts with a mid height court is a great work wear look. My only tip here would be to invest in a good quality skirt. Cheap, shiny material or a skirt that rides up can really spoil an outfit.

So what about in this arctic weather, only the utterly brace or totally foolhardy would venture out on the morning commute wearing heels in these icy condition, but few work places see wellingtons as acceptable office wear.

I say invest in a great pair of leather boots, tan or black leather will see you through most outfits. Team with knee length skirts, dresses or cigarette pants tucked in for a chic and cosy day time look. I love Duo for boot.

 http://www.duoboots.com/pages/fdfr201012?cm_mmc=PPC+-+Google+-+UK-_-Brand+-+Boots-_-Brand+-+Boots-_-duo&ppcseid=4792&ppcsekeyword=duo&mmtctg=1322606507&mmtcmp=43030967&mmtmt=2&mmtgglcnt=0&mmtadid=6171435317&gclid=CIz5zrSX-6UCFYUe4QodYUQHoA

They make them in a range of styles and calf sizes so you are always guaranteed a perfect fit.
Remember to give all leather shoes and boots a generous coating of protector spray before venturing out in this weather, snow and grit WILL stain your precious shoes. (no, wearing trainers on tube is not an option, for the truly stylish women)

Armed with a refreshed capsule wardrobe you can hit the ground running in 2011, ready for action, whatever the day job throws at you.

Now off to work you go!!!