SIMONE SANT-GHURAN

Dear AFETT,

As a young professional, I was a very sharp dresser, but weight gain after two babies and then working from home during the covid19 pandemic has completely flattened my sense of personal style.

My company wants me to be back in the office in early 2024, but I have no idea how to pull myself together in terms of outfitting myself and otherwise preparing to be back in the physical world of work. These days my style is more flats and loose clothing rather than suits and heels.

Please help, I want to fit in with my workplace look.

Dear professional mom,

[caption id="attachment_1042029" align="alignnone" width="683"] Simone Sant-Ghuran, founder and editor-in-chief of Trinidad Weddings -[/caption]

Transitioning from laid-back “work from home” wear, adjusting to your post-partum body and facing the prospect of heading back to the office in 2024, can truly seem daunting.

But on the bright side, you have a few months to get a plan under way.

Evidence is also on your side, as many psychologists have noted that getting dressed for work actually helps your mental health.

Once you’ve established a routine and you have a selection of versatile pieces, it will help your productivity and your ability to better prepare for the day ahead (especially crucial with two small children)

Here are a few factors to think about that may ease your transition:

Your company’s dress code policy

This policy outlines what your company deems suitable for work wear, and is generally a reflection of the company’s image.

Most dress code policies fall into one of four groupings – business formal, business professional, business casual and casual.

If your company’s dress code is business formal, there may not be much wriggle room for you to deviate, as the dress code here is predominantly neutral-coloured (black, grey, navy) skirt or trouser suits, shirts worn with blazers, stockings and closed-toe shoes or pumps. However, if your company’s policy is business professional, you can opt for a skirt or trousers, with a shirt or blouse and a blazer/jacket, instead of a tailored suit.

If your company has a business casual dress code, you have much more flexibility. Within this dress code, you can wear skirts and less formal trousers, such as chinos with shirts, blouses or cardigan sets. Knee-length work dresses are usually allowed and colour is acceptable.

A casual dress code offers the most relaxed options such as jeans, linen pants and alternative footwear – open-toed shoes and sneakers. Patterns and colours are usually allowed.

Your personal style

You mentioned that your style is more flats and loose clothing than suits and heels. Should your company have a business professional, business casual or casual dress code, you can certainly wear flats and loafers. I would recommend choosing leather for either option and look for a pointed-toe version. This will appear more professional (versus round-toe) and will also elongate your silhouette. A t