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Style Guides

What To Wear: Working Wardrobe

There’s something about September that spells back to Business (with a capital b). For some, it can feel more like the start of a fresh year than January, so make your wardrobe count.

Whether you’re back in the office or WFH at your kitchen table, the right look can help put you in a productive headspace. Elevated classics are the building blocks of any working wardrobe so avoid faddy trends. Choose versatile, go-with-anything neutrals and it will make curating a work-ready outfit feel effortless in the morning.

From the statement city trench to the minimalist satchel bag, these pieces will make you look (and feel) instantly put-together.


THE TRENCH COAT

Who cares what you’re wearing underneath (yep, pyjamas included) when you’re stepping out in an overcoat that looks this good on the commute? Martin Grant’s coat has a classic city trench silhouette but with a statement (yet still neutral) all-over check print. The relaxed fit and self-tie waist belt means it can be worn loose and open with big knits, or cinched in at the waist if you’re wearing it over a fitted dress. For the ultimate in co-ordinating workwear, try tag-teaming the coat with the matchy-matchy checked trousers or midi dress. 

 

THE SATCHEL BAG

Nothing says back to the office like a new term-style satchel. Mansur Gavriel has elevated the staple satchel bag with a sleek, minimalist take on the trend. The leather-buckled front opens to reveal two compartments that make you feel instantly more organised. In a versatile tan brown leather, this satchel will go with just about anything in your wardrobe – including more casual looks for weekend coffee runs. Carry it by the detachable strap to sling over your shoulder during the daytime, or swing it by the top handle for evenings for a more structured look. 

 

THE WHITE SHIRT

The ultimate styling linchpin of any working wardrobe is a crisp white shirt, so don’t cut corners with the iron/steamer. Cut to a relaxed silhouette with a longer-line hem that drapes at the back, Sacai’s iteration of the CWS (classic white shirt) is ideal for layering over skirts and fitted pants. It’s like a boyfriend shirt that means business. Wear it unbuttoned for a relaxed look, or smartly fastened up to the neck for more formal meetings. Thanks to its two-level hem, you can also give this shirt a whole new re-spin by layering a cropped knit over the top. 

 

Stride into the office with purpose wearing a pair of wide-leg tailored trousers. In a clean and contemporary cut, a pair of wide-legs will look just as smart with a casual tee as a matching blazer.

THE TASSEL LOAFERS

If heels are a step too far, give your look an instant back to school-but-for-adults vibe with a pair of chunky loafers. The Adrian loafers were first produced by Dr. Martens in the 70s but have been updated for the label's collaboration with Comme des Garçons in burgundy (way softer than black in a chunky shoe). Cut from buffed leather and accented across the arch with tassels details, wear them to toughen up relaxed tailoring. Team with longline city shorts as you transition into autumn, and switch for cropped trousers in winter so you can still flash an ankle to show off your shoes. 

 

THE WIDE-LEG TROUSERS

Stride into the office with purpose wearing a pair of wide-leg tailored trousers. In a clean and contemporary cut, a pair of wide-legs will look just as smart with a casual tee as a matching blazer. Dion Lee’s chic Marle jersey wide-legs are designed to sit high at the waist and have a partially elasticated drawstring waist so you can cinch them accordingly, whether you’re wearing a high-neck bodysuit or chunky knit. Wear them with peep-toe mules until temperatures drop and then switch for pointed-toe boots to elongate your legs to the max. 

 

THE RIBBED CARDIGAN

Who needs winter accessories when they’re inbuilt into your knitwear? Cardigans are having a moment this season and Le17 Septembre’s draped cardigan is equipped to deal with aggressive office air-con systems. With an oversized silhouette and draped panels at the front, it’s like wearing a cardigan and scarf all in one – but it’s still smart enough for the boardroom. Try wrapping one panel loosely around the neck for a scarf-like effect when you’re styling it. You’ll never lose your scarf on the commute home, ever again. 

 

THE GYM KIT

If you’re finding it hard getting back into your fitness routine, add a new sporty co-ord to your kit bag for extra motivation. Put a spring in your step before or after work with The Upside’s Masilda matching set in navy and white gingham-checked jersey for your new gym uniform. With a second-skin feel and contrast stripe cuffs, the coordinating kit is ideal for yoga or Pilates workouts. Team with box-fresh white trainers and a water bottle and you’re good to go.  

Partner with this: : The Upside Masilda Larri gingham leggings, £110

 

 

 

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