For a seamless – and more stylish – seasonal transition, these are the back-to-work essentials that the Citizen Femme team are buying this September.
Including new-season fashion, chic stationary and commuting must-haves, these are the back-to-work pieces we’re buying as we wave goodbye to summer, turn our out-of-offices off (for now), and settle back in at our desks.
Sheena Bhattessa, Founder
I’m becoming more neutral in my dressing, and keeping to a capsule wardrobe that I can easily dress up for evening dinners, or down (with casual shoes) for running to meetings and making school pick ups. A pair of wear-anywhere trousers are key; I’m an avid fan of With Nothing Underneath (as can be seen from my extensive collection of shirts), and they now have their first tailored trouser, The Rampling. This will undoubtedly be a back-to-work essential. An easy transitional jacket that is slick is guaranteed from Veronica Beard; I love camel outerwear and this beautifully tailored piece is on my wish list, to be a closet hero for years to come. I find I am looking to Reformation frequently and the Latte coloured Kendi Denim Dress is an elegant fitted bodice dress with a column skirt that I’ll wear with the Cassandre thin leather Saint Laurent belt. I’ll add to this: my Smythson half-year calendar; Apple iPods – which I don’t leave the house without; and a beautiful Cartier gift received after having my second baby, and that will remain on my wrist as an essential time piece for many years to come.
Gemma Louise Deeks, Contributing Fashion Editor
I’m retiring my trusty Dragon Diffusion tote bag for the season and looking for an autumn replacement. Brown suede bags are having a serious moment and I love this one from Manu Atelier. It’s the perfect size to fit my laptop whilst looking chic and compact. Since becoming pregnant, ice water is my drink of choice and I don’t go anywhere without this Larq water bottle, it keeps my water icy cold for up to 24 hours. I love refreshing my jewellery each season, and this gold pair of earrings by London-based brand Otiumberg can be worn day to night – a great everyday investment. After a rough first trimester (hating the smell of almost everything and going off my current perfume) I’m looking for a new fragrance to carry me into this new life chapter: I love the smell of creamy fig fragrances, and this from DS & DURGA has notes of fig, vanilla, tonka bean and coconut milk. I’m trying not to wear my contact lenses so much to give my eyes a rest, so a new pair of glasses is essential for days in the office – I have my eye on this style from Celine. Ballet flats have been reigning supreme, and I’m excited to buy an autumn-appropriate pair from footwear favourite Le Monde Beryl. This maroon shade will work perfectly with indigo denim and chocolate cashmere.
Sheila Victorio, Partnerships: Food, Drink & Restaurants
Autumn to me means two things: making apple crumbles and my favourite fashion season. I love wearing oversized jumpers, jackets and coats, and on my wish list is this COS Camel coat, with its cosy wool fabric and pockets. A Ganni white graphic tee is great for a less formal look, and I’m always rushing around town to meetings so I need a pair of trainers to combine with dresses or a smart trouser suit – I love the Adidas Original Gazelle platform trainers (in pink). I have the worst memory so jot down notes at meetings; a friend gifted me a gorgeous embroidered notepad from Liberty that is always by my side. Always on the go, make-up retouches are essential and the Elizabeth Scarlett carries all my daily essentials. Lastly, I’m on the lookout for the perfect autumn bag and Swaine’s Bondgirl bag is top of my wish list – it’s ideal for daytime through to evening.
Katie Silcox, Managing Editor
I’m based in Athens, Greece, where summer lasts that little bit longer and temperatures can hover in the mid-twenties well into October. Pieces that will bridge the summer-turns-autumn season here include this Citizens of Humanity denim dress and this Veronica Beard vegan leather skirt. I’ll pair the skirt with simple T-shirts and slip tops, or add some pattern with options such as this striped T-shirt from Cos. September is a great time of year to ramp up productivity, and I’ll be doing so using a customisable notebook from Harris & Jones, but also by trying to take a walk before work every morning, which always energises me for the day. These Vince sneakers are ideal for walks, as well as for days spent in and out of airports and planes. Finally, I need a mug to keep my coffee hot as we move into colder months. I love this version because it’s made of ceramic (not the usual stainless steel) so is as aesthetically-pleasing as any other (non-heated) mug in my collection.
Alexandra Carello, PR Director
Nothing says back-to-school like a new pair of shoes; loafers are in this winter and I love these from Jennifer Chamandi. A crisp new shirt is always a great new-season idea, and I love these bespoke styles from Andion. I’ll be wearing them with these wide-legged Gabriela Hearst trousers for a pop of colour. I’ve become slightly obsessed with La Bonne Brusse because my hair needs some TLC after summer – their hairbrushes are so beautiful and will be a staple in my handbag. I always buy a new-season Smythson notebook (to write down thoughts and ambitions) plus new outerwear. LOEWE’s suede lambskin jacket is top of my wish list for chilly morning commutes while still looking chic.
Becki Murray, Contributing Beauty Editor
The seasons might be changing but I don’t want to relegate my floaty dresses to the back of my wardrobe – they are my signature after all. Instead, I’ll be looking to styles with sleeves for the office, and I’ll layer them with a soft black leather jacket, tights and a pair of heeled black boots when the weather dictates it. The Midi Dresses from Rixo are always a go-to, and I’ve also got my eye on the Lysander style at Reformation; teamed with a ME + EM Utility Jacket and the Ralph Lauren Leather Bootie. The autumnal transition also calls for a shake-up in my makeup. To fake my way to a sunny glow (when the weather is anything but), I like to switch my light gloss for a defined warm pink shade to lift a tired complexion – I’m obsessed with the shades from makeup artist Lisa Eldridge. I’m on the look out for something mood-boosting for my laptop too. This large protective case from Smythson is just what I need. I’ll be slipping it into my new Rains Shell Backpack – it’s practical for my walks to the office, come rain or shine.
Comfort is always my vibe, especially when heading into the office. Artizia has got me covered with their relaxed shirts, perfect for long workdays. With the change of seasons, I’m retiring my light, floral summer scents in favour of something warm, rich and cosy. Safanad by Parfums de Marly is my autumn go-to. Long, cold commutes will soon be a reality once again, and I can’t survive the tube journey without my trusty Sony headphones. The sound quality and noise cancellation make my journey to work something I can look forward to. When it comes to work bags, functionality is key, but that doesn’t mean sacrificing style. This chic and practical tote from & Other Stories is strong enough to carry all my essentials and stylish enough to complement any outfit. I can’t leave the house without a claw clip – they’re my go-to for quickly tying my hair back. Emi Jay does them best. Finally, as the temperatures drop, I’m swapping my Ugg Tasmans for these ridiculously comfy Ugg Clogs. They’re perfect for the transition from summer to autumn: warm, versatile, and they go with anything.
Morag Turner, Citizen Enfants Editor
I love autumn and that fresh, back-to-school feeling that comes with it. After a summer on the beach I’m ready to put away my shorts and sandals and embrace the new season. But, no matter the time of year I love the combination of navy, tan and denim. This September that means a new Isabel Marrant Drogo Coat in Midnight (I have the cream one and it’s one of my favourite pieces) wide-leg jeans from Zara, and my trusty Loewe Puzzle bag which I bought last year and can’t wait to use again. On the school run I’ll wear a simple crew neck jumper, Soft Goat (my go-to for cashmere) and navy and white Sambas. For work I’ll change out the trainers for square toe ankle boots from Arket. It’s time to swap the beach waves for sleek hair and I am absolutely loving my new Dyson Airstraight hair straightners for a salon-smooth blow dry at home – in just ten minutes. My final update has to be dark berry nails, and the best shade for this is Chanel’s Rouge Noir.
Ella Mansell, Editorial Assistant
I love this time of the year, London has an especially fun buzz to it. I try to match this excitement with the things I buy, as I look forward to a busy season ahead. While a classic fabric is always stylish, suede is very much of the moment. I love the cut and colour of this suede jacket by Massimo Dutti. Similarly, a great pair of wide-leg jeans will carry me through autumn, like this pair from New York brand Frame. Simple but incredibly chic is the way forward, which is why I love Tilly Sveaas’ jewellery, especially the Gold Curb Link Choker. What doesn’t a gold statement necklace look good with? To help stay organised, I’ll add a couple of UnderCover notepads to my collection, made from recycled leather and use this Honoré Brunelle case by Isabel Bernard for my cables and toiletries. Finally, a good book always makes me feel refreshed and inspired. Anything by Joan Didion leaves me with lots to think about.
We may earn a commission if you buy something from any affiliate links on our site.
Image credit: NET-A-PORTER
Any Questions or Tips to add?