Ditch the suit, keep the confidence.
Ditch the suit, keep the confidence.
Corporate dressing on the Gold Coast no longer requires the black structured power suit and briefcase in tow. In fact, the interpretation of an office power suit has been taken to new heights, throwing sexist dress codes and misogynistic ideals out the door.
Trailblazing Gold Coasters are now dressing for themselves and their personality, rather than the bosses and companies they work for. And trust me when I say, this improves productivity! Why? Because research shows a clear correlation between clothing choice and enhanced performance levels, while also influencing how others perceive you.
Did you know that within 0.7 seconds individuals have already begun forming an opinion, based purely on visual cues? Clothing plays a significant role in shaping perceptions, influencing how others view our professionalism and competence. If you don’t show up as confident in your work attire, how can you expect clients/customers to put their business trust in you?
So how does one nail the corporate dress code and actually look stylish?
First and foremost, a solid understanding of the role you hold and the target audience you want to appeal to is a given. But on the Gold Coast, we aim for that perfect balance of professionalism, comfort, confidence and personality!
Invest in these quality corporate staples:
Functional, yet stylist, the trench is the perfect piece to layer over, quite literally, any corporate or basic base. This timeless classic offers a subtle finishing touch without compromising style and creating luxury lines.
Corporate, but make it cool, in this quintessential Gold Coast uniform. Climate appropriate with a fun flair and versatility, the pant set is comfortable to work in and has a perfect balance of structure and flow.
Reflective of our sweeping Goldy coastlines, this easy- to- wear blouse dress is both feminine and conservative. A true class act that has the option to belt or un button, can we worn with sneakers under the desk or with heels in the boardroom.
Historically seen as a symbol of status and wealth, and often associated with confidence and sophistication; the power a pair of pointed heels hold is severely underrated! This backless Lana Wilkinson pair is the perfect option for the warmer Gold Coast weather.
The collared midi dress beautifully contours your figure while offering a relaxed fit. Available in breathable linen fabrics, the tailored and structured lines associate with the corporate space without compromising our gorgeous Gold Coast dress code.
This power piece comes to the rescue when in need of elevating a look quick smart and demanding the room’s attention! The perfect zoom call ‘go-to’ works best when selected in a block colour that gives you that dopamine hit to seize the day.
The perfect arm candy that can actually hold your work necessities is found in the modern-day tote bag. Gold Coast brand, Dylan Kain have created the most stylish silhouettes and heavy hardware to inject corporate chic forged with confidence into your work day.
Words by Lauren Doogan
As we transition to (slightly) cooler autumn days here on the Gold Coast, our wardrobes call for a subtle seasonal upgrade. Both stylish and casual, autumn fashion takes tones to a rich reflection of the season’s landscape.
Warm up your wardrobe with trans seasonal and layering garments, balanced with textured accessories and outerwear.
Here’s what’s hot this autumn:
This hugely exaggerated style is the trend of the season! Every IT girl will have a pair, and why wouldn’t they, when this comfortable piece creates a cool, curvy leg vs fitted waist juxtaposition.
Commonly associated with autumn, the colour burgundy is on everyone’s wardrobe wish list right now. This stylish tone may be bolder than your average neutral, but can be injected more subtly through accessories if you’re only wanting to dip your toe in the burgundy waters.
A must -have in the modern women’s wardrobe, these stylish pants are the epitome of versatile. Pair with a blouse, blazer and heels for the office, or throw on a belt, tee, and some boots for dinner. Either way, feel polished in these flattering fit pants.
The shirt-jacket aka “shacket”, is a perfect outerwear option for a climate like Gold Coast autumn. Choose to button it up, roll up the sleeves or layer it over a singlet; the lightweight shacket is an effortless piece that quite literally goes with or over anything!
Indulge in quality and elevate your outfits with the accompaniment of textured accessories. Suede boots and felt hats add warmth and character to an otherwise classic look, whilst aligning with autumn aesthetics.
Words by Lauren Doogan
Curating a tight edit of pieces that you love is guaranteed to see your closet consuming less while, quite literally, saving you time, money; and stress on the daily.
Firstly, let’s get clear on what a capsule wardrobe actually is…
A capsule wardrobe is a collection of thoughtfully curated, easily interchangeable items designed to maximise the number of outfits you can create. These long-lasting looks focus on a quality over quantity philosophy, while streamlining your closest and embracing fashion sustainability.
But before you start culling your wardrobe, you must be clear on your desired personal style. Your wardrobe, (no matter how big or small), must reflect your style and be in complete alignment with your body shape, personality; and lifestyle.
Here are my five must-have items to build your first capsule wardrobe…
Depending on how casual, corporate or elevated your lifestyle is, a classic white tee or button-up shirt is the perfect base to any wardrobe. Simple, clean, timeless and will match or layer with almost anything; a white top will likely be your most worn item in a capsule wardrobe.
Denim as a fabric holds such great durability and adds an understated yet edgy structure to an outfit. Shorts, skirt or jeans; find the perfect denim cut and wash for you. Plus, this trans-seasonal staple can be paired with any colour of the rainbow.
A comfortably elevated option and a beautiful dopamine hit. A maxi dress provides an easy reach when you receive those last minute invitations, and can be dressed up or down as you please. You can opt for a floral, pattern or stick to a plain colour; the maxi dress requires very little thought!
Although matching sets may seem quite on trend at the moment, (and that’s not what a capsule wardrobe is about), the value-per-wear and versatility of a set is enormous. Wear each piece as a separate or as a pair, dress with heels or with flats, top buttoned up or open with a tank underneath; a matching set covers all bases.
So often it’s the footwear that can be the Achilles heel of a head-to-toe look. Many of us will spend time and change our entire outfit, simply because we had no appropriate footwear to match. A simple tan sandal/slide or white sneakers are a perfect final touch to the wardrobe. You won’t have to think about matching or discomfort, agreeable and versatile footwear is where it’s at always!
Words by Lauren Doogan
