The Formula for Personal Style with a Boring Dress Code

Even a Walmart employee can look savvy.  Although not my typical look, it shows a basic principle that I'd love to share. Why? Back in the day I'd never dear wear khaki without a brown belt and shoe. A blue and white shirt absolutely had to be with a dark blue pant. My many years of What Not To Wear on TLC, however, has taught me a few tricks I'd love to share.

Pattern/Colour + Neutral + Pop or Colour or Funky piece = Work Appropriate Personal Style!

The Formula

Pattern/Colour + Neutral + Pop or Colour or Funky piece 

= Work Appropriate Personal Style!

How Not to Match

1. Addicted to matching? You don't need to match your shoes to your belt but it's always good if two things match. This minimizes the likelihood of looking like a clown. So, your belt may match your bandles or the belt may match the buttons on your shirt. Matching can be very subtle. This adds more personality to your style
2. Mix a solid with a neutral. Once a solid or pattern is mixed with a neutral, there is a very, very high chance that you're getting it right.
3. Make something pop. If you're not in a conservative office with many limitations, feel free to make something bright or unusual pop from your outfit. For example, wear a bold necklace or bright coloured watch or nails. Whatever suits your personality. it's always nice to have that one thing that is just you.
4. It's great to taste the rainbow (skittles) but we only want to see the rainbow in the sky. Every single item should not be a bright colour. One of your main pieces should be a neutral. This may be your shoe or your top. It doesn't matter which. Just make sure that it is a major piece.
5. When mixing patterns for work, try to ensure that the patterns are in the same colour family.

My bright coloured toenails add a subtle pop of colour  and my neutral pants keep everything toned down

Bright coloured fingernails are muted with a nudey colour as the base. Gotta keep the outfit simple now.

Let your glasses or jewellery make a statement if you have to wear a uniform