Slay the workday

A Pakistani girl's guide to office style

KARACHI:

From the corporate towers of Karachi to the diplomatic enclaves of Islamabad, young professional women are redefining office wear every day. Gone are the days when formal attire meant purely Western styles or overly conservative local dress. Today's Pakistani working woman expertly blends the old and enduring with all the contemporary flairs.

While the conference room may not be your personal runway (unless it is, then you do you) office wear need not fall in the bland arsenal of nine-to-five grind, possibly right after making small talk with a colleague. When in doubt, look towards a base of earthy neutrals - we're talking warm beiges, soft taupes, and rich browns that'll make everything else pop without stealing the show.

In fact, why settle for bland when you can be grand? Incorporate jewel tones and watch heads turn faster than they do when free samosas arrive in the break room. A deep emerald green kameez paired with cream trousers? Now, that's a power move.

As for those days when you want to whisper "I'm the boss" instead of shouting it, pastel hues are your BFFs. Rock a baby blue kurta with white cigarette pants, and you'll look fresher than the office AC on a summer day.

Subtle is so last season

While it's important to keep things professional, don't be afraid to make a statement. A pop of bright colour - perhaps a sunny yellow dupatta or a vibrant coral scarf - can elevate a neutral outfit and showcase your personality. The key is to use these bolder colours as accents rather than the main focus of your outfit.

Thank your stars in 2024 for Pakistan's fashion scene is going strong. This means you can easily style yourself in Eastern wear without appearing either underdressed or overdressed. In this quest for the perfect balance between corporate and cool, the good old kameez will be your saviour.

Go for knee-length or slightly longer styles with clean lines and minimal bling (save the sequins for the office Eid Milan party). Play with necklines - boat necks, mandarin collars, or subtle V-necks.

Where it gets tricky is when kameez's longstanding beau enters the picture: the shalwar. A terribly comfy piece of bottom wear, it is sadly surpassed by the slay-value of trousers and cigarette pants. High-waisted, wide-leg trousers are like yoga pants in disguise - comfortable enough for that post-lunch food coma but chic enough for an impromptu client meeting. Pair 'em with longer kurtas and strut down the office hallway like it's your personal catwalk.

Unless you are team shalwar for life, then fret not and opt for straight-leg or slightly tapered versions. Pair with knee-length kurtas, and you're ready to star in your own Haseena Moin drama.

Nothing says "I'm here to conquer" like a well-fitted blazer. It's the fashion equivalent of a powerpoint presentation - structured, impactful, and ready to impress. Look for blazers with subtle Pakistani-inspired details like embroidered cuffs or traditional buttons for a unique touch.

Office bling 101

First things first: jewellery. When it comes to office bling, think "subtle sophistication," not "walking disco ball." Channel your inner minimalist with delicate studs that whisper class. A simple pendant necklace or a classic watch says, "I've got places to be and meetings to rock." Want to add a desi touch? Slip on some elegant bangles - just make sure they don't jingle more than your phone during a conference call.

Speaking of desi touches, let's talk about your secret weapon: the dupatta. A chiffon number draped elegantly over your shoulder is the perfect way to add a pop of colour to your outfit or as an emergency cover-up for those chai spills we all pretend don't happen.

Now, let's bag it up! Invest in a handbag that says "I've got my life together" (even if the inside looks like a samosa wrapper explosion). Totes and satchels in neutral colours are your go-tos for everyday slayage. For a touch of desi glam, rock a clutch with traditional embroidery - it's perfect for hiding your secret stash of chai biscuits and that lipstick you'll need to reapply after demolishing said biscuits.

Strutting our stuff to the grand finale of your office ensemble, shoes can make or break an outfit. Classic pumps are the Swiss Army knife of office footwear - versatile, reliable, and always appropriate. On days when you're running more errands than a food delivery app, stylish flats are your sole mates. And when the weather turns cooler, ankle boots are the answer to your prayers.

At the end of the day, accessorising for the office is about striking that perfect balance between professionalism and personality. It's the art of making a statement without saying a word. Your carefully chosen pieces should complement your outfit, not overpower it. Think of your accessories as the supporting cast in your workplace drama - they're there to enhance your performance, not steal the show.