Decade-Inspired Workwear Under RM200.

So now that the long weekend is over, many of us are spending most of our time in the office slaving away at our tasks. Now, as the end of the month approaches (and quite slowly too, in my humble opinion), this only means one thing and one thing only - payday. Payday is probably every working man and woman's favorite day off the month, simply because all that time spent staring at the glaring laptop monitor or out meeting prospects have finally produced results! Of course, we would use that hard-earned money of ours to pay for our bills, loans, rental, etc. (all the important stuff), but in case you do have any left over (which you probably would have), it would do you good to invest a partial amount of your money into updating, I mean backdating your wardrobe. Why backdating you ask? Because today, I will be listing out office attire inspired by the past decades, all under the price of RM200. Prepare yourself as we journey back in time to garner some style inspiration for your office wardrobe from ZALORA!

The Sixties

Let us begin with the 1960s. It was during this decade when fashion trends began to transform drastically. The early 1960s was more of a reflection of the 1950s - traditional and discreet; which was certainly more classic in style and design. Come the late 1960s and short skirts in psychedelic colors were donned by women everywhere while accompanied by men in tunics. Of course, office attire was more muted as compared to daily casual wear. Here is a piece which features trends from the early and late 1960s: conservative yet bright in color. Throw on a pair of nude kitten heels to achieve color balance and voila - here you have the perfectly perfect outift for a day in the office!

Checkered Panel Dress with Belt by BlueSky Love - RM99 | Minnie Bow Head Band by Dandelion - RM24.50  | Lauren Gold Heels by Velvet - RM69

Total Spent: RM192.50

The Nineteen Seventies

The 1970s was when people began to fight against war, constantly holding demonstrations encouraging peace and love all over the world. They were known as the hippies. The colorful clothing which continued on from the late 1960s, and women began wearing pants more often as compared to the previous eras. Our parents would probably recall the ever famous flare pants. With every passing year, the hem of the pants became wider and wider, eventually coming to a halt at 32". Here is a classic set of clothing a woman dwelling in the 1970s would wear: a pattered long-sleeved shirt with a pair of flared pants accompanied by a pair of patent pumps.

Printed Top by Another - RM49 | Falina Palazzo by Zawara for Zalora - RM63 | Patent Pumps by Alfio Raldo - RM83.93

Total Spent: RM195.93

The 1980s

The 1980s were probably the best era for many: the music was out of this world, it was the beginning of video games and of course, women's fashion changed dramatically. Similar to the late 1970s, earthy and neutral colors were preferred during the early 1980s. Around the mid to late 1980s, fashion experimentation took place:nNeon colors were all the rave; clothes were worn backwards; bracelets and belts were necessary accessories. However, office wear saw women wearing (usually) dark-colored suits with thickly padded shoulders. Here is a piece which color screams Flashdance but is still in line with 1980s workwear. 

Collarless Blazer by Zalora - RM95 | Bodycon Slit Skirt by Zalora - RM36 | Stiletto Heels by Zalora - RM69

Total Spent: RM200

The Nineties

Ahh the sweet 1990s, probably the most intense decade among all listed here. Grunge and gangsta rap music heavily influenced social culture, especially when it came to the way people dressed. When it comes to fashion, clothing were not as loud as they were back in the 1980s but that attitude was polished into something a little classier and smarter. Black leggings, oversized sweaters, denim everything and Birkenstocks before they were cool. As colors were more toned down during the 1990s, throw on a beige-colored blazer along with a wrap pencil skirt for that classic executive look. Slip on a pair of mid-heel pumps and accessorize with a matching bangle to add a pop of color to your look.

Avery Collarless Blazer by NINE2FIVE - RM45 | Collection Wrap Pencil Skirt by Zalora - RM85 | Basic Mid Heel Pumps by Zalora Basics - RM49 | Stone Bangle by Embellish - RM19

Total Spent: RM198

Today - The 2000s & 2010s

At last we have reached the current decade. This is already the 21st century but I just can't let you guys miss out on this one! The 2000s is said to be a mash-up of all sorts of cultures, styles and fashion trends from the past. Today we have women from all around the world being inflluenced by boho styles, Korean fashion and beauty trends and infuential music-based subcultures. Today, many companies (depending on its industry) are now less strict when it comes to the office dresscode (with some even allowing t-shirts and jeans). However, it doesn't mean we can't dress up to our heart's content. Culottes seem to be all the rage right now with many praising the style of pants for being suitable for both work and play. Slip on a pair alongside a cropped blazer to give yourself that casual yet professional look. Match your outfit with a pair of contrasted piping heels and black top to tone down the white overdose and you're all set for a feel-good day at the office!

Ava Satin Lapel Blazer by NINE2FIVE - RM45 | White Culottes by Club Zen - RM59 | Madelyn Contrast Piping Heels by Velvet - RM52

Total Spent: RM156

Always keep in mind that there is always a way to spice up your seemingly boring wardrobe whether it be for work or for play, and we hope this entry has successfully given you some sort of inspiration! Also, in case you are interested in getting additional discounts on your brand new clothing (who wouldn't be?!), check out ShopCoupons' ZALORA page where you are able to get 25% OFF with a special code from us! Happy shopping for your spanking new wardrobe!

By Denise Goh
July 14, 2015 | Fashion