Gone are the days that women are willing to walk around all day in an uncomfortable pair of heels or squeeze into a too tight shirt in the name of professionalism. It is no secret that women in business settings have struggled for years to be taken as seriously as their male counterparts and have had to meticulously edit their wardrobes to ensure that their outfits don’t jeopardise their reputations and career opportunities further. But this idea that women must look or dress in a certain way to be considered a successful employee is rapidly becoming an outdated belief. Emphasised by the lockdowns, which forced people to conduct business from their homes; women have proved that it is not the clothes they wear that makes them a serious employee, rather it is the outcome of their work.

Comfort has since become just as much of a priority as style to many working women, as they no longer feel the pressure to dress-up to prove their worth and value. Also, many studies have shown that being comfortable in workplace environments has a positive effect on productivity. Adding comfort to workplace uniforms and dress codes has proven to be an easy way in which employers can boost workers engagement and make them happier to do their jobs. As discomfort is a distraction and uncomfortable environments and clothing are far more likely to slow down work progress.

So as offices begin to open back up, here’s how we at Lounge-wear suggest you dress down your work attire to opt for a more comfortable and relaxed business look, perfect for the upcoming summer season…

Outfit 1: Boss Babe

To recreate this gorgeous smart casual look, style an oversized blazer and a tailored pair of wide leg trousers with our DREW unisex t-shirt in the shade, sage. Add a chunky pair of earrings or necklace in a warm, gold tone and a ruched mini bag to pull together your look whilst keeping it practical for work. Finally, slip on a comfortable pair of low heels or mules in a tonal shade that you are happy to wear all day.

Top Tip: Try to stick to soft pastel tones to create a chic outfit that can easily transition from workwear to an evening look that is spring/summer appropriate.

Outfit 2: CEO Vibes 

You could easily recreate this outfit with a few staple pieces that you probably already have in your wardrobe. Try pairing a coordinating cropped blazer and tailored skirt with our NOEL hoodie in the shade, beige to make it more comfortable and flexible. Add a similar coloured pair of chunky heeled boots, matching bag and your favourite pair of sunglasses to create a tonal look will result in the ultimate business chic style.

Outfit 3: Office Chic

This neutral outfit is an easy look that you could quickly put together before work; the comfort of our RAE t-shirt in the shade chocolate, cropped by knotting the front, paired with the similarly toned loose fit trousers creates a sophisticated yet effortless style. Compliment these with some chunky gold jewellery, nude toned mules and clutch to add an element of style and sophistication and complete this office chic look. 

Top Tip: Pairing similarly toned pieces will elevate any look to appear as if you have spent hours coordinating it; a look that is appropriate for both work and out of office hours.