The New Office Workwear

You may be venturing into the office, you may be starting a new position or looking at what you have an what you need this season to go to work. The office environment has had dramatic shift for obvious reasons and office workwear has been shifting to a more casual phase. This movement is not altogether new but has been speeded up in the recent year. Over history our formal wear has always given way to the casual/sports options. The fashion trends are also reflecting this move. I know though that it’s not always going to work well for us if we relinquish all elements of formality – offices of people in tracksuits and dressing gowns aren’t going to work well! • If you love your casual wear there are some looks at the moment that elevate your casual. This trend is about looks that can be taken to the office but retain their comfort level. Hi-lo styling is the key – taking a casual piece and adding something more structured. A more structured blazer with looser fitting trousers. The key here is a more relaxed silhouette with knitwear that skims your shape. Lots of knit waistcoats, and practical detailing, quilting and elasticated fabrics are key elements you will see this season. This is particularly useful look on clothing personalities that need some texture. • Colours that match and or tone (tonal dressing) is a great way to bring this to life. Neutrals are wonderful here, as they are the most useful colours in your wardrobe and often convey the higher levels of authority and we could still do with retaining some of that! Use one of your best neutrals and add in other tones of the same colour to create the look. This is a fabulous look on Autumns and Summers. • Accessories can add to the formality where casual has been the focus in the clothing choices. You can add in some structure with a tote bag, useful shape too. Heels in either slingbacks or boots also add some structure to the looser silhouettes. • Ultra-wide leg trousers paired with cable knit is a fab way to tie together this relaxed working style.

Look out for the chequerboard and jacquard design on knitwear too. You might also pair this with blanket-like shawls and scarves – an easy way to add the texture in. This is an ultra-relaxed look and not necessarily right for all office environments but a great way to smarten up from the tracksuit! • If texture is not your best friend then opt for sleeker look. The minimalist looks at the moment feature clean-cut asymmetric lines in both tops and skirts, cut out detailing, and refined knitwear. Look out for the cleaner lines. Straight leg trousers and jeans are key pieces here (you probably already have some…), add minimal jewellery, sleeker shapes. You might add a leather blazer here. • If you need a prettier look opt for the fuller rounded statement sleeve tops that we have been seeing over the last few seasons which continue into this. Pair it with a pencil or midi skirt, cinching in your waist – definitely use a belt here. The bow and lace, ruffles are all still very current so take a top from your summer wardrobe with longer sleeves and see if it won’t work with skirt from your winter wardrobe? Play around and don’t confine your self necessarily to ‘winter’ and ‘summer’ wardrobes but try combining some items. Add some heeled knee high boots to a midi skirt for your autumn work look.

Article by Jennie Billings House of Colour House of Colour has a network of stylists to help you update your look – find your nearest at houseofcolour.co.uk/find-astylist