How to Spice Up Boring, Office-y Clothes and Keep HR Happy

We show you how to spunkify the most common office-y pattern of all – the pin stripe!

In the rule book of work wear, subscribing to HR diktats has always occupied centrestage. For an office worker, the decree has always been to blend in rather than to stand out.

And perhaps for this reason, the workplace has often been a repository of black trousers and prosaic blues.

But as the office space becomes more and more competitive – where success is increasingly measured on being exceptional than on your diligently following processes – it wouldn’t be unfair to say work wear too has to evolve to assume a similar level of sophistication. We need outfits that are as assertive and sharp as their wearers are.

HR needn’t be frightened, though, for these new designs won’t violate norms of propriety and carry the most common office-y pattern of all - the pinstripe!

Pinstripes as a Gender Neutral, ‘Desi’ Pattern

Pinstripes, an 80s favourite, have long been associated with the masculine. In using these in sarees as part of their Back to Work collection, designer duo Abraham and Thakore challenge two hegemonies – one of the pinstripe as a masculine pattern, and the other, of its dominance in Western society.

A cotton block printed shirt, paired with an identical silk block printed saree; the rigidness of pattern breaking only to give way to an ombre-dyed pallu – this is result of Abraham and Thakore’s vision to blend the masculine and the feminine in their collection.

While the idea of playing with the notion of gender through pinstripes as a revolutionary one is still a contestable claim, it does present a stylish, head-turning alternative to desi women’s work wear.

Cross-Way Ruffle Tops For Some Corporate Spunk

This cross-way Ruffle Top from Koovs is also such a fun wear but please don’t ask us why it is designed like that! Word of caution: You might have some explaining to do to your HR, but it’ll be worth it!

Say Yes to The Cold Shoulder Dress

Need to give someone the cold shoulder? Do it in style, with this off-shoulder number.

Obi Belts

Obi belts add structure to the look. The Label Life has some interesting options in metal. But we are not sure how comfortable they will be for long workdays.

Block Heels

Even though they have been time and again panned by many heavyweight style editors, the relative comfort offered by block heels is such an attractive selling point. It surely wouldn’t hurt to add one to the closet.

As the workplace evolves, individual style must evolve too. Are you ready to take the challenge?

(Video Editor: Rahul Sanpui)