What to Wear to Work - Define Your Style

This week we have been running a daily post on social media to celebrate Mother’s Day this Sunday.

We wanted to delve into what motherhood means to you and the impact it can have on your identity as both a woman and a mother.

Everyone who works in our office, happens to be a mother, one of our ladies has a bub on the way and we all work together to be flexible in supporting work/life balance.

What is fantastic about every one of our Mums in the office is that they applied for the role as they were ready to step into something they could be passionate about, saying this was something they wanted to do for themselves.

This is such a common thread for women completing our Stylist Course, and for those who ring us about personal services.

When you become a mother, all of a sudden your priorities change, and nothing trumps providing your kids with love, time and material things they need. You find that your needs and wants take a backseat to everything else going on.

It is so common that women who have previously loved fashion and used their style to reflect their personality simply stop caring about their appearance for so many motherhood related reasons.

Which is fine! We completely understand, but when a woman’s identity and self-care is minimised further and further, it has a huge effect on their self-esteem and confidence.

It comes in stages we find, from experience and with working with everyday clients to rebuild their confidence and give themselves permission to do something for themselves.

So who is calling in for help?

We get a number of calls from new mums who haven’t ‘bounced back’ as soon as they would like and a year later, nothing in their wardrobe fits and their body shape which they have previously known so well is completely foreign to them. It can be a very emotional time… we have all been there!

Mums with younger kids who feel ‘mumsy’ – they used to love clothes, but now don’t spend any money on themselves. They have lost their identity and feel ready to return to the workforce or their social circles and feel confident again. Yep, we can relate!

Mums whose kids are growing up and much more independent – this is a big one and sometimes the hardest for clients to navigate. All of a sudden their little ones aren’t completely dependant on them, they realise they need to shift focus, invest in themselves and redefine their identity outside of motherhood.

Many of those who are ready to dive back into the workforce full or part-time find returning to work after living in maternity jeans, active wear and ‘about the house clothes’ incredibly daunting. Their body shape has changed, it has been a number of years since they have been at work, dress codes have changed or they are applying for an entirely different role.

Further to that, they are almost relaunching themselves into the world as their own person rather than ‘Archie’s Mum’.

Our Stylists get so so much joy from helping these clients as we have all been there!

We wanted to share these common conversations with mum’s as we want you to know you aren’t alone, we can all relate and we would love to assist you!

We have wardrobe audits and personal styling sessions available to help you get your mojo back, to feel independent and yourself again!

If you aren’t ready to take the next step, to get you started, here are a few key tips and example of looks from Portmans for the workplace that will have you looking and feeling fantastic and are budget friendly!

What to Wear To Work

Classic Styles with Flattering Details

Rework a classic style with detail that not only adds interest and modernity but highlights your waistline.

Black and white are fresh, timeless opportunities.

A classic style in red will really make you stand out.

I love the belt detail to cinch the waist and dress up the look, the cap sleeve is perfect for a corporate office.

A classic trench jacket is such a key versatile piece for this season.

Blush is having another moment this season and can modernise a classic style.

Jumpsuits

Want to look on trend, sophisticated and office appropriate?

A jumpsuit is a perfect option and will elongate your legs, and with a perfectly placed tie or belt flatter your shape.

A plain black jumpsuit is a versatile piece for your wardrobe that can be easily dressed up or down with accessories or with the addition of a leather jacket.

I love a black patent pump, elongates the leg and adds a level of elegance to your look or sexiness depending on how you style it.