Dressing for work is a daily struggle. Even if you’re down to three days a week, that’s still three mornings a week spent fretting over your wardrobe, when you’d rather just be laid in bed.
First things first; consider the formality of the workplace. If you work in a creative agency you can tone it down with quality jeans and a nice top, but if you’re commuting to a corporate workplace that’s located in the City or otherwise, it’s likely that you’ll have to up the formal ante.
If you’re spending too long trying on outfits in the AM, try to build a capsule wardrobe of pieces that are easily interchangeable: your work uniform. We’re talking classic, timeless designs crafted using quality fabrics, which look perennially chic. Need an example? Just look to The Row and Max Mara to see what we’re talking about, or take a look at Cate Blanchett or Meghan Markle for wardrobe inspo.
Whether you go for a dress, a blazer or a great shirt, the golden rule is to steer clear of classic ‘workwear’ and go for pieces that leave you feeling elevated and sophisticated, without compromising on personality or comfort. Natural fibres are your friend: look to cotton, silk, and wool for ultimate refinement.
Our top tip? A quality bag goes a long way. Whatever your outfit, if you accessorise with an elegant handbag, from a tote to a crossbody, you’ll feel ready to take on any boardroom meeting or client catch-up.
We’ve rounded up a selection of pieces that will help banish the ‘what-do-I-wear-anxiety?!’, leaving you feeling confident and ready for the day ahead.
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The Shirt
Cos Oversized Waisted Poplin Shirt
For contemporary classics, Cos is the place to go. You can’t go wrong with a poplin shirt, and the Scandi high street hero’s design features all of the elevated details you could ask for. Slightly oversized, with a nipped in waist thanks to a part elasticated waistband and front darts as well as voluminous sleeves and a sharp point collar, it looks far more expensive than its £69 price tag.
Buy now £69.00, Cos
With Nothing Underneath The Boyfriend: Poplin White
A classic white shirt is always a winner, especially when it’s designed by London-based shirt-expert With Nothing Underneath.
Offering a range of silhouettes, our favourite is the ‘Boyfriend’ which is a relaxed fit that works just as easily worn over a tank as it does tucked into high waisted trousers. A versatile addition to any wardrobe.
Buy now £95.00, With Nothing Underneath
Toteme Monogram-embroidered silk-twill pyjama top
Whilst Toteme’s shirt features embroidery of the brand’s signature monogram logo, it’s subtle enough to look like an Art Deco pattern as opposed to anything remotely logomania. Crafted using 100 per cent silk, with a sophisticated version of a pyjama collar, it will keep you feeling easy breezy in any high pressure environment.
Buy now £510.00, MatchesFashion
The Trousers
Me + Em Wide Kick Flare Man Pant
Me + Em is a label that should be on the list of every woman who has to regularly dress for the office. With a selection of workwear that’s equal parts interesting and stylish from the shirting to the tailoring, you’d even get away with dressing head-to-toe in the London-based store, but if you had to plump for one piece, the trousers are to die for.
Buy now £185.00, Me + Em
Arket Hopsack Wool Trousers
A pair of well-fitting, structured black trousers is a necessity in every wardrobe - and where better to get them from than Stockholm-based Arket?
Known for its minimal yet high quality collections of wardrobe staples, these trousers showcase just how adept the brand is at taking basics to the next level. Crafted using a responsibly sourced hopsack wool, they’re an airy, well-constructed design with front pleats and a high waist.
Even better? They’re naturally resistant to wrinkles.
Buy now £89.00, Arket
Raey Wide-leg wool-blend trousers trousers
A great pair of trousers goes a long way, and Raey, MatchesFashion’s own brand, boasts a strong selection of expertly cut styles that will happily live in your wardrobe for years to come. This high waisted, pleated, grey design could even be worn simply with a tucked-in white T-shirt and blazer for a relaxed yet refined look - to up the formal ante, you could switch the T-shirt with a loose-fitting shirt or blouse instead.
Buy now £350.00, MatchesFashion
The Bag
Oroton Margot medium textured-leather tote
Showing up with a quality bag is an instant way to make a good impression. Large enough for a laptop and your all-important essentials, Oroton’s tote features a zip closure, an adjustable handle, and a super soft suede interior. Crafted using a supple textured leather with subtle foil embossing, it’s a masterpiece in minimalism.
Buy now £395.00, Net-A-Porter
A.P.C. Grace small mooth-leather shoulder bag
If you’ve no need to lug a laptop around with you, a small crossbody style will work a treat. French brand A.P.C. never fails to impress with its selection of leather goods - and this bag certainly doesn’t disappoint.
With gold hardware, a super smooth leather, and two tone canvas and suede lining, it’s a timeless bag you’ll keep for a lifetime. If tan’s not your style, it’s available in black and cream, too.
Buy now £605.00, MatchesFashion
Demellier The New York
For an added touch of je ne sais quoi, Demellier’s croc-embossed leather tote takes the classic bag to the next level. With gold logo and hardware, a popper closure, and a cotton lined interior, it’s a luxury purchase that’s totally worth it.
Buy now £495.00, Demellier
Whistles Bibi Crossbody Bag
Known for its leather goods, Whistles is the high street hero that offers quality, real leather bags on a more wallet-friendly budget - and this crossbody is a real crowdpleaser. Compact yet spacious and available in 11 colourways, it ticks all of the boxes.
Buy now £129.00, Whistles
The Blazer
A Line Double-Breasted Wool Blazer
Expert in designing timeless collections that are ideal for the working woman, independent Portuguese brand A Line offer a comprehensive range of classic yet fashionable workwear that will live in your wardrobe for years to come.
Slightly longline and crafted using 100 per cent wool, this blazer is a great choice for the chillier months.
Buy now £184.00, A Line
Weekday Norma Double Breasted Blazer
You can count on Weekday for a blazer in a contemporary silhouette. We’d suggest erring on the relaxed side of the fit, or else risk looking restricted and slightly too formal. This boxy double breasted style features lightly padded shoulders and two flap pockets - and you can even wash it in the washing machine. Take that dry cleaning bill!
At just £69, it’s a no brainer.
Buy now £69.00, Weekday
Aligne Goddard double-breasted recycled-polyester blazer
Crafted using recycled polyester, sustainable brand Aligne’s dark brown blazer is slightly oversized, and will pair perfectly with warm neutrals and black. With the option of wearing it as single or double breasted, it’s a versatile piece that’s the perfect update to any tailoring collection.
Buy now £139.00, Selfridges
The Shoe
G.H.Bass Weejuns Penny Loafers Cognac Leather
Having enjoyed time in the spotlight since 2015, when Alessandro Michele revived Gucci’s 1970s aesthetic, the humble loafer is a comfortable and stylish formal footwear alternative for those who can’t stand wearing heels. Worn with boyfriend trousers, a suit, or even a dress, they will add a sprinkling of cool-girl chic to any look.
First designed in the 1930s, G.H.Bass’ iconic Weejuns has stayed the same througout the 100 years since, and they’re available in a range of colours so you can find the perfect shade to suit.
Buy now £150.00, G.H.Bass
Manolo Blahnik Navy Blue Suede Kitten Heel Mules
Does it get any better than a pair of Manolos? A favourite of Carrie Bradshaw and Blair Waldorf, among countless real-world A-list celebrities, the label’s iconic kitten heels will help you put your best foot forward any day of the week. Keep it toned down with the suede alternative to the brand’s classic crystal buckle - our favourite is the navy.
Buy now £575.00, Net-A-Porter
Vagabond Judy Sneakers
If your office errs on the side of casual, a white leather trainer is a great alternative to a more formal shoe. Scandi footwear label Vagabond, which also offers a great selection of loafers and boots, has you covered with its chunky iteration of the classic.
Buy now £110.00, Vagabond
