UK Edition
How to dress for work
Workwear is one area of our wardrobes that often gets overlooked. Sensible, cost-effective buys in conservative fabrics and wear-with-everything tones tend to take centre stage over trend-led buys, and rightly so. Whipping up an office-appropriate outfit day in, day out is no easy task, and naturally, the easiest solution is to rotate a few core essentials for a time effective routine.
Should you feel a little uninspired by your current workwear wardrobe, you might want to consider some basic rules to re-energise old favourites, and breathe life into your 9-5 look.
Here’s our round-up of eight office-appropriate ideas to steal from the street style set.
Top-to-toe navy isn't boring
Matching up similar tones to wear together creates an instantly sophisticated, considered office look. Start with a wide leg trouser and pair with a cashmere knit and heels, breaking the look up with some contrasting accessories - think bags, scarves and shoes - for an understated workwear aesthetic.
The camel coat is a workwear essential
No new news here. The camel coat is still, and will long be, a workwear hero. The hue works perfectly with any other shade in your current workwear wardrobe, the style is understated yet elegant, and let's face it, who doesn't love a chic piece that can be worn year in, year out? Go for an oversized shape to thrown on over knitwear on the weekend.
The white shirt is more versatile than you think
The humble white shirt is an integral part of any capsule wardrobe. Tuck a button-up into a navy midi skirt and wear with block heels and a dove grey tailored coat, or take your cue from Sarah Harris and button-up at the collar and team with a tailored suit. On the weekend, layer under denim dresses and knitwear.
Don't be afraid to experiment with stripes
The Breton may not be a workwear-friendly option, but grown-up stripes worn in midi skirt and collarless coat form most definitely are. Go for a sensible striped colour palette to avoid looking too extreme and keep the rest of your look low-key.
Co-ords can work for the office when chosen carefully
Co-ordinating items are ideal for those looking for ease when dressing for the office. For work, wear together for an instantly stylish outfit with minimal effort, and for the weekend, switch-up your separates to make your co-ords really go the distance.
The pinafore is the new shift dress
The pinafore dress has had something of a makeover and is now one of the hottest separates to invest in. When teamed with a crisp white shirt and classic courts this style dress is ideal for work. Trade in your shirt for a sleeveless silk top to take your look from desk to dinner.
Embrace bold colour
Don't limit yourself to a palette of neutrals when it comes to workwear dressing, take sartorial inspiration from Caroline Issa's impressive claret look and inject a shot of colour with a high neck top, a classic coat and a clashing bold lip. Mix in darker shades to keep the look office-appropriate.
Make room for the midi skirt
Where once the pencil skirt reigned supreme, there's now a new shape to covet. The midi skirt has long been championed by the fash pack, and now, the skirt that sits somewhere between the knee and ankle is a workwear staple. Pleated or column, printed or plain - the options are endless. Just add a button-up blouse and pointed flats to complete the look.
