More than just an office look, the working girl style embodies the strong, dynamic and fashionable woman . Although the outfits of Tess, the heroine of the cult film Working Girl from the 80s, have evolved with society, the basis remains there, even in 2024.
Discover our tips and advice for being up to date with the style of the business woman of our time .
What is the working girl style?
This look represents the powerful, modern and career-oriented woman . It emerged in the 80s. Women, in contrast to the housewives of the 50s, began to develop their professional careers. They then occupied important and responsible office positions.
On the clothing side, this social movement translates into elegant and luxurious clothes . Some pieces from the Wall Street businessman’s wardrobe are thus adapted to the female wardrobe. Women’s suits arrive, as if to evoke, in appearance only, a certain equality between the sexes.
The women’s pantsuit made its appearance in fashion thanks to the genius designer Yves Saint-Laurent. A new ideal of feminine beauty was thus created, that of a chic , glamorous and dominant woman .
The business woman look at its origins
The women’s suit of the 80s is structured and fitted . The waist is marked by a belt and the buttoning of the jacket is double and crossed. But what most represents this image of a woman of power are the XXL and square shoulders . The idea is to show a strong personality who has the shoulders to take on high-responsibility tasks. Clothes have the ability to give confidence and assurance to the wearer. They also send this image to others.
The perfect outfit is thus found in the details. This includes clothes, accessories, makeup, but also the attitude with assurance and good self-confidence.
- The working girl’s coat is worn thrown over the shoulders, it is long, of quality and made of wool.
- White is the very color of chic and elegance .
- Chain and animal patterns are the trend of the time.
- Tights should be of good quality, opaque or possibly with a line on the back of the leg.
- Luxury accessories such as Gucci loafers , the Chanel quilted bag or the Hermès scarf complete the outfit.
- For beauty, mascara and red lipstick are enough to reinforce the image of the femme fatale.
The working girl style of today
Today, the look of office women , as for men, is much less strict . Even if it is important to have elegant clothes, the trend is towards a less conventional fashion than in the 80s. The basis of a careerist wardrobe remains nevertheless the same. Of course, the large leather coat and the blazer with disproportionate shoulder pads are no longer present. However, we can find, in recent seasons, an inspiration from the 80s. In women’s trends we notice for example the return of the pantsuit in a falsely casual version .
The working girl of our time juggles her family life and her career with busy days. That’s why clothes are a little more casual and above all more comfortable. Gone are the fitted shirts, the tight skirt or dress and the high heels, make way for flowing pants and flat shoes .
Sneaker socks , worn only during commutes to be able to run between two appointments on the other side of town, are now kept on the feet all day . Stylish, sneakers become a real fashion accessory that gives the outfit a dynamic and modern touch.The items to have for a real business woman look
- Elegant pants . The trend is for wide, high-waisted pants like palazzo pants with pleats. The classic working girl style calls for sober shades like black, but you can sometimes be more daring. Opt for a stronger color , especially in spring or for sunny days.
- 7/8 slim or regular city pants , classic but effective.
- A blazer . Choose a classic blazer model , rather black that will go with your entire wardrobe. But also a more trendy and colorful piece to bring a little dynamism and modernity.
- A classic white shirt. We prefer it fluid and vaporous for more femininity.
- A satin blouse , plain or printed.
- White sneakers .
- Impeccable shoes like pointed-toe pumps , loafers or derbies .
- A knee length pencil skirt .
- A plain three-hole dress .
- A long, straight, quality wool coat.
- A blazer jacket pants suit set , but with a wide cut and a trendy color like cobalt blue. The women’s suit is modernized thanks to the cut and colors.
- A trench coat . Simple, elegant and timeless, the trench coat is an essential piece in the working girl’s wardrobe.
- A leather briefcase in addition to a quality handbag.
Please note that to succeed in your business woman outfit, the quality of your clothes is essential. There is, through this look, an idea of a strong woman who succeeds in her career and therefore financially independent with a well-filled wallet. Thus the clothes represent this financial and social success .
The colors of the working girl style
Rather neutral shades like white, beige, navy blue, black, gray and some more trendy ranges. Cobalt blue, orange red, poppy for this season.
For sunny days, you can choose softer, pastel colors.
Patterns to have for an elegant look
There are relatively few patterns in the business woman’s wardrobe, those present are discreet and generally two-tone. Opt for the following prints.
- Houndstooth .
- The Prince of Wales .
- The stripe , on the shirt or on the suit.
- The pea , small and discreet.
- Possibly small geometric patterns .
