Fashion

Colorful Workwear To Brighten Up Your Weekdays

by Phoebe Avison

When you think about workwear, do you envisage plain, white blouses, black pencil skirts, and gray suits? Me too. But it doesn’t have to be that way. You can easily find colorful workwear thanks to the Internet. If you’re a little shy of going bold straight off the bat, you can even subtly inject some color into your office attire through accessories and statement pieces. Folks who love to dress in rainbow shades outside of work can play with color-blocking to satisfy their cravings for bright hues.

Legally Blonde ’s Elle Woods taught us that we shouldn’t downplay our wardrobes — or our personalities — to fit in with others, even in a professional setting. I’d like to think there’s not as much stigma attached to pink these days. But if the people in your office still believe archaic gendered stereotypes, try to prove them wrong by slaying the workday in head to toe rose. The ladies of Mad Men had no problem wearing colorful garments to work, after all, and their retro wardrobes are enviable even in 2016.

Of course, some work environments do require specific uniforms, but you can often use jewelry, makeup, and accessories to give your look a dash of color. If you are free to experiment with a spectrum of shades, take a peek at these colorful, fun fashions. Because why would you stick to one color when there’s a whole rainbow to choose from?

1. The Scarlet Shirt Dress

Key To Classic Dress, $80, Modcloth

Become the lady in red while wearing this classic shirt style dress. It's available in sizes XS to 4X.

2. The Edgy Olive Dress

Utility Style Sleeveless Blazer Dress Olive Green, $68, Missguided

Rock a cool androgynous vibe in an olive green, utility style dress.

3. The Color Pop Collar

Contrast Collar Tunic, $89, Eloquii

Take a subtle approach with this tunic featuring a pop of pink.

4. The '60s Shift Dress

Popper Shift Dress, $75, Topshop

Make a nod to the 1960s in this vibrant tangerine shift dress.

5. The Powder Blue Pencil Skirt

Eyelet Pencil Skirt, $85, Eloquii

Pick this powder blue hue for a cool vibe with a feminine edge.

6. The Pretty Pink Dress

Ever The Entrepreneur Dress, $130, Modcloth

Look lovely in this charming pink dress with scalloped applique details.

7. The Sherbert Suit

Hartwood Blazer, $100, Eloquii | Kady Fit SRL Pant, $80, Eloquii

Mix and match these zesty suit separates or wear them together for a really fresh outfit.

8. The Dusky Pink Suit

Premium Fitted Suit Blazer And Tapered Pants, $193, Topshop

Pink doesn't always have to be feminine, as exemplified with this cool, tailored suit. Dress it up or down depending on your mood and whether or not you have any meetings on the horizon.

9. The Hi-Lo Blouse

Georgette Hi-Lo Tunic Blouse, $37, Torrid

Just as workwear needn't be dull, it also needn't have to be simple, either. There are no rules when it comes to fashion, right? This teal blouse with a hi-lo hem is an awesome choice for plus size babes who want to wear something a little different to work.

10. The Starry Shirt

Star Print Shirt, $70, Topshop

Add a touch of color and whimsy to your workwear wardrobe with this star print shirt.

11. The Lemon Yellow Shirt

Chiffon Shirt, $15, Torrid

Look and feel fresh in a lemon yellow chiffon shirt that's sure to keep you cool in warmer months.

12. The Duck Egg Blue Co-ords

Tweedy Blazer with Scallop Edge Co-ord, $94, ASOS | Tweedy Mini Skirt with Scallop Detail Co-ord, $60, ASOS

Pick a prim and proper ensemble to feel like a total girl boss.

13. The Blue Bow Blouse

Bow Blouse, $60, Eloquii

Choose a calming blue shade to help you de-stress during your day.

14. The Striking Cigarette Pants

Cigarette Pant with Tuxedo Detail, $60, ASOS

Show everyone that you mean business in a statement pair of cigarette pants.

15. The Stripy Shift

Plus Sallie Striped Shift Dress, $26, Boohoo

Can't pick your favorite color? With this stripy shift, you don't have to be limited to just one.

16. The Shorts Suit

Pocket Detail High Waist Shorts Red, $34, Missguided | Boyfriend Suit Blazer Red, $68, Missguided

Don't get hot under the collar at work; opt for a breezy shorts suit instead.

17. The Marvellous Mustard Blouse

Bow Detail Blouse, $66, Eloquii

Channel your inner Blair Waldorf in this mustard yellow blouse with a sophisticated bow detail.

18. The Quirky Loafers

Electric Slide, $165, Irregular Choice

It's easy being green with these awesome loafers. They'll have you looking as cool as a cucumber.

Heavenly Soles Loafers EEE Fit, $57, Simplybe

Perhaps this wide fit, tomato colored pair is a better fit for your optimistic personality.

19. The Bright Courts

Faith Carey Berry Patent Pumps, $67, ASOS

If pink heels were good enough for Elle Woods, they're certainly good enough for me.

Sole Diva Platform Court Shoes EEE Fit, $41, Simplybe

Spread a little sunshine in your office, even if it's miserable outside, with these cheery orange heels.

Workwear shouldn't be boring. It should be an extension of your colorful personality. So start building your perfect rainbow closet today.

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Images: Courtesy Brands