Mesh dresses are often seen as playful and bold pieces suited for casual or evening events, but with the right styling, they can easily be adapted for the office. The key to wearing a mesh dress in a professional setting is balance. By pairing mesh with more conservative items, you can create a look that is both stylish and office-appropriate. Let’s explore how to rock a mesh dress in the workplace while keeping it polished and trendy.
1. Choose a Subtle Mesh Dress Design
When incorporating a mesh dress into your office wardrobe, opt for designs that are more subtle and modest. Look for mesh dresses with simple, refined elements, such as solid colors, minimal patterns, or mesh details at the neckline, sleeves, or hemline.
Key Tips:
- Solid Colors: Stick to neutral tones or muted shades like black, navy, or beige to keep the dress professional.
- Minimal Mesh: Select dresses that feature mesh accents rather than fully sheer styles. A mesh yoke or sleeves can add a touch of interest without being too revealing.
- Structured Styles: Choose dresses with structured silhouettes, such as A-line or sheath cuts, which will maintain a professional vibe.
2. Layer with a Blazer or Cardigan
One of the best ways to make a mesh dress work for the office is by layering it with a blazer or a tailored cardigan. These classic pieces will add sophistication and structure, helping tone down the casual or edgy nature of the mesh fabric.
How to Style:
- Blazer: A well-fitted blazer over a mesh dress creates a polished look and gives the outfit a professional edge. Stick to neutral colors like black, grey, or navy for a timeless appearance.
- Cardigan: A longline cardigan in a solid color can provide additional coverage and comfort while still looking sleek and professional.
- Cropped Jacket: If you prefer something less formal, a cropped jacket in leather or denim can add a stylish yet office-appropriate layer.
3. Pair with Tights or a Slip Dress
To ensure that your mesh dress remains office-friendly, it’s essential to layer appropriately underneath. Wearing tights or a slip dress beneath the mesh dress provides coverage, making it more suitable for the workplace.
Options to Consider:
- Tights: A pair of opaque tights in black or nude will add coverage to the lower half while keeping the overall look sleek and polished.
- Slip Dress: Underneath a sheer mesh dress, a simple slip dress in a neutral tone will provide coverage and allow the mesh details to shine without revealing too much.
- Long-Sleeve Layer: For colder weather, consider pairing your mesh dress with a fitted long-sleeve shirt or blouse underneath for added warmth and modesty.
4. Opt for Simple, Polished Accessories
Accessorizing a mesh dress for the office is all about keeping things simple and sophisticated. Avoid overly bold or flashy jewelry, and instead, go for subtle, professional pieces that elevate the outfit without stealing the spotlight.
Accessory Suggestions:
- Minimalist Jewelry: A pair of stud earrings, a delicate bracelet, or a slim watch can add just the right amount of sparkle without being distracting.
- Classic Footwear: Stick with office-appropriate shoes like closed-toe heels, ankle boots, or loafers. Choose neutral or metallic shades for a versatile look.
- Structured Bag: A structured handbag or briefcase will keep your look refined and professional while complementing the modern style of a mesh dress.
5. Balance the Length of the Dress
The length of the mesh dress is a crucial factor in ensuring it remains office-appropriate. Avoid overly short dresses, as they can appear too casual or revealing for a professional setting. Instead, opt for midi or knee-length styles that offer a balance of elegance and modesty.
Length Tips:
- Knee-Length: A knee-length mesh dress is always a safe and classic option for the office. It provides coverage while still allowing the mesh fabric to add texture and interest.
- Midi-Length: A midi-length dress that falls between the knee and ankle is an excellent choice for office wear. It’s sophisticated and adds a touch of modernity to your outfit.
- Avoid Mini-Length: While mini dresses can be fun, they might not offer the right level of professionalism for the workplace. Stick to longer lengths to maintain a balanced, polished look.
6. Keep Your Makeup and Hairstyling Subtle
When wearing a mesh dress to the office, it’s essential to balance your outfit with subtle makeup and a polished hairstyle. Over-the-top makeup or messy hair can detract from the professional appearance you’re aiming for.
Styling Suggestions:
- Natural Makeup: Opt for a natural makeup look with neutral tones. A simple foundation, a swipe of mascara, and a nude lip can keep you looking fresh and professional.
- Sleek Hairstyles: Keep your hair neat and tidy with a sleek ponytail, low bun, or soft waves. Avoid messy or overly voluminous styles that can distract from the overall outfit.
- Subtle Nail Polish: Keep your nails understated with neutral or soft pastel shades, ensuring they complement the professional nature of your look.
7. Know Your Workplace Dress Code
Lastly, it’s important to consider your office’s specific dress code before wearing a mesh dress. If your workplace is more casual or allows for creative outfits, a mesh dress can work beautifully. However, if your office has a stricter dress code, it may be best to reserve mesh dresses for casual Fridays or less formal office events.
Workplace Considerations:
- Casual or Creative Offices: Mesh dresses can work in offices with a more relaxed or creative dress code, especially if paired with professional layers like blazers and tights.
- Formal Offices: For more corporate settings, consider saving mesh dresses for after-work events or social gatherings outside the office.
Conclusion
Wearing a mesh dress to the office can be both stylish and professional with the right styling choices. By opting for subtle designs, layering with blazers or cardigans, and pairing with office-appropriate accessories, you can confidently wear a mesh dress at work. Keep the length, coverage, and overall styling in mind to ensure you strike the perfect balance between trendy and professional. With the right touches, a mesh dress can become a chic and versatile option for your office wardrobe.
