Mr Lin Kuantai is wearing a shirt, trousers and cardigan by Uniqlo and shoes by Pedro.

SPICING UP OFFICE LIFE

Mr Lin Kuantai
Senior Manager (Arts Education)
Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth

Give an instant facelift to any outfit by layering with light-coloured outerwear, just as stylist Sheh has done for Mr Lin. A colourful cardigan can brighten up a typical day in the office, while a blazer spiffs up your look for presentations or meetings with the bosses.

For Mr Lin, who enjoys experimenting with geometric prints or colours such as mustard, the trick is to “space out wearing those shirts with unique colours or distinct prints so that people have more time to ‘forget’.”

CONNECTING WITH THE PUBLIC

Ms Sheriza Faisal
Senior Executive (Communications Design)
PS21 Office, Public Service Division

The bottom line to looking good is ensuring that your clothes fit well, stresses Sheh. The proof is in how polished Ms Sheriza looks in fitted basics, like this navy blue blazer and grey pencil-cut trousers he picked for her. When she heads out to speak to members of the public or do field work, Ms Sheriza often dresses in pastel colours that make her look more approachable. Sheh cautions against matching pastels with black – try light grey instead so that the contrast is less jarring. Ms Sheriza adds a personal touch to her outfits with handmade accessories such as clay necklaces. The crafty designer also fashions her headscarves out of shawls from high street brands such as Zara, Uniqlo and Desigual.

Ms Sheriza Faisal is wearing a blouse by Uniqlo; jacket, scarf, trousers and heels by Banana Republic.

Mr Goh Keng Phang is wearing a shirt by Uniqlo; pullover, tie, jacket and pants by Banana Republic and shoes by Pedro.

THE JET-SETTER

Mr Goh Keng Phang
Senior Assistant Director (Emerging Markets Division)
Ministry of Trade and Industry

While a suit is a safe choice for business trips, Sheh suggests throwing on a pullover for a refreshing look. Donning a khaki bomber jacket for cold weather is another way to stand out, since most people would just go for black, he adds. For his frequent work trips to South Asia, Turkey and the Middle East, Mr Goh packs several matching ties, cufflinks and watches to vary his look on different days. “As a junior officer, I also take care not to be overdressed relative to my bosses – I avoid dark shades for shirts and accessories that are too loud,” he says. A magnetic Singapore flag pin on Mr Goh’s jacket adds an interesting element to draw the eye and completes his outfit.

STANDING OUT IN A UNIFORM

Ms Tiffany Tan
Manager (Corporate Communications)
People’s Association (PA)

Ms Tan, who co-designed the PA corporate T-shirt, often has to wear it at public events. To give her practical outfit an interesting twist, she sometimes pairs the functional polo T-shirt with two-tone trousers (khaki green in the front and blue on the back). She shows off her bubbly personality with rings, matching nail colours and shoes with eye-catching designs, such as flats with wings unfurling at the heels. Here, Sheh shows Ms Tan how high heels can give a casual look an elegant twist. To look fresh, simply pull the fringe away from the face, as Rina has done for Ms Tan. Nail a youthful look and beat the heat by tying long hair up in a high ponytail or a messy bun, adds Rina.

Ms Tiffany Tan is wearing heels by Pedro. Her PA T-shirt’s collar placket shows fabric patterns representative of multi-racial Singapore.

Mr Shaun Goh is wearing a pullover, shirt, trousers and belt by Banana Republic and shoes by Pedro.

RELATING TO THE YOUNG

Mr Shaun Goh
Lecturer (General Education), Singapore Polytechnic

Mr Goh, a former part-time model, prefers wearing comfortable yet stylish pieces from high street fashion brands, such as Zara or Topman, which his students are familiar with. He often wears youthful prints like this chequered shirt that Sheh has picked for him.

While bright colours can make you look friendlier, be careful not to overdo it or you might look like you’re trying too hard. Adding a dash of colour – check out the red piping on Mr Goh’s shoes – is enough to liven up an outfit, says Sheh.