STYLE TIPS TO KILL THE ‘POST HOLIDAY’ OFFICE LOOK

How to transition your wardrobe from beach to office

So today is officially my return to work, and whilst I have to admit the holiday wonder lust isn’t quite over for mediamarmalade.com & my Instagram just yet, I thought to mark my return to reality i’d share a little summer office look that I’ve pulled together for my return to work.

The truth is, going back to work after 2 weeks off is hard enough, let alone adjusting to formal clothing and not just a skimpy bandeau bikini. The ‘back to work’ office wear challenge is one I’m sure we all face, the desire to showcase that tan, maintain those carefree summer style vibes, yet equally dress modestly for not only the office, but for the uk weather too (which despite getting used to 35 degrees just a few (thousand) miles away, is not quite the reality of the U.K.). Today I thought I’d share a little style inspiration but also my tips for killing that post holiday office look.

FIVE ‘POST HOLIDAY’ OFFICE STYLE TIPS

Master modesty

Okay so whilst beach and holiday wear consists of near nakedness and string bikinis, the office vibe is slightly more modest, and while showcasing your tan to the best of its potential is agenda number one, it’s best to think strategically about what you show off. I personally think a bare leg OR a bare shoulder is the best way for the office – take this look, a office appropriate mini and s long sleeve white blouse or mix this seasons favourite wrap skirt (like I did here), it may not feel very office suitable, but add a crisp white shirt and a pair of sandals like I did here and you’re office chic immediately.

Compromise with a cropped leg

Back to modesty. Bum skimming mini skirts and navel gazing blouses are fab on holiday, but for the office you need something a little more sartorially appropriate, and that’s why I love cropped trousers or culottes (or a skirt for the matter), they’re summer suitable, still showcase that tan (and work well with a more baring camisole top), but offer a office ready cut.

Opt for bold colours to showcase your tan

Colours are something we usually shy away from in the office, but I couldn’t disagree more with this fact, I think colour is the perfect way to maintain that holiday glow and positive vibe, even when you are returning to the office. Forget Hawaiian print shirts, I’m talking bold, contrasting, block colours or prints. This Karen Millen skirt is a very bright orange yet because of the styling, quality and cut, it looks chic and perfectly appropriate for the office.

Add layers to your summer favourites

The ultimate trick for transitioning your holiday style to the office is simply to mix and match your holiday features with your  capsule office pieces. And the best way of doing this is be layering. Take your classic white summer shift dress and add a boyfriend blazer and voila, you’ve transitioned that summer dress perfectly for work.  The holiday live in, the camisole, transitions from strappy holiday top, to sophisticated office blouse when mixed with the right jacket and skirt / trousers.

Maintain your holiday confidence

And most of all, whatever you wear, be sure to maintain that air of holiday confidence and happiness that we ooze so much of while we’re away. Forget judgement, forget worries and forget the frown lines, embrace the sun kissed glow, the holiday confidence and the positive attitude because that’s what will really make your back to work look shine.

This look sums up my back to work style perfectly (and is exactly what I wore today, you may have already spotted it on my snapchat – mediamarmalade), fortunately the weather isn’t too atrocious in the UK so summer style is still on the cards. This coral striped skirt is a little number from Karen Millen and is the perfect ‘back to work’ statement piece, I love the bold colour and the chic cut (modest enough in length). The skirt looks perfect teamed with a classic white blouse like this Topshop white shirt, and a chic boyfriend blazer (I’m rocking this one) to finish things off.

How do you transition your style post a holiday? Do you have any office style tips to share?