How To Look Like You’re Going to NYFW (Even if You’re Just Going to the Office)

The easiest way to pull off dramatic shoulders at the office

The easiest way to make an ordinary work outfit feel considerably more fashion-y? Start at the shoulders. Sculptural jackets, exaggerated shoulders and dramatic silhouettes are having a major moment, but bringing runway-level volume into the office requires a little restraint.

Niesner’s styling rule is simple: if one half of your outfit is making a statement, let the other half keep things streamlined.

“When playing with exaggerated proportions, it’s important to create balance,” he says. “Define the waist with an hourglass-shaped blazer or add a belt over a more oversized silhouette.” His other trick is pairing a statement jacket with sharp, streamlined bottoms, which keeps the look polished rather than overwhelming.