Getting dressed up for a day at the office is not what it used to be. Once upon a time, women planned their work attires down to a T. We’ve all been guilty of falling into the routine ‘work uniform’, paying heed to what is considered appropriate and knowing that once we walk out that office door, the outside world is our playground to explore more ‘fun’ outfits. The biggest sea change in recent fashion history, however, is the rise of sportswear influences into everyday fashion. This is a clear cut sign that is reflective of how times have changed the way we perceive the very concept of what constitutes the perfect work wardrobes. Women’s lives are faster and more complex than ever before. Sure enough, clothing inherently adapts to and redefines the new codes of society.
MAX&Co. Style Ambassador, Olivia Palermo works around the (world) clock and her professional style choices reflect that very notion.
Her advice for the perfect work attire is simple – plan your days ahead and you will be ready to face the world. She said, “I really try to dress for my environment and what’s appropriate. If I am going to a meeting and I have something in the evening, I may carry an extra accessory and put it on to transition from day to night.” When in doubt, less is more. “Right now, I am very much into a clean look – a crisp button-down shirt or a cashmere sweater with a pencil skirt. It’s always a great option”, said Olivia.
The MAX&Co. Spring/Summer 2015 collection addresses the modern wardrobe’s need for stylish workwear, redefining proportions and experimenting with inspirations and materials borrowed from the world of sportswear, yet firmly in the tradition of Italian tailoring and craftsmanship. The result is stylish yet comfortable clothing classic shapes interpreted with technical fabrics, or sportswear shapes made with luxurious fabrics. All in perfect, understated balance.
On the other side of the sportswear spectrum, classic tailoring – once upon a time the primary choice for women wanting to impress at work – breaks the mould. Proportions change, volumes become more relaxed yet feminine, masculine silhouettes soften up through color, and trusted classics become exciting again.
Among the standout pieces:
– Classic sportswear silhouettes in technical fabrics like mesh, to create elegant structure in informal shapes;
– Softly tailored sarong shorts with a matching duster coat in a soft pastel hue – a new take on the work suit;
– A new fitted blazer shape, with trompe l’oeil pleats to create the illusion of a collar;
– New takes on the classic leather jacket – in an inedited blush shade or collarless with cotton inserts;
– A sleeveless jacket inspired by the tough shape of the biker but tailored with a basket weave fabric borrowed from classic womenswear.
THE MAX&Co. ‘New Workwear Issue’ and the MAX&Co. Spring/Summer 2015 collection is available at the MAX&Co. store in Kuwait. For more information, visit the MAX&Co. boutique at the 2nd Avenue – The Avenues. Please call 2259 8073 or find their latest updates on Instagram by following Alyasra Fashion @alyasra. A digital edition and exclusive content is available on www.maxandco.com and the brand’s social media channels throughout the season.
