My Five Workwear Favourites of 2019

I cannot believe that we are almost at the end of the year!  I finish up work for the year at the end of this week so I thought now’s as good a time as any to reflect on my workwear favourites of 2019.  Granted I’ve only spent a little over 4 months of the year at work (the rest being on maternity leave), but I’ve got some firm favourites that I’ve thoroughly enjoyed wearing to the office.  It was challenging to keep the list contained to 5 pieces (I could have very easily overwhelmed you all with about 17) but it made me really reflect on why I enjoy wearing them so much.

#1 – The LB(P)D – The Little Black (Power) Dress

At the top of my list – which should come as no surprise to any of you following me on Instagram – is this black dress.

I managed to get my hands on the Karen Millen Forever Dress (as it is so aptly named) in both the black and grey versions a few months after giving birth to my youngest earlier this year. It is my ultimate power dress.

I don’t typically buy the same item in multiple colours but I consider the cut to be incredibly flattering that I had to have both! My body was definitely not in its pre-baby shape when I bought it (nor is it today) but this dress is amazingly forgiving that it makes me feel confident with the shape it gives me.

Karen Millen’s had a bit of a year. Their Australian operations shut down a few months ago followed by many of their international stand-alone stores. Their online operations have subsequently been acquired by BooHoo.

For a while there, it looked like the pieces from their ‘Forever’ range were collector’s items but they were recently released again online in the last week or so. The dress has since sold out but I’ve linked similar options below.

#2 – Peplum Knit Jacket

Next up is this trusty workhorse in my wardrobe, which should be no stranger to any of you following me on Instagram. I’ve had this jacket for over 3 years but it just keeps doing its thang.  

The peplum hem and tie waist add a feminine touch to a seriously business jacket.   The jacket continues to be released year on year which is testament to its popularity. 

While I also have the matching skirt, I also happily throw it over different coloured pencil skirts during regular work days and on Fridays I pair it with denim when the dress code is a little more relaxed.

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#3 – Camel Coat

I honestly believe that a camel coat is made for everyone. There’s not a coat that’s more flattering and classic.

While I hope to one day own a designer camel coat (hellooooo MaxMara!), the high street can be a great place to turn to for even classic pieces like these.  

I stumbled across my camel coat at H&M a couple of years ago and couldn’t believe my luck – it was exactly what I was after. To this day, it is the coat that I get the most compliments on! It was a steal at $120 and I paid $60 in tailoring to have the sleeves taken up. People are always shocked to hear that I bought it at H&M because it really looks like I would have paid much more for it.

#4 – Thin Brown Belt

…the very definition of the littlest things making all the difference!

This thin tan leather belt has been hard at work for me this year (see here with this knitted jacket, or here with a jumpsuit, or here with this structured blazer). I love it so much that you would have seen it included in my recent festive gift guide for her!

Belted jackets are currently all the rage (I share my thoughts and some belted jacket looks here).    This particular belt has proven that its versatility comes in spades – it can be worn with both fitted and oversized blazers and jackets – and adds a subtle pop of colour to any dark-toned ensemble.

I bought mine from Scanlan Theodore but it has subsequently sold out. I’ve linked similar belts below.

#5 – Celine Belt Bag

And last, but certainly not least, is my Celine Belt Bag.

This is my favoured bag for work on days when I’m not carting a laptop to and from the office.  Minimal, functional, feminine. 

My comprehensive review can be found here and you can watch my “What’s In My Bag?” video here.

I hope you enjoyed my round up of my workwear favourites for the year.

As always, thank you so much for stopping by!