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Working in an office full of women is always fun. From beauty bars filled with hair tools to office blankies and personalized water bottles, there are plenty of perks. However, the biggest thing we constantly experience at our office is compliments. It’s something that happens frequently, almost like it’s going out of fashion — which it definitely isn’t.
Personally, I’m always open to more compliments. But it got us thinking: what are the items that draw the most compliments? And why not share them so the compliments can multiply?
So, I rallied the team and compiled the ultimate list of clothes, fragrances, and makeup that get us the most attention, day in, day out.
Lucy Ballenden, Editorial Assistant
A sleek ear cuff
Low and behold, the item that inspired this article. I’d say my ear cuff is my most complimented item… ever. It’s the one thing I get asked about the most. I also love when people point it out because they often think it’s a piercing, but I managed to get the look without the pain and possibility of infection.
The added bonus is that not only does it look incredibly cool, it’s super comfy, so I’ve had it on my ear for over a year now with no issues.
Image: Supplied.
Mejuri Daily Ear Cuff, $98.
Image: Mejuri.
A fitted knit polo
I originally purchased this polo as an affordable dupe of the viral One Mile top that was sold out at the time. From the first wear, I discovered the style was so flattering, which was coincidentally the compliment I got the most. Since then, it has become my absolute wardrobe staple.
Image: Supplied.
Glassons Knit Rib Waist Polo Top, $34.99.
Image: Glassons.
Liv James, Social Producer
A very eye-catching blush
“I’m definitely guilty of a bit of ‘blush blindness’ but it means I get complimented on my colour very often. This Morphe blush in ‘Wine and Dine’ is my go-to. You get three different shades/formulas for $19.00! Lasts for ages and looks great in piccys, plus it doesn’t disappear with a flash photo like a lot of previous blushes I’ve tried.”
Image: Supplied.
Morphe Cheek Thrills Multi-Finish Face Trio, $19.
Image: Morphe.
Her signature scent
“This one is wild because I literally can’t smell it ever. But when I wear it I get at least three compliments. It’s very subtle, and I imagine it makes you smell nice in a way people assume is your natural scent. It baffles me but it works. According to their website, it is formulated as a ‘skin scent enhancer’, meaning it is designed to meld with your natural body chemistry rather than masking it. Wow.”
Glossier You, $200.
Image: Mecca.
Tamara Holland, Fashion Editor
A classic pair of jeans
“I’ve been wearing these Ceres Life barrel jeans on repeat since I got them, and every time I post a pic on my Insta, I get so many queries for the style name! PSA: They’re the Demi Barrel Jean, and they are as easy to style and comfortable as they look. Plus, I love the vintage-inspired blue wash and the panelling down the side — it makes them feel more elevated than your standard wide jean.”
Image: Supplied.
Ceres Life Demi Barrel Jean, $129.99.
Image: Ceres Life.
A pop-of-colour bag
“This bag is my favourite accessory I’ve acquired in recent years, hands down. It was a gift from a small female-founded local brand called Bolsa — their bandana-print bucket bags are available in a rainbow of colours. Every single time I carry it, someone stops me on the street to ask about it. It’s an instant outfit elevator, which is always my brief for great bags!”
Image: Supplied.
Bolsa The Bucket Bag Red, $139.
Image: Bolsa.
Cathrine Macri, Office Manager
A trusty liquid lipstick
“I’ve been very kindly complimented on my lipstick a lot over the past few weeks. I always use the same one but mix up the shades. Not only do they look great, but they stay on all day (exactly as the name says)!”
Image: Supplied.
Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick, $41.
Image: Mecca.
Ailish Delaney, News Writer
A viral cool-girl shirt
“I saw a girly on TikTok wear this and immediately ran to Uniqlo to buy it. It’s a simple striped button-up, but the high neck makes it so fun. It got so many comments at work, and I am obsessed!!”
Image: Supplied.
UNIQLO C Cotton Stand Collar Shirt Jacket, $59.90.
Image: Uniqlo.
Tessa Kotowicz, Junior Content Producer
A very versatile top
“Every time I wear this top, I get comments from people asking where it’s from. I especially love being able to tell them it’s very customisable since you can play around with the buttons. I always change it up depending if I want a little more of a high-neck or an off-the-shoulder look.”
Image: Supplied.
Katie Gray Ruby Top – Chocolate, $190.
Image: Katie Gray.
Kelsey Harper, Senior Brand Partnerships Executive
The perfume that makes people ask ‘what are you wearing?!’
“For some reason, my cheapest perfume (which is not even a perfume, it’s the Let The Good Times Roll body spray from Lush) is my most-complimented scent – I think, because its strong and sweet and lasts all day, but I’m always shook that no one compliments the exxy ones it’s always this one.”
LUSH Let the Good Times Roll Body Spray, $50.
Image: Lush.
Harriet Monie, Sales Manager
The most stylish pair of boots
“I wear my Naked Vice boots all the time and always seem to get a compliment when I wear them. They look great with a short skirt or even just under jeans as we come into winter. I have the burgundy shade but think I need to get them in black too!”
Image: Supplied.
Naked Vice The Eli Burgundy Boot, $289.85.
Image: Naked Vice.
Victoria Perkas, Brand Partnership Executive
The bounciest blowout
“I think I definitely get the most compliments on my hair. People always think I’ve used a Dyson Airwrap, but it’s actually just my straightener. It makes my hair look smooth, even though it’s naturally wavy/frizzy. I especially love the wide-iron, it means I can get my thick hair done in half the time.”
Image: Supplied.
Cloud Nine The New Wide Iron, $399.
Image: Cloud Nine.
Jemma Cairns, Sales Manager
A classic pair of sunnies
“People have just been LOVING me up a storm in my sunnies. They’re from the local surf shop, but I’ve been getting me compliments on compliments lately! They’re also polarised and a beautiful addition to the accessory drawer.”
Image: Supplied.
Epokhe Ceremony – Tortoise Polished, $279.99.
Image: Epokhe.
Annaliese Todd, Lifestyle Producer
A budget bedazzled find
“The denim shirt (or shacket) has that perfect oversized, drop-shoulder vibe. It looks like you borrowed it from a very stylish boyfriend, but it’s actually tailored to fit a woman’s frame. It’s structured enough that you don’t look like you’re wearing a tent, but roomy enough for a knit underneath. But the diamante detailing is what makes it a look. It’s just enough sparkle to feel elevated for Friday night drinks, but not so much that you look like a walking disco ball at the grocery store. It’s ‘cool girl’ sparkle.”
Image: Supplied.
Kmart Long Sleeve Diamonte Denim Shirt, $30.
Image: Kmart.
Coco Lavigne, Junior Producer
The throw-on-and-go top
“I seem to get a lot of compliments on my milkmaid top from Princess Polly! I love her. It makes me feel like a very stylish pirate. I always find myself turning to it when I just need a top that looks great to throw on and go.”
Princess Polly Benjie Long Sleeve Top, $60.
Image: Princess Polly.
For more helpful style advice and shopping recommendations, subscribe to the weekly Nothing to Wear Substack, listen to the Nothing to Wear podcast or watch Nothing to Wear on YouTube.
At our publication, we independently curate and write about products we rave about in our group chats and think you should know about too. If you purchase a product we have recommended, we may earn a small commission.
Feature image: Supplied.
