For working women, dressing up for the office isn’t just about looking good! Work wear should not only comply with workplace guidelines, but also make the wearer look sharp, competent, and credible.

Whether your workplace follows a formal, business casual, or casual dress code, there’s one thing you can’t go without – accessorizing your outfits! If this is something that has bogged you down always, you’ve come to the right place.

Here are 3 basic women’s accessories to complement your business attire and tips on perfecting your look!

1) Watch

Wearing a watch can glam up your look instantly without you having to put in any extra effort. Apart from this, wearing a watch makes it easy for you to glance at the time as you’re speeding through your day, as opposed to having to check your phone. Note that wristwatches are symbols of status and speak volumes about the wearer, so choose your timepiece wisely!

  • Start with deciding on the movement type – mechanical and quartz are popular options. Quartz watches usually cost less and don’t require much maintenance. On the other hand, mechanical watches are costly and need a degree of care. That being said, these watches can become a piece of inheritance if cared for in the right way.
  • Decide what material you’d like your watch to be. Yellow gold, rose gold, silver, and platinum are widely used to give a polished look to women’s watches. Stainless steel can lend a masculine touch to women’s watches, while ceramic gives a modern edge. Metal dials with leather straps look stunning!
  • Watches made of valuable metals and incorporating precious stones like diamonds and pearls in the design are referred to as jewelry watches. You can opt for a sporty watch or a fashion-forward dress watch.
  • Think of what shape of dial you like – a round dial is classic and a square one can make your watch look a little masculine. If you want to sport a trendy piece, go for a rectangular dial or for watches with differently shaped dials.
  • If you have a petite frame, it’s suggested to not wear a chunky watch. Watches with small dials will suit you best, but if you must buy a watch with a larger dial, balance your other wrist with jewelry. Women with larger frames can sport sleek watches or chunkier pieces
  • If you already have watch think about buying yourself a new watch strap. This will give your old watch a new lease of life and you won’t have to spend more money on a new one..

2) Jewelry

Accessorizing with jewelry can take any outfit from drab to fab, but it’s necessary to realize how much is too much. If you’re uncertain about the jewelry pieces you’ve put on, it’s safer to take any one piece off before you step out of the house. This doesn’t mean you can’t sparkle and shine; just know when it’s going to be appropriate!

  • Take off anything that makes noise! For example, a mix of metal bracelets can clink as you walk down the hallway and while you type or give a presentation. This can not only annoy others but also make you uncomfortable at work.
  • Avoid jewelry that has a lot of movement. You don’t want people to lose track of what you’re saying because of the way your long, shiny earrings dangle as you move your head.
  • Instead of sticking to rules like “three pieces only”, consider creating focus areas. Pair diamond rings with a pretty brooch or a pearl necklace with matching studs.
  • Think about where you’re wearing jewelry to. For example, a stunning cocktail ring might not be ideal for a business presentation, but a networking event can be the perfect setting to show it off. It can also serve as a conversation starter for other attendees!

3) Handbag

A handbag is an indispensable accessory for any woman. For a working woman, her handbag can not only carry all the important stuff and essentials, but keep everything organized too! Available in a wide range of styles, colors, and materials, you’ll easily be able to find one that works for your office environment while also conforming to your budget.

  • Pay attention to size; you want a handbag that is just large enough to carry your stuff comfortably. This means you should be able to sift through items without having to take everything out to get at things at the bottom of the bag. Over-stuffing can cause your bag to look misshapen, so make sure you don’t buy a bag that’s too compact for your needs.
  • Go for bags with internal pockets to help you keep your stuff organized.
  • Stiff, structured bags are suited for business environments; hobo bags scream ‘weekend’.
  • Invest in a quality leather handbag or opt for a faux leather one. Avoid handbags with tassels, overly large logos, and noisy hardware in the office.
  • Think of comfort, especially if you commute a long distance. Bags with shoulder straps will make traveling to and from work easier.
  • When it comes to colors, start building your collection with neutrals. Handbags in beige, white, black, or navy will go with most of your work outfits. Later, you can purchase bags in bold colors or prints. Just be sure to pair such bags with toned down outfits to balance your look.

Conclusion

Now that you’ve read these tips, what are you waiting for? Get started on building your workplace accessories collection with these three basics and you’ll be all set for office!