Stay stylish in the office as spring hits in new season workwear
BY Frankie Graddon
18 March 2014
Make like actress Caitlin Fitzgerald and work bright tailoring into your office wardrobe Photo: REX
It would appear that spring has sprung; hello longer evenings and daylight commutes – hurrah! As the seasons shift so does our wardrobe wants and needs, especially when it comes to working attire. The leather skirt worn only weeks ago suddenly feels too heavy, that fuzzy knit stifling. It’s no mean feat navigating the warmer seasons whilst remaining office-appropriate, but just a few considered additions will ready one’s working wardrobe for the weeks of sun to come.
The new shirt
Shirts are one of this season’s hero pieces and with good reason; stylish, versatile and with one to suit every budget it is a true working wardrobe staple.
Take inspiration from the catwalk and team a white cotton boyfriend-style shirt with a pretty pencil skirt in lace or flower-print for a play on masculine vs feminine. Spots and stripes are on trend this season, so try clashing a polka dot shirt with a striped circle skirt or fluid trousers for a bold take on office wear. Burberry’s spotted shirt is a favourite among the fashion pack but for purse-friendly alternatives try Marks Spencer and River Island.
Raf Simons demonstrated the effortless chic of a simple shirt dress on the Dior spring catwalk. Try Hobbs’ twist front style in red and pair with a classic court shoe and tote for an instant easy-breezy office ready outfit.
Left: Polin shirt by Saint Laurent from
matchesfashion.com
; twist front dress by
Hobbs
; polka dot shirt by
Marks and Spencer
Stay grounded
When it comes to summery footwear the chicest (and most comfortable) option is always a great pair of flats. Eschew of-the-moment sneakers, skaters and sliders for one of the more office friendly alternatives on offer.
The classic brogue has had a summery make over coming in pastels and creams, woven and with cut-outs. Wear with lurex ankle socks and cropped trousers. We love Russell and Bromley’s woven lace ups and Clarks’ cream cut away style. For a feminine touch try a flat with a pointed toe. Top of our list are Boden’s slingbacks which come in stripes, polka dots and metallic silver and Nicholas Kirkwood’s loafers in brights with a micro heel.
Canvas slingbacks by
Boden
; leather loafers by Nicholas Kirkwood from
net-a-porter.com
; woven brogues by
Russell and Bromley
Tailored brights
Office wear needn’t mean a dour colour palette; freshen up a working wardrobe by introducing tailored pieces in summery brights.
For the colour-shy, dip a toe into the trend by swapping jackets in grey and black for light weight styles in canary or sky blue. Zara and COS have stylish high street options. Pair with a crisp white shirt or fitted T-shirt and cropped trousers in navy. The brave and bold should go for a head-to-toe colour hit. Avoid colour clashes by dressing in tonal shades which will also lengthen the body. Try a matching jacket and trouser with a similar shade shirt, a contrasting shoe or bag will add flair.
Left: textured blazer by
COS
; centre: stretch jersey blazer with matching trousers by By Malene Birger from
net-a-porter.com
; right: blue green blazer by
Zara
White-out
This may sound a little daunting but trust me on this – an all white outfit is a sure fire way to work sunny weather chic.
For office purposes think less Elizabeth Hurley’s skin tight jeans and more Bianca Jagger in a tailored jacket and wide-legged trousers. It pays to invest in high quality pieces as there is no hiding when it comes to pale tailoring. Try Stella McCartney, Helmut Lang and Joseph, or Reiss for high street options. If a head-to-toe white look is too challenging then try mixing in some cream and putty shades which will still create the desired effect. A sweep of bronzer and a sheer lip is all you need for the freshest look of the season.
Left: fluted skirt by
Reiss
; centre: tailored jacket by Stella Mccartney; right: cotton trousers by
Jaeger
XL bags
Accessories have taken a practical turn this season, none more so than that of the bag. Gone are the days (for now) of cramming all your daily essentials into a slim line clutch, far more substantial bags have taken centre stage.
The arm candy of choice for the fabulous is none other than the backpack. Chanel paved the way with their interpretation of the sixth form holdall, covering it with graffiti print and dangling carabiners. For office use opt for a minimal style in leather such as The Row’s caramel version with top handle. If you’d rather one strap than two then opt for the backpack’s grown-up sister; the bucket bag. Spacious enough for an i-pad, lunch and a change of shoes without a hint of bag lady, this is the working girl’s answer to stylish toting.
Left; leather backpack by
Topshop
; centre: leather backpack by The Row from
matchesfashion.com
; right: leather bucket bag by
Kurt Geiger
Working girl; mastering the art of spring time workwear
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