Pink isn’t the first color that comes to mind when one thinks of professional work-wear. However, when done right, it is possible to look professional in pink. For today’s post in this series I am going to give you some tips on how to wear pink to the office.
The color psychology of pink
Pink can be seen as a very passive color. In fact, pink is known to have a calming effect. Sports teams often paint their opposing teams locker room pink to make them less energetic. Additionally, pink can be irritating. Here is an interesting fun fact about pink: Often used in holding tanks for prisoners because of its calming quality during initial exposure, when looked at too long pink can actually cause agitation in people. These are all qualities you don’t to to associate with yourself at work. You need to be careful how you wear pink professionally.
Avoid too much girly frill
Because of its passive, soft, feminine nature, in ruffles and frills pink can look too girly for the office. You don’t have to abandon femininity at work, nor do you have to give up pink, just watch how much of it you wear in one outfit. Another solution is to pair softer, frillier pink pieces with more structured and tailored pieces to create a more balanced outfit.
This outfit shows how you can wear more feminine ruffles to work when they are paired with more tailored pieces. Balance is created by the suit cutting some of the frilly sweetness found in the T. Tahari pink ruffled top. The outfit is styled with a pair of Nine West pumps, One Oak earrings and a Vince Camuto handbag.
Pair the color with more serious neutrals
The beauty of pink is that it works with any neutral shade. Pink looks great paired with grey, camel, olive, black, navy, and more. By pairing pink with these types of somber shades you can add some professional femininity.
Paired with an olive pair of pants from Jones New York, and a basic cashmere v-neck sweater from Reiss, a pink pair of Isaac Mizrahi shoes and pink and olive necklace by David Aubrey adds a feminine touch to a more serious business casual work look while remaining professional. The outfit is finished with a metallic handbag from Furla.
Look for tailored pieces in pink
Another way to make pink look more professional is to look for the color in more tailored pieces. Tailored jackets, shift dresses, structured blouses, basic sweaters and cardigans add a touch of feminine professionalism to an outfit. Pink pants, skirts and suits can be acceptable work pieces as long as the pink isn’t too soft or light.
Even though it is shocking pink, here a Boden coat looks professional because it is in a more structured and tailored piece. It also looks beautiful with navy, like in this dress from Reiss. The dress is accessorized with a pair of pink and purple earrings, a navy MICHAEL Michael Kors handbag and nude ankle strap pumps from Steve Madden.
Choose pink as an accent
The last way to look professional in pink is to choose it as an accent. Pink jewelry, as long as it is modern and not too girly, belts, handbags and even shoes can add some feminine punch to a more serious outfit.
This Kate Spade bag may be in pink but the more structured nature makes it look work friendly while still being feminine. Here it is styled as a business-casual look with a black and cream striped skirt from Boden, a black turtleneck, Vince Camuto flats and, for another feminine punch, pink earrings.
