We can spend weeks choosing the right dress for a big night out or what to wear to our best friend’s wedding. Then there’s the question of how to dress at a job interview. The process of securing your dream job can be stressful enough without piling on the added pressures of what to wear. Generally speaking, interview outfits should be tailored to the type of company you’re applying to – but it’s always best to go smarter than you’d usually dress.

Once you’ve secured said job, it’s important to continue to dress in a way that makes you feel professional, comfortable and self-assured. Spending hours every morning mulling over your outfit choices simply isn’t an option. We’re looking for the effortlessly stylish pieces that can create a confidence-boosting outfit in minutes, that will have you leaving the house feeling capable of taking on the world – and confidence is an all-important element in getting that promotion you’ve been aiming for.  

So with that in mind, here are six simple power dressing tricks to help you command attention in the boardroom and hold your own in the office. 

If you work in an office and want to wear a suit, long gone are the days where you had to stick to a simple black or grey option. This season, suits are all about making a statement. We’re talking cord textures, checked and animal prints, and powerful punchy colours.

You can wear the trousers and blazer as separates – the perfect capsule wardrobe additions. You’ll end up getting so much wear out of your new suit that it’ll stretch far beyond strictly workwear. 

Wear your suit jacket over a T-shirt, blouse or high neck top, and flats, heels or boots on your feet. Whatever you choose, the suit will keep you looking smart and show your colleagues you’re prepared to wear the trousers.

Find the best women’s suit jackets and trousers below.

The usual workwear attire of the pencil skirt has been swapped for a floaty, silky slip instead. Last year it was all about that Topshop slip skirt that kept selling out and getting restocked in multiple prints and colours. Now, Zara has updated the slip with pleats and Vince has gone for spring-ready soft hues. 

The power of the slip is clear, and it’ll go with anything from blazers and fine knits to the crisp white shirt. There’s something luxurious about putting on silky fabrics that makes us feel instantly happy, and it’s bound to put a spring in your step when you’re ready for that promotion chat. 

We would like to introduce you to the hardest working fashion piece you probably already own: the roll neck – or turtle if you’re feeling retro.

Not only is it an extra layer that everyone needs come the chillier months, it also adds that certain je ne suis quoi to any look. Add it under a jumpsuit or cardigan, or team underneath a dress or blazer. Audrey Hepburn was a firm fan of the high neck top, and it’s the perfect level of smart casual we’ve been looking for. 

We all know that a shirt is a simple step to looking smart. But as it gets colder, lengths get longer – so this season, it’s all about the shirt dress. Whether you go printed, bright or neutral, just make sure it’s belted. There’s something about belting up that makes your wardrobe look instantly more professional.

Layer a midi style shirt dress over sleek knee-high boots, or opt for a mini and wear over tailored trousers. Trust us, it works.

How to make an outfit immediately look lavish? Throw on a structured faux leather blazer. If you’re a fan of more minimalist dressing, a sleek black blazer will quickly elevate your daily uniform, especially when coupled with square-toe boots and as aforementioned, a roll neck top. Extra points if you weave in a statement bag and dainty gold jewellery.

Waistcoats mean big business this season. We’re gearing up for the impending return of short suits by slotting any and all smart suiting into the mix. Buttoned up or left open, the waistcoat is here to wake your workwear up from its slumber.

Opening image: Getty

Images: courtesy of brands