3 Ways to Add Colour to your Office Wardrobe this Winter

Bright colours are proven to trigger dopamine release and are a great way to boost your mood and motivation as Winter draws in.

You needn’t wear head to toe colour to feel the benefits either! Here are some easy ideas to make your work outfits happier.

1. Start with colour pop accessories

If you are a little colour shy then accessories are the perfect way to start exploring your colourful side.

From shoes to bags, scarfs and belts there are lots of options to play with. Think about how you could mix up your regular coat with bright scarf, or add a bold yet professional shoe to liven up a more serious trouser.

This is a simple way to update your existing work wardrobe with a little unexpected colour.

Here’s some inspiration for a pop of colour.

2. Introduce colour block pieces that work for your body shape

Once you get comfortable with colourful accessories, it’s time to raise your game and introduce a colour wardrobe pieces.

A great place to start is with a bold colour coat or blazer for work. This allows you to dive into colour and try it out, knowing you can take it off and on through the day as you get used to it.

Colour blocking is a excellent tool to flatter your body shape. By using the darker colour on the part you are least confident showing off, you can highlight or balance your shape.

For example highlight great great arms and shoulders with a colour block shirt or jumper and balance with navy or black skirt or trouser. On the other hand if you want to show off fab legs then a colour trouser or skirt can work great.

Don’t forget dresses! Many of us find a solid colour dress intimidating, but this doesn’t have to be so. To add more structure to your dress the simple trick is to add a belt or blazer or even a cardi.  Or pick a print that subtly breaks up the colour .

• Lengthen the look of your legs by using the darker, richer colour for your pants or bottoms.
• Wear shoes in your skin tone colour or in a similar colour to your pants or skirt.
• Add a bold jacket or cardigan to lengthen you, add structure
• Stick to one colour from the waist or hip area down so you don’t chop yourself up.

3. Go Pro with head to toe colour

If you are ready to full colour, there are 3 approaches you can take:

Monochromatic

Pick one colour and layer different shades and tones and textures.

Choose a Colour Family

When colour blocking this way, choose one side of the rainbow family and use a print to tie it all together.

All purple, blue and green shades are in the same “family” or end of the rainbow. Yellow, orange pink and red are the other side (including pink).

Experiment with contrasting tones

If you want to get adventurous, choose colours from opposite ends of the rainbow. This is certainly the hardest one to get right, but done well the effect is stunning. A good tip is to choose a vibrant colour and contrast it with a softer shade of the opposite colour -as opposed to contrasting two bright opposites.

Final Tips for boosting you office wardrobe with colour this Winter?

• Use at least two colours. If you want to start off slowly, use one bold colour in your outfit and the second bold colour in accessories, lip colour or nails.
• Add a neutral like black, navy, grey, tan or white to the mix for balance.
• Layer at least two separates to colour block. A dress plus jacket, or pants plus top plus scarf and/or cardigan.
• And finally. Have fun with it, what you wear should help you feel confident and ready to take on your days adventures!

Image credit 1 Next 2. H&M 3. 3.Pinterest source unknown 4.Zara 5.Dorothy Perkins 6 Newlook 7. Dunnes 8 and 9 Pinterest sources unknown