Eleanor Pendleton on Dressing For Business

When it comes to dressing for the office, what you wear not only impacts how you feel and how you carry yourself, but also how your colleagues and seniors perceive you.

For me, wearing head-to-toe black is my favourite work look. It can come across as a little strong—or even bland—but making it soft and adding a feminine touch with tousled wavy hair and nude nails, can help keep this style looking elegant and sophisticated.

All too often, mornings can turn into a complete meltdown (yes, we’ve all been there!) so to avoid this, I mentally plan my outfit for work the night before.

Running my own website and online magazine means I constantly need to be ready for business in case I have to run into a last minute meeting (which, to be honest, can be a daily occurrence!).

A sleeveless tailored black vest over slim black flares elongates my body (FYI I’m only 5’3”) and has me feeling like I can take on almost anything the day throws at me. A cinched belt around the waist can also help you switch up your look, allowing you to wear this office outfit repeatedly.

When choosing a long vest, pick a style with pockets. They are a lifesaver for workday essentials such as sunglasses, pens, lip balm and a smartphone.

And, because no office attire is ever complete without a tote that is big enough to house your laptop/iPad/lunch/cosmetics case, a black leather bag like this one isn’t just an accessory—it’s an investment.

So, is it pay day, yet?

Keep scrolling to see my perfect work-day outfit.

Credits: Keepsake All Great Things Vest ($200), Frame Denim Le High Flare ($329), Petite Grand Bar and Bead Necklace ($130), Mansur Gavriel Large Tote ($775), Zara Mules

Credits: Keepsake All Great Things Vest ($200), Frame Denim Le High Flare ($329), Petite Grand Bar and Bead Necklace ($130), Mansur Gavriel Large Tote ($775), Zara Mules

Credits: Keepsake All Great Things Vest ($200), Frame Denim Le High Flare ($329), Petite Grand Bar and Bead Necklace ($130), Mansur Gavriel Large Tote ($775), Zara Mules

Credits: Keepsake All Great Things Vest ($200), Frame Denim Le High Flare ($329), Petite Grand Bar and Bead Necklace ($130), Mansur Gavriel Large Tote ($775), Zara Mules

Credits: Keepsake All Great Things Vest ($200), Frame Denim Le High Flare ($329), Petite Grand Bar and Bead Necklace ($130), Mansur Gavriel Large Tote ($775), Zara Mules

Credits: Keepsake All Great Things Vest ($200), Frame Denim Le High Flare ($329), Petite Grand Bar and Bead Necklace ($130), Mansur Gavriel Large Tote ($775), Zara Mules

What is your go-to outfit for work? Let us know in the comments below!