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The New Workwear Code – September 2020
Lockdowns are gradually lifting and we’re about to step into the ‘new normal’ – a complete do-over of anything that’s gone before. We’ve been through the world’s largest working-from-home experiment, routines and roles have been reimagined and we’re slowly coming out the other side. We might not be able to predict the future of work, but we can help you compile your back-to-work outfit. Whether your new normal is business as usual, or something completely different - don’t underestimate the impact of your clothing choices. When we quizzed nearly 8,000 businesswomen from across the world, they were all united on the importance of workwear. Taking their priorities and perceptions into account, we have put together a guide to the new workwear code. In a time of global uncertainty, we want you to look – and feel – confident and empowered. On the cover: Drayton Peplum Knit Jacket See pg 32 Opposite page: Clever Crepe Almeida Jacket See pg 2
‘I know I will want to bring my best self back to the office – and what I wear will be a huge part of that.’ Shona Baijal, Managing Director, UBS Wealth Management
We want to keep up the conversation and hear from you about life after lockdown. How has your work routine – and your work wardrobe – changed? From your attitude to flexible working to how you’re striking the right professional note, share your views with us at thefoldlondon.com/new-workwear-codes and receive 15% off your next purchase with The Fold.
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As weekly routines become more flexible, adopt the same approach to your wardrobe: invest cleverly in versatile, mix-and-match classics that you can restyle for any work occasion.
Introducing Clever Crepe Build the ultimate capsule
Pg 2 Clever Crepe Almeida Jacket. Black Japanese satin back crepe. Machine hand wash.
Pg 3 Clever Crepe Belsize Jacket. Black Japanese satin back crepe. Machine hand wash. Coming soon. Clever Crepe Cigarette Trousers. Black Japanese satin back crepe. Machine hand wash.
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Firenze 80 Heel. Red polished croc-embossed leather, 80mm heel. Made in Italy.
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Our new Clever Crepe tailoring capsule is high performance and low maintenance. Using Japanese fabric innovation, this luxurious and sustainably sourced crepe is technically woven for a flexible stretch that bounces back into shape, making it lightweight and wrinkle resistant all day long.
Washable
Wrinkle-release
Sustainable fibres
Mechanical stretch
Breathable
Soft fluid crepe
Shop the collection at: thefoldlondon.com/tailoring
‘You can’t beat a well-tailored black trouser suit, I routinely and consistently revert to mine, in many combinations.’ Dame Cilla Snowball, Governor, Wellcome Trust 5
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Businesswomen are increasingly choosing high-quality, timeless items that are refined, powerful yet feminine and professional with a twist.
Pg 6 Napier Trench Coat. Camel Japanese twill.
Pg 7 Ayrshire Blouse. Lavender 100% silk. Also available in ivory. Machine hand wash.
Siena 25 Flat. Snake-embossed leather, 25mm heel. Made in Italy. Also available in other colours and finishes.
Clever Crepe Cigarette Trousers. Black Japanese satin back crepe. Machine hand wash.
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‘I really like versatility and the ability to make an outfit work several different ways. I think it’s something The Fold does very well.’ Fold Customer
Pg 8 Lille High Neck Sweater. Black merino wool. Also available in ivory and toffee. Kelmore Midi Skirt. Black satin. Also available in navy. Machine hand wash.
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Modena High Boot. Chocolate brown soft croc-embossed leather, 70mm heel. Made in Italy.
Pg 9 Mariner Sweater. Red merino wool. Also available in silver grey and navy. Machine hand wash. Clever Crepe Pencil Skirt. Black Japanese satin back crepe. Machine hand wash.
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‘One way to restore the demarcation between work and home life is to build your work wardrobe so that you feel the part and own that professionalism. I simply perform better when I step into my work clothes.’ Jacqueline de Rojas CBE, President, TechUK
Pg 10 Saunders Blouse. Royal azure silk crepe de chine. Also available in ivory. Machine hand wash.
Pg 11 Saunders Blouse. Also available in royal azure. Machine hand wash.
Clever Crepe High Waisted Trousers. Black Japanese satin back crepe. Machine hand wash.
Kelmore Midi Skirt. Navy satin. Also available in black. Machine hand wash.
Milano 80 Heel. Navy suede, 80mm heel. Made in Italy. Also available in other colours and finishes.
Modena High Boot. Chocolate brown soft croc-embossed leather, 70mm heel. Made in Italy.
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Your clothing doesn’t just project where you are – it indicates who you are, with nine in ten businesswomen saying they use their workwear to express their personality and stand out from the crowd.
Create A Visual CV
Astwood Jacket. Checked Italian wool blend jacquard. Made in the UK.
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Astwood Skirt. Checked Italian wool blend jacquard. Made in the UK.
Venezia 80 Slingback Heel. Tan lizard-embossed leather, 80mm heel. Made in Italy. Available in other colours and finishes.
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Pg 14 Astwood Jacket. Checked Italian wool blend jacquard. Made in the UK. Haydon Top. Ivory stretch silk satin. Also available in black. Machine hand wash. Clever Crepe High Waisted Trousers. Black Japanese satin back crepe. Machine hand wash.
Pg 15 Top left: Howell Wrap Sweater. Ivory cashmere knit with fixed wrap. Delvino Culottes. Mulberry lightweight wool. Top right: Hampton Dress. Mulberry lightweight wool. Britten Belt. Burgundy leather. Also available in tan and navy. Firenze 80 Heel. Red polished croc-embossed leather, 80mm heel. Made in Italy. Bottom left: Astwood Jacket. Checked Italian wool blend jacquard. Made in the UK. Howell Wrap Sweater. Ivory cashmere knit with fixed wrap. Delvino Culottes. Mulberry lightweight wool. Venezia 80 Heel. Rose suede, 80mm heel. Made in Italy. Also available in other colours and finishes. Bottom right: Lancaster Blouse. Navy 100% silk chiffon. Astwood Skirt. Checked Italian wool blend jacquard. Made in the UK.
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‘Between my last role and this one, where I’m far more visible, I’ve completely changed my work wardrobe to be more formal.’ Fold Customer
Rosnaree Dress. Navy Japanese satin back crepe.
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Venezia 80 Heel. Rose suede, 80mm heel. Made in Italy. Also available in other colours and finishes.
Hampton Dress. Mulberry lightweight wool.
Belgravia Dress. Dark green Italian wool jersey.
Britten Belt. Burgundy leather. Also available in tan and navy.
Palermo 80 Heel. Green velvet, 80mm heel. Made in Italy.
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Leggings and loungewear became the unofficial uniform during lockdown. While it’s tempting to let your work and home life merge, it can wreak havoc on your productivity levels – and your career. Navigate a smart-casual dress code, without looking sloppy or unprofessional.
Set Your Sartorial Boundaries
Pg 18 Clever Crepe Almeida Jacket. Black Japanese satin back crepe. Machine hand wash. Mariner Sweater. Silver grey merino wool. Also available in red and navy. Machine hand wash. Britten Belt. Burgundy leather. Also available in tan and navy.
Firenze 80 Heel. Red polished croc-embossed leather, 80mm heel. Made in Italy. Pg 19 Lille High Neck Sweater. Ivory merino wool. Also available in black and toffee. Denim Culottes. Indigo 100% cotton. Machine hand wash.
Denim Culottes. Indigo 100% cotton. Machine hand wash.
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Casual can be elevated.
Pg 20 Seine Sweater. Ecru cable knit viscose blend.
Kelmore Midi Skirt. Toffee Italian satin.
of women report a trend towards casual attire in their workplace.
Pg 21 Aldwych Coat. Camel premium Italian wool. Made in the UK.
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‘How I dress now is less about what other people might think or expect of me and more about my schedule and how my clothes make me feel. I want to feel confident and in control when leading a workshop versus creative and reflective when writing.’ Sarah Ellis, Co-founder, Amazing If
Pg 22 Lisson Sweater. Navy and camel viscose knit. Machine hand wash.
Ultimate Wool Tapered Trousers. Navy stretch wool blend. Also available in black. Machine hand wash.
Pg 23 Knitted Camelot Dress. Navy and camel viscose knit. Machine hand wash.
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‘I want my team to see me as professional and capable of leadership, while remaining approachable and flexible.’ Fold Customer
Pg 24 Allerton Dress. Grey merino wool. Also available in magenta. Machine hand wash. Modena High Boot. Chocolate brown soft croc-embossed leather, 70mm heel. Made in Italy.
Pg 25 Lugano Jumpsuit. Grey check Italian wool. Machine hand wash. Milano 80 Heel. Navy suede, 80mm heel. Made in Italy. Also available in other colours and finishes.
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Allerton Dress. Magenta merino wool. Also available in grey. Machine hand wash.
Connaught Coat. Navy Italian wool and mohair blend. Made in the UK.
Modena High Boot. Chocolate brown soft croc-embossed leather, 70mm heel. Made in Italy.
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Subtle signifiers, such as a pretty print or bold brooch (think former President of The Supreme Court, Lady Hale), can become part of your personal brand. Think about what your clothes say about you.
Pg 28 Waverley Dress. Red Japanese satin back crepe. Machine hand wash. Hutton Belt. 100% burgundy leather. Also available in navy, snake and blush pink.
Pg 29 Verbania Blouse. Ivory and blue 100% silk crinkled georgette. Ultimate Wool Tapered Trousers. Navy stretch wool blend. Also available in black. Machine hand wash. Siena 25 Flat. Tan lizard-embossed leather with soft gold nappa piping, 25mm heel. Made in Italy. Also available in other colours and finishes.
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Besano Jacket. Blue Italian 100% wool twill.
Skye Top. Toffee Italian satin.
Lancaster Blouse. Multicolour Italian printed chiffon.
Sandford Skirt. Multicolour Italian printed chiffon.
of businesswomen believe their personal dressing style helps them achieve certain objectives at work. With more to prove and less face-to-face contact, dress to impress, influence and make an impact.
Besano Jacket. Blue Italian 100% wool twill. Besano Culottes. Blue Italian 100% wool twill.
Milano 80 Heel. Navy suede, 80mm heel. Made in Italy. Also available in other colours and finishes.
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Don’t underestimate the transformative effect of clothes. Even if you’re juggling twenty things and feeling anything but in control, your workwear can help lift your mood, boost your confidence and project authority.
Dress Yourself Powerful
Drayton Peplum Knit Jacket. Red stretch wool knit. Machine hand wash. Tierney Blouse. Ivory silk. Machine hand wash.
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Get it right every time with a fail-safe go-to look.
Pg 34 Lugano Jumpsuit. Navy Italian crepe. Also available in black.
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Firenze 80 Heel. Red polished croc-embossed leather, 80mm heel. Made in Italy.
Pg 35 Selkirk Dress. Navy pleated viscose. Machine hand wash.
of businesswomen admit to a last-minute change of outfit in the morning.
Firenze 80 Heel. Red polished croc-embossed leather, 80mm heel. Made in Italy.
‘An outfit can change your mindset, your attitude and the message you transmit to the world.’ Sallie James, Director of Development, Cato Institute
Pg 36 Ennerdale Blouse. French flock spot. Machine hand wash.
Pg 37 Belleville Top. Magenta silky jersey lined through the body.
Ultimate Wool Tapered Trousers. Black stretch wool blend. Also available in navy. Machine hand wash.
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Pg 38 Aldwych Coat. Camel premium Italian wool. Made in the UK. Kielder Silk Cuff Knit. Grey lightweight merino wool. Also available in ivory and navy. Machine hand wash. Ultimate Wool Tapered Trousers. Navy stretch wool blend. Also available in black. Machine hand wash. Pg 39 Kielder Silk Cuff Knit. Grey lightweight merino wool. Also available in ivory and navy. Machine hand wash. Ultimate Wool Tapered Trousers. Navy stretch wool blend. Also available in black. Machine hand wash. Sorrento 45 Lace Up Heel. Navy grosgrain with metallic leather toe, 45mm heel. Made in Italy. Also available in tan lizard-embossed leather. Kielder Silk Cuff Knit. Navy lightweight merino wool. Also available in ivory and grey. Machine hand wash.
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Pg 40 Top left: Northcote Dress. Navy twill. Also available in black. Machine hand wash. Top right: Clifton Dress. Black silky jersey lined through the body. Also available in navy. Machine hand wash. Bottom left: Northcote Dress. Winter white Italian tweed. Made in UK. Bottom right: Camelot Dress. Navy twill.
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Pg 41 Arlington Dress. Black silky jersey lined through the body. Also available in navy. Machine hand wash.
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‘I describe my Fold jacket as my superwoman cloak.’ Crystal Eisinger, Head of Brand & Editorial at Google
Cherbury Coat. Navy tonal striped knitted coat with belt. Machine hand wash.
Saunders Blouse. Ivory silk crepe de chine. Also available in royal azure. Machine hand wash.
Sorrento 45 Lace Up Heel. Navy grosgrain with metallic leather toe, 45mm heel. Made in Italy. Also available in tan lizard-embossed leather.
Ultimate Wool Tapered Trousers. Navy stretch wool blend. Also available in black. Machine hand wash.
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The modern power suit is a beautiful, top-quality wardrobe investment that’s comfortable, versatile and makes you feel the business.
Make An Impression
Collingham Jacket. Toffee and navy checked Italian wool blend jacquard.
Collingham Trousers. Toffee and navy checked Italian wool blend jacquard. Machine hand wash.
Sorrento 45 Lace Up Heel. Tan lizard-embossed leather, 45mm heel. Made in Italy. Also available in navy grosgrain.
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Pg 46 Collingham Jacket. Toffee and navy checked Italian wool blend jacquard.
Pg 47 Collingham Jacket. Toffee and navy checked Italian wool blend jacquard.
Collingham Trousers. Toffee and navy checked Italian wool blend jacquard. Machine hand wash.
Collingham Skirt. Toffee and navy checked Italian wool blend jacquard. Machine hand wash.
Sorrento 45 Lace Up Heel. Tan lizard-embossed leather, 45mm heel. Made in Italy. Also available in navy grosgrain.
Siena 25 Flat. Tan lizard-embossed leather with soft gold nappa piping, 25mm heel. Made in Italy. Also available in other colours and finishes.
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‘To this day, I tend to overdress rather than underdress and have always found refuge in beautifully thought through, well-made clothes,’ says Kate Stephens, chief executive of Smart Works.
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Pg 48 Rennes Dress. Ivory and navy stretch knitted jacquard. Machine hand wash.
Pg 49 Sivell Sweater. Black merino wool. Also available in magenta. Machine hand wash. Coming soon.
Britten belt. Navy leather. Also available in burgundy and tan.
Paris Skirt. Ruby red viscose knit. Machine hand wash.
Palermo 80 Heel. Green velvet, 80mm heel. Made in Italy.
San Casciano 45 Heel. Red suede, 45mm heel. Made in Italy. Also available in other colours and finishes.
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‘If I have a big day ahead, I will almost certainly wear something red – this works for me psychologically, making me feel courageous and bold.’ Funke Abimbola MBE, C-suite Healthcare Executive
Arlington Dress. Garnet red Italian wool jersey lined through the body. Machine hand wash.
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Firenze 80 Heel. Red polished croc-embossed leather, 80mm heel. Made in Italy.
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Pg 52 Belgravia Dress. Blue Italian wool blend jacquard.
Pg 53 Glenmore Dress. Navy Italian cotton blend tweed.
Firenze 80 Heel. Red polished croc-embossed leather, 80mm heel. Made in Italy.
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Belleville Top. Blue Italian wool blend jacquard.
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Kelmore Midi Skirt. Toffee Italian satin.
Siena 25 Flat. Tan lizard-embossed leather with soft gold nappa piping, 25mm heel. Made in Italy. Also available in other colours and finishes.
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Purchase With Purpose This is the age of conscious consumerism. Nearly two-thirds of consumers prefer to buy from purpose-driven companies that care about the environment, have ethical values and are authentic, according to research from Accenture.
‘There is an increased consciousness on the part of the consumer around the journey their clothes go on – from who is involved in manufacturing to the investors behind the brands.’ June Angelides, Investment Manager, Samos Investments
Consumers don’t just make buying decisions based on product or price. They’re now assessing what a brand says, what it does – and what it stands for. Before investing in a brand, do your homework. Find out more about our own Mindful Growth story and our ethical and sustainable initiatives. From suppliers to products and packaging, we’ve taken steps to reduce waste, improve our carbon footprint and make positive changes wherever we can, but that’s only the start. thefoldlondon.com/mindfulgrowth
We want to hear about life after lockdown. How has your work routine – and your work wardrobe – changed? From your attitude to flexible working to how you’re striking the right professional note, share your views with us at thefoldlondon.com/newworkwear-codes and receive 15% off your next purchase with The Fold.
How to shop Online: thefoldlondon.com
UK Delivery & Returns:
In Store: 28 Cadogan Place, Chelsea, London SW1X 9RX, UK.
UK standard delivery takes 3-5 days and costs £5.
Our store is now open. For the latest updates and opening times, please contact our customer care team or visit our website.
Order by noon for next-day delivery which costs £10. Return postage is free within the UK.
Tel: +44 (0) 207 336 7599
About The Fold An award-winning British brand that dresses and enables women to achieve their ambitions. Each season, from royalty to successful business high-flyers, women choose The Fold for pieces to invest in and love for seasons to come. The Fold designs empowering collections in our London studio that help you feel put-together, stylish and true to yourself. Every piece is designed in-house, using luxurious, unique high-grade fabric. Most garments are fully lined and made in the UK and Europe, with attention given to every detail. All sizes available in a UK size 6–16. Our beautiful shoes are made in Italy using the finest craftsmanship and materials. Available in sizes 36-41. Shop the full collection online.
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Collingham Jacket See pg 47 Collingham Skirt See pg 47
The Fold, 28 Cadogan Place, London SW1X 9RX, UK +44 (0)207 336 7599 thefoldlondon.com