Dressing for work is an everday struggle - are t-shirts ever acceptable? Can you wear jeans? How appropriate are trainers? Is brown and black always a no-go?
So that’s why we’re here with this handy guide to make sure all of your outfit-related qualms are extinguished. We’re hoping to save you both time and effort in the mornings by taking unnecessary faff out of the process.
You need to at once balance the formality of the workplace with your own personal style. The majority of offices today allow for casualwear, but it’s important to stay in the realms of smart-casual rather than turning up in the likes of distressed jeans and a creased shirt that’s seen better days.
You should look sleek and pulled together, but there’s no one-size-fits-all method. Whether you’d prefer to wear a casual Oxford shirt with trousers and trainers or a knit with indigo denim and loafers, the key to hitting the sartorial nail on the head is to look stylish with a professional air - even a t-shirt and jeans can look smart when worn with the right blazer and accessories.
When it comes to footwear, trainers are an option, but only when they’re classic and timeless. Leather styles work well, or retro-inspired designs in neutral colourways from the likes of Adidas or Veja are a great go-to. Otherwise, you could opt for a comfy formal shoe which will bring an extra level of sophistication to your outfit.
If you’re one of the lucky few whose decision is made for them by a compulsory-tailoring dress code, all you need to do is browse the racks at Reiss or Hugo Boss for suits that are cut to perfection from premium fabrics - and both brands offer an in-house tailor so you can enjoy the Savile Row treatment for a fraction of the price.
Without further ado, we’ve put together a selection of pieces that will help you nail 9-to-5 style with ease. Now all you need is the aftershave to match.
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Cos Camp-Collar Seersucker Polo Shirt
A camp collar is an easy win when it comes to workplace attire.
Striking the perfect balance between smart and casual, this polo is a contemporary silhouette crafted using a lightweight, textured seersucker - we’d expect nothing less from high street hero Cos.
Buy now £45.00, Cos
Uniqlo Two-Way Stretch Pleated Tapered Fit Trousers
Is there anything Uniqlo’s trousers can’t do? Crafted from a wrinkle-resistant fabric that’s also less susceptible to stains, they’ll keep you looking sharp all day long, and with two-way stretch, they’ll be the comfiest trousers you’ll own.
Buy now £39.90, Uniqlo
Ami Button Down Ami de Coeur Shirt
Whether your office is on the more formal side of things or it has a cool start-up vibe, Ami’s button down shirt can do both.
For the former, wear it alone with some navy trousers, or if it’s the latter, size up and layer it over a t-shirt.
Buy now £200.00, Ami
Arket Park Regular Straight Selvedge Jeans
Jeans are an absolute staple to suit all dress codes and from work to the weekend. Especially when they’re from elevated-basics expert Arket.
Constructed from a rigid selvedge denim, they’re smarter than a classic pair of jeans, and the lack of elastane means they’ll retain their shape for longer instead of looking loose-fitting in all of the wrong places.
Buy now, Arket
Sheep Inc The Crewneck Tomato Red
Merino wool is a magical fabric. It will keep you warm in winter and cool in summer - and boasts antibacterial qualities too - so this jumper is perfect for all-year-round wear.
Even better, the fabric is sourced from regenerative New Zealand farms with no waste and 100 per cent tracability - you can even see the farm it came from by scanning the nifty signature NFC tag attached to the bottom of the jumper.
The only problem, you’ll want every colour.
Buy now £190.00, Sheep Inc
YMC Full Grain Leather Black Belt
I wear London-based YMC’s leather belt to the office nearly every day. In a classic black full grain leather with a silver-tone buckle, it’s completely versatile and easily upgrades even the simplest of outfits - especially thanks to the additional D-ring and contrast stitching.
Buy now £65.00, YMC
Pringle of Scotland Unisex Allover Argyle Heritage Golf Sleeveless Jumper In Ivory And Mustard
Where better to find an argyle sweater vest than Hawick-based Pringle of Scotland which has over two centuries expertise in the field? This particular style is a re-release of one of the label’s Eighties golf styles - and we love the tricolour colourway. Tuck it in to relaxed pleated pants with a belt and layer under a blazer to fully commit to the look.
Buy now £185.00, Farfetch
Pawnshop 9k Gold Flat Anchor Chain Bracelet
If you’re into the 80s or 90s aesthetic, now’s the time to add Pawnshop to your wish list. With a collection of vintage pieces from the era alongside a signature collection that’s inspired by it, you’ll be spoilt for choice when trawling through the website.
This fully 9kt gold bracelet with its anchor chain design is a stylish addition to any jewellery shelf - and would look great with any outfit, from smart to casual.
Buy now £195.00, Pawnshop
Grenson Peter
Known for its chunky yet lightweight soles, Grenson is the brand to know for comfortable dress shoes. And, with over 150 years experience in the footwear field, the British heritage brand knows its way around a pair of loafers.
Crafted using a polished brown colorado leather with a tonal sole, it’s a contemporary take on the classic that will elevate your workwear wardrobe to new heights.
Buy now £295.00, Grenson
Samsøe Samsøe Nork blazer 14706
A key element of office-wear apparel, the humble blazer is more versatile than you think. Worn without matching suit trousers, it smoothly transforms a classic t-shirt and jeans to become boardroom-ready in an instant.
We love Samsøe Samsøe’s taupe design, which is cut to a regular fit with a notched lapel collar and flap front pockets.
Buy now £290.00, Samsøe Samsøe
Veja Men’s V-10 logo-embroidered suede and mesh low-top trainers
In 2023, trainers are a ubiquitous footwear staple. When it comes to the office, you should be looking for sleek, simple designs in neutral colours - and no one does the classic look better than responsible label Veja.
Buy now £150.00, Veja
Asket The Merino Sock 3-Pack
You’d be hard pressed to find a more sustainable brand than Asket who offer full transparency, including information on CO2 emissions, direct cost for each garment, and traceable fabrics.
Knitted from merino wool with reinforcement at the heel and toes, these will soon become your most favourite pair of socks that you own. They’re soft, naturally breathable, moisture-wicking and odour-neutralising, and by naturally adapting to your body temperature, the wool will keep your feet cool when it’s warm and warm when it’s cool.
Buy now £40.00, Asket
Gant Oversized Trench Coat
Gant’s current outerwear offering is elite - and this trench is no exception. In a summery cream, it’s oversized, lightweight and airy - and just look at those tonal buttons. Whether you’re looking to smarten up a casual ‘fit or dress down a suit, it works either way.
Buy now £750.00, Gant
Reiss Double Breasted Prince Of Wales Check Blazer
Perhaps you work in one of the few offices that still requires a full suit on the daily, or maybe you just prefer the formal look, either way, Reiss has you covered.
Founded in 1971 as a men’s suiting brand, there’s no better high street brand for tailoring - as proven by this stylish double breasted design. The matching trousers are £158, so the full suit comes in at £486.
Buy now £328.00, Reiss
