Homeroom founders Sophie Barker and Annie Carroll tackle an age-old dilemma: what to wear when you don’t know what to wear. In this month’s column, the fashion gurus offer outfit solutions for five types of work events. The pair know where to find a chocolate satin clutch to finish off a formal fit for an awards night, or the perfect slingback sandal for client lunches that spill over into team drinks. They also have styling tips for your Christmas party. For more advice, see their previous columns on fancy flats, comfy but cute underwear and dressing in hot weather.
Hey Homeroom, It’s that time of year again. My calendar is filled with holiday work events and I don’t know what to wear. Can you help? – Busy Worker Bee
Dear Busy Worker Bee,
When the silly season kicks off, it can be tempting to click purchase on any shiny Instagram ad you’re served in a desperate attempt to be organised. And we get it, work events can be tricky occasions to dress for, but we think the key to a successful outfit is one you feel both comfortable and stylish in. We’ve chosen five events – from office Christmas parties to client dinners – and the items we’d invest in to dress like our best selves at this time of year.
The office party
We’d suggest a longline, tapered skirt for a smart but casual look. This taupe, suede-like option from Henne gets double points for its tactile fabric which elevates it into evening-appropriate territory. A T-shirt is no longer just a T-shirt – this one by Scanlan Theodore has padded shoulders and it’s made from premium cotton giving it a robust structure that still works a treat when tucked into your skirt. A pair of party-ready shoes are a must. We’d go for these glossy, tomato red strappy sandals from Dof Studios to bring a little festive cheer to the table. Opt for silver accessories to tie it all together. We like this chunky necklace, sculptural clutch and small drop earrings.
The awards night
If your evening includes sitting through hours of speeches, you need to feel comfortable. Look for an easy-wearing dress you can style in multiple ways, like this buttery silk slip from Friends With Frank. On this occasion, shrug on an oversized blazer in a complementary hue – this truffle-coloured, double-breasted option from Henne fits the bill. Let the accessories do the heavy lifting: mid-height heels won’t have you wincing towards the Uber pick-up zone, but make them a little bit glamorous; a statement earring and cuff, like these from Country Road, will elevate the look; and tuck The Undone’s delightful little chocolate satin pouch under your arm.
The industry conference
A tailored suit is a failsafe option here, but rather than going for a matching blazer and pants, mix up your colours and use your accessories to tie the look together. Black and brown is having a real moment. Pair a chocolate-brown blazer, like this boyfriend-style from Dissh, with a pair of leg-elongating black tailored trousers. Melbourne label She makes trousers in both petite and tall options. Keep your top half light but structured – the cravat detail on this white denim button-down from Scanlan Theodore brings a playful point of difference. Speaking of playful, we love these leopard-print pumps by Alias Mae. Keep your accessories classic: a good black belt, a pair of pearl studs, a gold cuff or two, and some sculptural gold rings will do the trick. And, for those in the market for an investment-worthy bag for carting your work and life around in, Rylan’s luxe pebble grain leather large tote is worth considering.
The networking drinks
More often than not, networking drinks can spill over into a full-blown night out. Dress so you’re ready for anything. Take a floaty silk mini skirt like this chocolate brown number by Olga Joan. Balance it with a grandpa-chic polo button-down like this straw-coloured version from Venroy and Witchery’s exposed dart blazer. Balance the upper half of your outfit with these snakeskin-look knee-high boots by Naked Vice. Cart your laptop and emotional support water bottle in this cream vegan leather tote by July. And pack additional accessories to layer on, such as Lucy Folk’s ethereal pearl net bracelet, Pigna’s red tiger eye bangle, and these subtle statement studs by Released From Love. Don’t forget your glasses.
The annual client dinner
This event requires you to walk the line between seriously credible and delightfully fun. This outfit diplomacy is made easier thanks to the resurgence of longline tailored shorts, which really do give you the best of both worlds. Take this pair by A Emery and combine them with Scanlan Theodore’s cobalt-blue lace blouse. A plaid blazer, like this three-buttoned beauty by Carla Zampatti (which is half price right now) and a delicate heeled slingback sandal, like these by Nelson Made, will cap off your pins nicely. Tote around Camilla and Marc’s studded black leather handbag and accessorise with these silver drop studs and a chunky sci-fi cuff.
For more style inspiration, visit homeroom.com.au or follow @homeroomau.