Office fashion isn’t boring — it just needs a little personality.
For many 9 – 5ers in Nigeria, resuming work after the holidays can feel a bit overwhelming. Early alarms, crowded bus stops, long waits and traffic that tests your patience — it’s a lot, and let’s be real: After weeks of festive rest, holiday vibes, and a lot of indulgence, thinking about office fashion can easily fall to the bottom of the priority list.
Still, style has a way of surviving even the busiest mornings. These days, corporate chic is less about perfection and more about purposeful style. It’s about bringing excitement, IT girl energy, and relevance back to office fashion even on the most chaotic days, because yes, the struggle is real, but so is the desire to look good while doing the work.
So let’s talk about corporate chic — how we can still show up and make a return to the office a little more stylish, a little more fun, and a lot more confident.
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When office wear was a uniform, not a choice
Looking at office wear back in the day, it was a group of corporate workers with a predictable formula, a plain black suit ensemble topped up with black heels. It’s hard to believe that, for a long time, this was all that was considered acceptable in the workplace. Honestly, it’s a wonder how anyone survived it.
My philosophy is simple: If I’m going to do the work anyway, I might as well look good doing it, and that’s exactly why the idea of corporate chic feels so refreshing. It takes the structure of traditional workwear and gives it room to breathe — allowing style, personality, and confidence to co-exist within professional spaces. In simple terms, corporate chic is dressing for work in a way that still reflects personality. Like wearing a blazer, but rather than your typical suit pants, you have some suit shorts underneath.
How to style: Foolproof office looks that always work
If you’re staring at your wardrobe wondering what makes sense for the office this year, here are a few foolproof outfit combinations you can always rely on to look your best at work.
The avant-garde professional
To elevate a standard work blazer, pair it with a contrasting texture, such as a pleated tulle or silk skirt. This breaks the “uniform” feel of the suit and adds a layer of sophistication that works for both the boardroom and an evening event.
The power tuxedo
Leaning into a type of formal menswear, lean into high-contrast monochrome colour. The contrast creates an immediate visual anchor that signals high-fashion sensibility without necessarily requiring loud colours or busy patterns.
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Preppy dark academia
You can make a traditional tie and shirt feel “chic” rather than “costume” by focusing on fit. A perfectly tailored blazer paired with a mini-skirt and sheer tights creates a sharp, modern silhouette.
Layered textures
A long, structured overcoat in a heavy fabric is the ultimate power move. It lengthens the body and adds an air of mystery. Worn over tailored shorts or trousers, it instantly elevates the entire look.
The pinstripe
Pinstripes are corporate fashion’s DNA, but they don’t have to be boring. Opt for an oversized, double-breasted fit to give a nod to tradition while keeping the look fresh, modern, and effortlessly chic.
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Tonal earth-toning
Move away from basic black and experiment with deep chocolate browns and tans. Mixing different shades and patterns (like a pinstripe vest under a solid suit) within the same colour family makes an outfit look well curated and luxurious.
The “big energy” monochrome
Don’t be afraid of “unconventional” office colours like citron or lime. The key to keeping it corporate is the three-piece rule: ensure your coat, blazer, and trousers are coordinated, so the look feels polished, cohesive, and intentional — never messy.
The “power accent” accessory
If your base is a classic black suit, use a vibrant accent colour (like red) for your tie, shoes, or eyewear. This colour-blocking technique shows a high level of attention to detail and adds a playful, creative energy to a traditional look.
Corporate chic, perfected
Corporate chic is about showing up as yourself, with confidence and a splash of colour. Even on mornings when the post-holiday blues hit hard, the right outfit can lift your mood and help you feel a little more in control. This year, don’t just get through the workday — put on something that makes you feel good, own your space, and let your style give you that extra boost when you need it most.
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