HONGKONGERS ARE beginning to adopt the western practice of going to work in more relaxed attire, such as jeans, sandals and T-shirts.
'Workplaces in Hong Kong are less conservative than a few years ago, especially at western companies,' says Bonnie Wu, trends editor for Worth Global Style Network in Asia. 'The need for self- expression has become important. The trend now is to create your own style.'
Many local companies have introduced so-called casual Fridays, when employees can dress in a less formal version of their regular business attire. Suits are out, and more creative, casual combinations are in.
But the rules at different offices vary, and some employees are confused about how to dress at work. 'When we do a consultation, we do a lot of research first to gain more awareness of our customer's role,' says Desmond Chan, president of Image de Monde Group, a consultancy that helps employees choose work wardrobes. 'We find out what image their company wants to represent, such as reliance, integrity and trust. We also visit their workplace and meet their boss.'
Chan says that women should understand their body shape and establish what looks good on it. For example, an A-line skirt could make someone with narrow shoulders look unbalanced, and capri pants on shorter legs look messy. 'The idea is to even out a person's imperfections,' says Chan. 'In Hong Kong, the proportions seem to make people smaller because the lower part of the body tends to be shorter.'
As a general rule, stock up on work-wardrobe basics such as white shirts, simple skirts, V-neck jumpers and well-cut trousers. These can be jazzed up - with embellishments, ruffles or bows (a big trend for spring) and accessories such as a smart handbag or funky shoes - to create an individual style. The key in dressing for the office is to bring out your personality, without going over the top, or resorting to head-to-toe looks from designer brands.
'People in Hong Kong are too much into designer brands,' says Chan. 'It doesn't mean the pieces are good just because it says Prada or Gucci. They have to fit your body shape. You have to pay attention to quality and cut and create your own sense of style.'
