What to wear to work

Picture the scene: it’s 7.27am. After sleeping through the alarm and running around the shower at Olympian pace, you’re pulling clothes out of your wardrobe in a state of blind panic and discarding them onto the floor. There’s sighing and much grumbling of the phrase: ‘I’ve got nothing to wear’. Approximately eight minutes later, wearing shoes that will definitely give you blisters and a top with a dodgy zip, you make your exit. A mad dash for the office ensues.

Sound familiar? It’s time to simplify your wardrobe and streamline your morning routine with a focus on a high-achieving, low-maintenance workwear wardrobe that works as hard as you do.

Undoubtedly, a collection of outfit options that are interchangeable and long lasting have the power to transform the way you get dressed in the morning. Moreover, it will impact the way you feel about yourself for the rest of the day. Power dressing, if you will. 

Here's what to wear to work, starting now. 

A trouser suit in a shade you love is workwear gold. Not least because it requires minimum effort (pull it on over a white t-shirt and you’re good to go), but because it works perfectly when worn as separates too. A jacket teamed with black trousers or jeans (depending on your office dress code) is a legitimate laid-back look. To find a suit with the potential to work as hard as you do, pay close attention to fit and choose a colour option that you won’t tire of in a hurry.

No longer saved for weddings and lunch with your aunt, a long-sleeve printed dress is the modern woman’s secret weapon. Notably, because you can wear one pretty much anywhere without raising eyebrows. The perfect desk-to-dinner solution, a well-chosen dress looks as good with classic white trainers as it does with a pair of velvet sandals. To maximise value per wear, opt for a length that falls below the knee and avoid narrow cuts. For variation, layer your dress of choice with a neat crew neck sweater. And remember, pretty can be empowering.

Action-packed schedules and a demand for clothes that feel relevant beyond the realms of the office mean that a smart but effortless aesthetic is the workwear sweet spot. A pair of trousers with a relaxed fit are key to achieving this. Seek out classic shades and durable fabrics created to last. 

As the fashion world answers our call for clothes that are as sustainable as they are stylish,  the finest purchases are undoubtedly the most considered ones. But that need not always mean making the sensible choice. Indulge your creative side with on-trend colour choices and silhouettes that will fit in with your weekend plans. A pleated skirt is a good idea. Wear it to the office with a blazer and silk shirt and when Saturday comes, add a t-shirt and trainers.  

If fuss-free mornings are your goal, simplicity is everything. This means finding the workwear classics that suit and sticking to them. Introducing earrings will add interest to this base layer. Invest in a selection of styles and rotate according to your mood. 

A crisp white shirt will never go out of style, but but a fluid silk option can be a better solution for work days. Opt for neutral colourways or subtle prints so that you can wear it with plenty of pieces that you already own. 

Trainers are no longer an office wear taboo, but that doesn’t mean wearing your workout kit to meetings. A pair of unbranded white sneakers are your safest, most versatile option. Wear them with trouser suits and printed dresses for an effortless edge. The right sandals can be equally versatile. For commuters, a chunky sole is a smart move as are leather styles that are built to last.