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.