A five-step guide to dressing demurely at work

After the green-hued ‘brat summer,’ we’ve moved on to 'demure' dressing—and honestly, we love everything about it. In case you haven’t heard, TikTok influencer, Jools Lebron, recently made a ‘get ready with me’ video, where they explained how to dress “very demure, very mindful, very cutesy” for work. Since then, the trend has gone viral. In this context, 'demure' means being minimalistic and tasteful in your attire. Think of Sofia Richie's wardrobe—full of monochromes, minimal silhouettes, and dainty jewellery—always looking like she’s ready for a meeting and a dinner afterward. That’s the vibe we're aiming for with this trend. And the truth is, we all want to be ‘demure’ in our dressing because you can never go wrong with it. Here are five tips on how you can achieve this look too.

Stick to the classics 

When we talk about classics, we mean choosing colours like grey, blue, beige, white, and brown—the workwear staples. Think collars, full-sleeve blouses, grey sweaters, beige or black trousers, and plain pencil skirts. These classics allow you to create a capsule wardrobe and mix and match effortlessly. Indeed, sounds demure and mindful, doesn’t it? That’s the idea. Additionally, always keep a pair of classic black, beige, and white heels on hand—you’ll thank us later. These will complement almost any outfit you own.

Slicked-back buns 

We’ve probably been underestimating how a sleek bun can elevate your look and give you a polished, ‘demure’ appearance. Plus, it’s a very easy look to achieve. Our advice is to always keep a hair-finishing stick and hairspray on your shelf. A simple way to achieve this look is to blow-dry your hair first, then pull it back with a brush. Use hair gel or a hair stick to add texture, and finish with hairspray to ensure your hair stays in place all day.

Your accessories can be a game-changer 

In addition to your clothing choices, accessories adds sophistication and taste to your look. We strongly recommend you emphasise on the watch you are pairing with your outfit, for it can largely transform your look. To maintain a demure style, opt for dainty jewellery such as delicate necklaces, simple hoops, and understated studs. These pieces will improve your overall appearance without overpowering it, perfectly complementing the minimalistic and refined aesthetic you're aiming for.

Layering is the key 

Dressing modestly and sophisticatedly is not all that difficult, and layering is a smart way to achieve it. While it might seem complicated, it's actually quite simple. Just be mindful of the colours you use and how you layer them. For example, if you're wearing a black high-neck blouse, you can easily pair it with a grey tailored vest and high-waisted black pants. Alternatively, if you opt for a white dress, you can add a cardigan that doesn’t add bulk or a classic grey sweater. The key is to ensure everything works together harmoniously.

High-waisted bottoms 

High-waisted bottoms or skirts can quickly add a polished look. In the corporate world, this silhouette is flattering because it blends well with most blouses and makes you look sharper, taller, and smarter instantly. Black, beige, grey, and off-white are classic colours we recommend always having in your wardrobe if you're aiming for a demure appearance.

Lead image credits: Getty Images// Vittorio Zunino Celotto

Also read: 'Very demure, very mindful' dresses from homegrown labels we are loving right now

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