Wardrobe Staple Piece Alert - The Obi Wrap Top

ASOS Obi Wrap Top with Poppy Print

The kimono top is all about looking chic and classy this season, which makes it a great staple piece for your business wardrobe. The sleeves are straight and the accent is on the waist for a modern and sleek silouette. It is a wonderful piece to wear  to workon a warm day; the big sleeves are keeping it all cool. Pick a style that fits your personality best, and combine it with your favorite pair of trousers or a straight skirt.   

             

                 

MICHAEL Michael Korts Striped Wrap Top

Floral prints soften the straight cut of the kimono top and add a feminine touch. Stripes and solid colours on the other hand achieve a mature and classic look. Cottons and linnens are very elegant materials for this type of top, but may not be entirely appropriate for that one important business meeting. The more delicate the material, the more dressed up it looks. 

              

Zara Blouse with Belt and Kimono Sleeve

The kimono top is a versatile, classic, and feminine staple piece for the business wardrobe. A more basic wrap top is easily changed with a belt in a style that suits the occasion. Have fun with it!

                                                                          

A Professional Look in Five Steps

1. Colours grab the attention 

An outfit that is built on a striking colour catches attention for the right reasons at the office floor. Choose colours that fit your complexion and that make you feel comfortable. There is not a right or wrong colour as what looks best on you highly depends on your hair, skin, and eye colour. Great colours for a strong and elegant look are jewel colours in blues, reds, and greens. Combine them with neutrals for a killer look.

2. Your business bag is your best mate 

Whatever the season, weather, and distance you have to commute to work; it is unlikely that you can do without a spacious bag. Business bags are not the cheapest if the material is of high quality, but are lifesavers as they instantly upgrade any outfit. Also, you will not feel the urge to switch bags on a daily basis (and find out that your wallet has been left in your other bag!) if you have one great bag to rely upon. Read more here about choosing your perfect bag.

3. Choose luxurious(-looking) materials 

An item which is of high quality material adds to a personal look without a lot of effort. Avoid materials with stretch and synthetic materials that do not breathe. Wool, cottons found at the better retailers, linnen and chiffon are all wonderful.

4. Jewelry and accessories are a do 

It is fun to accessorize your outfit! Personalize your look to keep things interesting. In my opinion, pretty much anything goes when it comes to accessories if you keep this in mind:
1. Wear a maximum of three to four pieces of jewelry.
2. Go crazy with colours, but not with size when it comes to jewelry. Smaller and delicate is the look to go.
3. Consider what kind of message certain symbols, such as skulls, may send to your clients and/or co workers.

5. Solidify your look with statement pieces
The aim by dressing professionally is not that people remember you for how you dress, but for who you are. However, statement pieces are pieces that can be described as 'you' and are a recurring basic in your daily outfits. Statement pieces do not have to be big and flashy, but are pieces that catch the essence of you. It can be a material, accessory, or a certain clothing item which makes you feel great.