How to Wear More Color in the Office in 3 Steps

3min read

Have you noticed how dark offices are? Black, grey and navy dominate both men’s and women’s office clothes choices. But wearing bright colors is proven to make you happy as it triggers the release of dopamine – the ‘happy’ brain neurotransmitter . So why miss on those healthy benefits? Work stress is already impacting us negatively. You needn’t wear head to toe color to feel the benefits either. As little as a scarf can be enough. Here are some easy ideas to gradually increase the amount of color you wear and make your work outfits happier.

1. Start small – Colorful Accessories

“Accessories are like vitamins to fashion”. Famously said by Anna Dello Russo who is widely known in the fashion industry for her daring accessories.

Accessories not only make you look instantly chicer and more stylish and can tie a whole outfit together – but they’re also an easy way to introduce more color. And if you don’t want to spend money on bright handbags or shoes, there are cheaper options too, such as a bright scarf or simply a ribbon bow in your hair or around the neck on your white button-up shirt.

And don’t forget lipstick! Sometimes a bright pink or red lipstick is all you need to brighten up your day!

Here’s some inspo for a pop of colour.

White boyfriend shirt and blue cufflinks details

Workwear inspiration and office look idea with white dress, scarf and shoes and pop of colour with red handbag

Elegant office look with blush pink shirt, white skirt, red bag and red ribbon in hair

White shirt with red ribbon around neckline

White shirt and colourful hair scarf outfit

2. Raise your game – Bright Tops

Once you’re bored with colorful accessories, it’s time to raise your game.

I’m sure you have at least 1 or 2 bright shirts somewhere in your wardrobe – you just forgot about them. So go find them! And next time you wonder what to wear, don’t go for the same old grey, navy or black look. Pick the brightly colored shirt. Pair with a simple black skirt or a pair of trousers for a more balanced look. You can even use out-of-office clothes like a crop top or sleeveless top. Here are some ideas to inspire your looks.

Office outfit with Green chiffon shirt and leather skirt

Workwear outfit idea with Red silk shirt, stripe midi skirt, red flats

Elegant outfit with red boyfriend shirt — lisahahnbueck.com

Blue sleeveless top layered on a white shirt; pearl hair barrettes in hair

And in the winter you can wear your favorite warm sweater instead. Check out my other post for 70+ winter workwear looks for more inspo, such as layering with a sweater.

Winter workwear inspiration with warm sweater jumper — MIroslava Duma, via Pinterest

3. Go Pro – Color block and head-to-toe monochrome

Once you’ve become used to a single colorful piece, why not go pro? Try color block or top to bottom the same color. This will take your workwear to a whole new level! These are always a hit on the catwalk, so why don’t you turn your office into your catwalk?

Colour block outfit details with blue cable knit jumper and yellow trousers, D and G handbag in multiple colours

Colour block outfit idea with orange shirt and green skirt

Colour block outfit idea with red shirt and green trousers

Pro-tip: If you want to try color block but don’t feel 100% comfortable with bright colors, try pastel colors first. They’re not as pretentious and the eye adjusts easier to the contrast.

Anu from That Corporate Chic paired a pastel lilac top with pastel blue culotte pants and the result is fabulous.

Pastel pink with pastel purple also works well and is perfect for a summer office outfit.

Before you go…

Do you wear color in the office? Give it a go and feel your mood change instantly!

Looking for more unique office looks? Why not check these 20 modern outfits with out-of-office clothes? Yes – your maxi dress or crop top styled for work!