Purvi Rohit Pugalia helps curate the perfect formal attire for women, with a classy office-look

India, with all its diverse cultural and work-approapriate attires, from classy ethnic outfits to the chic western formals, presents countless options for formal wear for women. Tasteful yet trendy dressing at the workplace adds to the oomph and rewards you with confidence.

Choosing the right kind of attire for the office is a dilemma that you can barely escape. And spending hours staring at your closet is a ritual common to many. However, contrary to popular belief, you do not require a separate wardrobe to be able to dress your best at work. All you need to do is be able to throw in an ensemble that ropes in sartorial elegance effortlessly.

These six steps will help you make a lasting impression in the boardroom.

Choose your formal attire

Indian fashion is renowned for its numerous choice options in formal wear. You can choose from either Indian formals such as sarees or salwar suits and kurtis with leggings or opt for western formals that comprise of dresses, shirts and trousers or blouses and skirts. Each of these has a unique appeal and you can alternate between them as you see fit.

Get the fit

Choosing formal attire goes only that far. The bigger deal is to get the right fit. Altered clothes are a styling wizard you did not know you needed. People are habituated to picking up clothes off the rack and wearing them to work without paying attention to minor fitting details. Everyone’s shape is unique and your clothes must look like they were made for you. Get the tops or kurtis altered to suit your body-type and the bottoms tailored to give you a clean and trim look.

Pick your colours

Choosing the right colours to suit your workspace will take your professional personality a notch higher. Go for shades that are restful on the eyes like pastels and powdered tints, blacks and beiges and blues and browns. A few solid and bold colours can make a great fashion statement, too, if you can carry them off effortlessly.

Match your shoes

No formal outfit is complete without the right pair of shoes to go with it. However, a common conundrum is to choose what goes with the outfit the best. Stilettos or pointed heels are a corporate favourite and look classy when paired with slim trousers and a blouse. Whereas if you are sporting an Indian formal attire, then platform heels or strappy sandals with the outfit is a job well done.

Amp it up with accessories

The right kind of accessories can add an extra edge to your workwear. It is the ideal personality-enhancer. However, an unsaid rule with jewellery is that a little goes a long way. Go for classic studs and solitaires, while the neck-pieces also should be preferably dainty. Strap a modish watch and a bracelet and you are set to rule the corporate glam look.

Compliment with a bag

A huge part of power-dressing has to do with the bag you carry. They speak for themselves when it comes to making a style statement. A bag that compliments office-wear for women must be sophisticated and roomy enough for files or a notepad. A tote bag is ideal as it sets a serious tone, followed by a satchel or a structured boxy bag. Brief-case bags, too, can help if you wish to exude classiness.

(The author is the co-founder-of Not So Pink, a western workwear brand.)