After almost eight years, I’ve returned to the optometric consulting room. I’m back to testing eyes and being “patient facing,” something I love. Until very recently, my wardrobe consisted of casual outfits for working from home, and sparkly things for going out. I do have a few dresses that are perfect for work though. I love dresses regardless and they take less thought than putting separates together; all I need to do is add tights and shoes. However, I like wearing trousers and skirts too, so I’m in the process of building a work wardrobe of separates that I can mix and match.
Work Outfits Suitable For Consulting Room, Boardroom and Office
You’ll know if you’ve had a sight test that we optometrists get very close to our patients. We reach across during the eye test, and we’re up and down, in front of and behind various pieces of equipment. Therefore, an optometrist’s work wardrobe needs to be functional. (And of course, the same could be said for that of a teacher, GP and countless other professions too). It must be modest, comfortable, crease resistant and cool.
I decided that a neutral palette of navy, grey, black and cream tops would be the most useful way of maximising existing items to build new looks. In this post, I’m focussing on a charcoal sweater in two very different work outfits.
Checked Trouser Suit With Crew Neck Sweater
The first look is, for me at least, relatively androgynous. This checked trouser suit was in the sale at Next. Poppy was with me when I bought it and she said it’s like something Blake Lively would wear. Praise indeed. So far, I’ve only worn it as a suit, but the jacket would work very well with a pair charcoal trousers, something I might invest in.
With it, I wear either a cream blouse or this charcoal boat neck sweater from Woolovers. The sweater is cotton silk which is ideal because it can get quite warm at work. It washes beautifully and has kept its shape through several washes. It comes in an array of colours and I like it so much that I’ll probably buy one or two more. For information, I’m a UK size 12 and I’m wearing a medium.
The slouchy trouser shape is a current trend and one I like it very much. It gives the whole look a slightly more relaxed, insouciant vibe and actually, because I walk to work, I can wear trainers without it looking too odd. Once at work, I swap the trainers for these gorgeous leather shoes, the neutral shades of which compliment the suit beautifully. (They were from Kaleidoscope two years ago).
Floral Midi Skirt With Crew Neck sweater
From slightly androgynous to super-feminine. This floral midi skirt is from German brand Madeleine Fashion and it’s the one I wore to the Chelsea Flower Show last year.
I have a co-ordinating top which is lovely, but, for work, too much. This charcoal crew neck therefore pares it down and makes it appropriate for the consulting room.
But that doesn’t mean my shoes have to be pared down…
These are the Charlotte from Ruby Shoo. They have a fifties vibe to them which works beautifully with the silhouette of the midi skirt. The chunky heel and platform makes them comfortable enough for all-day-wear too.
I’ll do more blogs about workwear in due course, but in the meantime, I’ll do my best to post my work outfits “live” or at later the same day on Instagram or Instagram Stories, so do keep an eye. I’m so looking forward to building a versatile, hard-working work wardrobe.
And Finally…Your Discount Code
Woolovers have very kindly given us a discount. Please use the code LIZZY to get 15% off full-priced items until December 1st 2018.
I love this post, Liz! It feels like the good old days of simple outfit posts against that wall. Hope you’re enjoying being back at work, can’t wait for more work outfits!
Author
Oh thank you Rebecca! Yes, it is like the good old days! I try to photograph ny outfits in context when possible. However, with these being work outfits, I can’t actually photograph them there so I decided to keep it simple and do it the old way. It’s a good way of simply highlighting the clothes isn’t it xxxx
Fabulous suit, that check works so well with both your top and shoes. Have a happy Wednesday. Jacqui Mummabstylish
Author
Thank you so much Jacqui. Yes, it’s something really different for me and I like it a lot! xxx
Do you mind me asking what size sweater you’re wearing please? It’s exactly the fit I’m looking for!
Author
Hi Jane. Of course not! It’s a medium. I’m a UK 12 and this fits true to size. I’ve just added this info to the blog post- I’m glad you asked because it’s useful for others to know too. If you pop back here later today I should have a 15% discount code. I’m just waiting for Woolovers to set it up. The sweater is brilliant. I have washed it several times and it had kept its shape perfectly. It’s a lovely fit and it’s so comfy too xxxxx
Fabulous! I’m a 12 too so that’s perfect. Thanks so much for the discount code! x
Author
You’re very welcome! Lots of love xxxx
Author
Oooh Jane, I had put the wrong link to the sweater. I’ve altered it now but it is the silk cotton boat neck sweater that I have https://www.woolovers.com/womens/jumpers/womens-cotton-silk-boat-neck-34-sleeve-jumper-grey-10430 Sorry about that!
Love that check suit, it looks very versatile, to dress up or down – and the red shoes, gorgeous!
Alison xx
Author
Thank you Alison. Yes, it’s fab isn’t it! I’m so happy with it. I have worn it with a cream blouse too and as I said, I think I’ll try to get some grey trousers to wear with the top. Love Lizzy xxx
Go Next! This suit is way above their pay rate, love it! I have to say I’ve never found anything as unique and chic at Next, well done Liz with your steely optometrists eye xx
Author
I know! And I got it for half price too! It is such a gorgeous suit and it had the Poppy seal of approval from the offset. Praise indeed! xxxx
Dear Lizzy.
Amazing! The first thing that came into my mind when seeing your suit was: Next. When I was living and working in London I often bought clothes at Next, because they have a great selection of suits and a petite line as well. That is many, many years ago (it feels like a lifetime) and bam….it all came back to me seeing you in this gorgeous suit. Wishing you a really good start back into the optometric business.
Love, Lieske
Author
Hi Lieske, Oh how interesting that you recognise dit as being from Next. When I worked in practice previously I got everything from Next. I like the fact that most of their trousers come in “tall” which is useful for me in the way that the petite lines are useful for you. I have some navy cullottes from there too which are great. Lots of love xxx