Style On The Streets: Dublin Does Workwear

Each week, we team up with the stylish folks behind Opsh to spot the top fashion trends on the streets of Dublin...

Workwear is no longer restricted to a traditional black suit/white shirt combo, as the corporates of Dublin proved this week. Incorporating printed separates, coloured trousers and playful details into their existing work wardrobe, Dublin’s workwear now allows for a freer expression of individuality.  Even those whose offices instil a formal dress code policy donned quirky lunchtime accessories like mirrored sunglasses, colour-blocked handbags and fancy footwear. If your workwear needs an update, then check out these Dublin street stylers for inspiration, and see Opsh’s style tips for working it at work.

Workwear Style Tips

1. Decide On The Image You Want To Project

Remember that 90% of people will form an opinion about you within the first 10 to 40 seconds of meeting you - so whatever your occupation, image matters. Decide on the type of message you want to project: do you want to appear professional? Smart? Organised? Powerful? Then look to magazines, celebrities and even co-workers to identify the workwear style you admire, and reference it when putting together your own wardrobe.

2. Fit is Everything

Whether you’re male or female, nothing looks more unprofessional than a badly-fitting suit. If you’re in between sizes, opt for the bigger size, then get it tailored to fit. This very small expense will make your suit look twice the price, so it’s well worth the investment.

3. Build A Capsule Work Wardrobe

Choose workwear separates that mix and match easily, which will save time and stress in the mornings. For women, dresses and jumpsuits are an easy all-in-one option, but you should also invest in a tailored blazer, buy the matching skirt and trousers and then play around with various print and block-colour blouses to freshen up your look. For men, choosing multiple complementary shirt and tie combinations (pink shirt, silver tie; white shirt, burgundy tie; blue shirt, silver tie; pink shirt, burgundy tie; white shirt, silver tie etc.) that can be easily mixed and matched. It’ll change up your look each time.

4. Be Seasonal

While we all change up our downtime dressing wardrobes according to the weather, many of us stick to the same work clothes year-round. Give your workwear a summer update by opting for suits and separates in lighter shades like pale grey and soft blue in lighter, more breathable fabrics.

5. Do NOT wear runners on your commute

There is nothing worse than seeing a perfectly polished man or woman who looks like they mean business from the ankles upwards... and then noticing their garish Asics gym runners poking out from under their suit. While runners may be having a fashion moment right now, the suited-and-booted morning commute is not that moment. Invest in some comfortable work shoes - your feet and fashion cred will thank you for it.

Words:Justine King

Images:Michelle Walsh