Dressing for work each day can be a bore and a chore. There are only so many times you can pull on the same shirt and trouser combo. When you have approximately 18 minutes to get ready in the morning and need to shower, sort out your face and rectify any hair dramas, finding an inspired outfit isn't always the top priority. Worn the same V-neck three days in a row? Meh, your colleagues won't mind/notice... right?
Investing in a few key pieces like a versatile suit, a few white T-shirts and shirts, a pair of well-cut trousers, some smarter jeans and a couple of sweaters will revolutionise your work wardrobe. Also if you look good, you feel good, and chances are you might be taken more seriously with a slightly more polished appearance. With a small capsule of clothes that you can mix and match, dressing for work can be quick and easy and you'll look effortlessly elegant, Monday through to Friday.
Take note from these stylish women who have thrown together outfits that will inspire you to upgrade your daily uniform...
Invest in a midi skirt
If you're bored of living in jeans or trousers, a midi skirt might be your workwear saviour. Fret not, a midi skirt doesn't have to be overly feminine or frumpy. Wear with your favourite knit or shirt for a smart casual look that takes two ticks to pull together.
Here, Camille Charrière clashes prints with stripes and polka dots but unifies the whole look with a strict black and white palette.
Shini Park also nails a monochrome midi skirt outfit, instead wearing hers with a clean, elegant jacket and patent boots.
Dress up jeans with a blazer and blouse
Not keen on a skirt for work or committing to a suit? Instead smarten up your favourite pair of jeans with a tailored blazer and chic blouse. Jessie Bush goes for head-to-toe Sézane and midi heels for a look that is perfect for after-work drinks, too.
Lindsey Holland dresses up her trusty black jeans with a yellow Jigsaw sweater, Urban Outfitters jacket and Loewe bag.
A jumpsuit can actually be work-appropriate
A jumpsuit might be your evening go-to, but when layered with the right items, it can be suitable for work too. Obviously steer clear of velvet, sequins and plunging necklines that are more dance floor than boardroom.
Stephanie Yeboah wears her polka dot ASOS jumpsuit with ankle boots and a red tailored coat from Evans for a look that is effortlessly elegant.
& Finally cofounder and accessories aficionado Anna Vitiello layers a Paloma Wool jumpsuit over a chic polo neck, finished off with Kurt Geiger boots.
Switch up your jeans for cords
Corduroy was the biggest comeback of 2017 and cord trousers are an easy and smarter alternative to the daily denim we all reach for most mornings. Follow Jeanette Madsen's lead by wearing a pair of corduroy trousers with a fitted blouse, tucked in.
If you dare not try brown cord (too Year 8 geography teacher), red, navy and yellow are universally flattering.
Brighten up a black wardrobe with some camel tones
If you rarely veer away from black and neutral tones, why not try camel tones for the new year. Sabina Socol gives us a masterclass in wearing black and camel together, tucking a dark shirt into high-waisted tailored trousers, finished off with a complementary tonal bag.
Alternatively update your winter outerwear with a timeless camel coat like Tijan Serena, to amp up any outfit.
Elevate denim with a smart pair of boots
If trainers are a no-go in your office or workplace but vertiginous heels aren't an option, try sock boots, one of the past year's most popular footwear choices. With an elegant silhouette, low heel and countless colours and patterns to pick from, they instantly transform a more casual look.
Jeanne Damas can do no wrong in terms of nailing smart/casual French girl fashion. These Rouje ankle boots are ideal for a down day at work when you don't want to wear anything but your cosiest jumper and jeans but still want to look put-together.
Wear a suit with trainers...
Sharp tailoring was one of the biggest trends for AW17 but if you're daunted by the prospect of wearing a suit or something too formal, try a two-piece with cuffed trousers for a more casual vibe à la Ranti Onayemi-Blanchard, and wear with trainers.
Follow Irina Lakicevic's lead and wear your suit over a comfortable knit, with your favourite sneakers.
... or your favourite ankle boots
Alternatively, wear a suit with ankle boots and a sporty top for another take on athleisure and smart/casual.
... or loafers
Caroline Issa goes all out in a pastel suit and baby pink Nicholas Kirkwood flats. Who says workwear has to be boring?
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
5 Easy Styling Updates For Spring (Zero Effort Required)