Suit up for work

With every new year, one sees new trends blooming and new ideas becoming fashion statements. This year, for instance, corporate fashion has a lot to look forward to. The mundane corporate look is all set to get a new lease of life. Looks that are more defined and have a touch of freshness are ready to make inroads into one’s wardrobe.

Roshni Subba, a professional working with a lifestyle and apparel company, elaborates on what’s in store. “For women, top and bottom in the same colour is in now. Overcoats and maxi coats are trending. When it comes to shoes, kitten heels are out and more of flats are coming in. Oxford and chunky heels are also in vogue. That apart, shoes with metal trim edge can provide a classy look. For women, proper fitting dresses structured to one’s body type and men inspired suits can also be seen trending,” she says.

“If someone is keeping it simple and dressing in a more orthodox manner, they can complete their look with a statement necklace, choker or a thin bracelet. Adding a wide or a thin gold-plated belt can also do the needful,” she adds.

Designer Diya Arora points out that corporates have changed a lot in terms of their fashion outlook. She says, “Tapered suits with waistcoats are back in action. Smart cufflinks, bold colours and cuts are the preferred choices of the corporates. They are today open to more relaxed coats with denims for a semi-formal look, usually on Saturdays. Some nice pastel colours and dark hues are being experimented a lot in office premises. On regular days, checkered suits and suits with stripes are in, and if it's cold, a smart overcoat does the trick.”

Revamping one’s closet is always thought to be a great stress buster. For the hectic life led by corporates, a new wardrobe can certainly infuse the much-needed energy. Bhavya Chawla, the chief stylist of a popular apparel brand says, “This year, corporate look is all about having a structured look. It has also become important for one to impress everyone as soon they step into the presentation room. So the aim should be to dress in a way that sets you apart from those around you.”

Pencil skirt, blazer, cigar and straight pants are becoming the talk of the town. To accessorise the look, she says, “One can do a bun or a pull-back hairstyle, but never let your hair loose, this doesn’t go well with the professional environment. For shoes, closed or peep toes are in trend, however if one is going for heels— make it a substance look— wear wedges or keep it simple with ballerinas. Sporting neutral colours like black or navy blue for bags can give a very in trend look. The look can be completed with medium-size pearl jewelleries.”

On the few most essential things that both men and women should have in the work wardrobe Bhavya says, “A charcoal colour business suit is an ideal wear for both men and women alike. Same goes for their shoes, a perfect pair of black shoes for men and a classy black heels is a must for women in the corporate sector. Apart from this, women should possess shirts with shades of light blue and pink and a black structured handbag. However for men, a toned down gold plated watch, a pen, tie and a pocket square are must haves for an ideal corporate look.”

According to designer Paresh Lamba, the current corporate look for men is going back to old school. Explaining which he says, “There is a lot more direct interaction that happens with the clients today unlike sometime back. Therefore men prefer wearing outfits that are well-fitted and structured. Check shirts, boulder stripes and solid colours are catching the eyeballs. The young crowd is experimenting with adventurous hues like pink, lemon yellow, green and mint. Nice pleated suits, waist coats, ties and pocket squares are coming back. Bow ties are getting trendier for the evenings.”