9 Catwalk-Approved Styling Tricks To Smarten Up Your Return To The Office
For the first time in a long time, that back-to-school feeling is brewing like that steaming pot of coffee you rely upon come 8am. With offices increasingly welcoming staff back to their work stations and the traditional start date of the school year looming, it’s time to think about what to wear to work once again. A smart top and jogging bottoms hidden from sight isn’t going to cut it anymore.
Graduates entering the IRL workplace for the first time will be about to establish an office identity. But how can you adhere to your employer’s rules without losing your sense of self? With a look to the catwalk and a gentle nudge from Miss Vogue.
Read more: Shop The 10 Key Autumn 2021 Fashion Trends
For autumn/winter 2021, designers took a hopeful approach towards the working wardrobe that ushered in plenty of ideas to brighten and embolden corporate dress codes.
So, whether you’re an office first-timer or just need a steer for the new season, suit yourself up with these catwalk takeaways that make the nine-to-five a veritable fashion feast.
1/9Jacquemus’s clever colour
Perhaps you’re one of the many that has come to relish their work-from-home routine and so getting back on that 8.30am train is not at all tempting. Our prescription? Colour. Office-ready silhouettes delivered in mood-boosting brights will have you popping out of bed long before your Amazon Alexa sounds. Look to Jacquemus for inspiration and a how-to in full-look tonal dressing.
2/9Prada’s clever layering
The composition of the right pieces placed together has long a happy outfit made. Yet, when employed in an office scenario, it can truly come into its own as you pair the fun and funky with more corporate pieces. At Prada’s autumn/winter 2021 show, classic tailoring was reimagined with sleeves pushed up and styled over graphic print pullovers and pastel pink button-ups.
3/9Saint Laurent’s slinky accessorising
Inject personality and a sense of fun to more sombre staples by fastening pieces like twinkling chain belts over office tailoring. Monday morning dressing will never have felt quite so enjoyable.
4/9Louis Vuitton’s 180
Getting back to the office also means the return to after-work drinks and planning looks that take you from the boardroom to the bar. Why not disguise your favourite party dress by throwing over a smart double-breasted blazer before instigating a big reveal come 5pm? Fabulous, like Louis Vuitton.
5/9Celine’s sleek tailoring
So the asymmetric crop top might not best please your new line manager, but Hedi Slimane’s overall take on tailoring is one worth taking note of. Pay close attention to the proportions, opting for an oversized long-line blazer that works with high-waisted trousers.
6/9The Row’s all-in shirting
Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen’s The Row has quickly become the go-to for working women looking for a chicer take on corporate dressing. The duo’s oversized shirts play with proportion and will bring a fresh perspective to our nine-to-five ’fits.
7/9Miu Miu’s hero piece
Hear us out: a polo shirt can be your workwear wardrobe’s MVP. When worn with the right pieces — a natty A-line skirt or oversized tailoring — this casual staple can become your best Mon-Fri piece. Look at how it was worn at Miu Miu — untucked and in a lilac hue — which suggests a vintage vibe.
8/9Molly Goddard’s trophy coat
Who can resist the excitement of choosing a winter coat? Not I, dear reader. When it comes to choosing one that’s set to take you through the working week, resist going for something classic and challenge yourself to hunt for an option that delivers on personality, such as the sweet beribboned options at Molly Goddard.
