Dress without the stress

The thought of returning to work after days spent relaxing, reading and enjoying the summer sun can be a little less than exciting for most of us. Trading in our kaftans and swimsuits for our usual work wear can leave us contemplating new careers.
However, preparing for work again in the New Year can be a smooth sailing experience if you put in just a little time and effort. Working out what to wear to work can be quite stressful, especially if it's something you leave until the last minute. With a little planning, you'll be ready to kick-start the new working year on a high note.
What to wear
If you've been making the most of the summer sales, then you probably have at least a couple of things that you can't wait to show off to your colleagues.
However, if you are left deciding on your outfit in the morning when you manage to force yourself out of bed, stress often takes over. Hunting around for that skirt you just have to wear today (but you can't quite recall where it is as you may have lent it to your sister) is only going to waste precious time. Most of us don't have the luxury of hours to get ready in the morning, so creating unnecessary stress will only leave you in a fluster, which is not an ideal way to start the day.
In situations like these the best thing to do is to admit defeat, decide to look for the garment in the evening and select something else to wear quick smart.
Better still, you can avoid these kinds of what-to-wear disasters completely if you put a little time and effort in the evening before, and plan what you are going to wear in the morning. If you lay out your outfit before you go to bed, you'll find you will have more time on your hands before you have to rush out the door and you may even be able to enjoy breakfast. Plus starting your day on a positive, stress-free note means your day is more likely to continue in the same vibe.

Seasonal dressing
The hot, humid weather can also leave us in a pickle when it comes to work wear, especially when it's sunny one minute, and then humid and raining the next. Finding a balance between clothing which is suitable for summer and also suitable for the office shouldn't be a struggle if you keep your focus on a few interchangeable, key pieces in your wardrobe. Smart, cropped blazers with three-quarter length sleeves provide the perfect pick me up to any outfit. For summer, choose soft, neutral beige tones in lightweight breathable fabrics. Try pairing a sophisticated blazer with a floaty, feminine summer dress, some killer heels and you're ready to return to work looking summery and office-chic. And just because you are dressing for the office, it doesn't mean that all fashion trends have to go out the window. Try out the tribal trend, with soft blouses in delicate animal prints, or the military trend, with tailored shirts or pants in deep khaki.
Although we don't always enjoy the thought of getting ready for work, you can have fun with what you wear and it doesn't have to be stressful if you put a little effort in the evening before.

Got a fashion or style topic you'd like us to cover? Email Natalie at editor@simplyyou.co.nz