AS TAILORING moves into the mainstream, and the line between smart and casual clothes is increasingly blurred, workwear is more versatile than ever. Which is excellent news – because shopping is way more fun when it's for clothes you'll be wearing for weekend fun-times, and not just the daily grind.
Once considered office-only attire, blazers, blouses and checks are breaking into off-duty territory, so you can invest in these on-trend pieces and mix them into your existing wardrobe with ease.
What to wear to work now? These five staples will help you crack the modern nine-to-five code...
1. The bold blazer
The undisputed jacket of autumn/winter 2017, check blazers are trending massively. Whether you coordinate it with matching trousers, or rock it with a white tee and jeans, your heritage-inspired blazer should be straight-cut, slightly oversized, and with a general nicked-it-from-my-boyfriend vibe.
:: JD Williams Double Breasted Check Blazer, currently reduced to £54 from £60, and Tapered Check Trousers, £45 (shoes, stylist's own)
:: ASOS Bold Check Blazer, £55
2. The statement blouse
More languid than the classic cotton shirt, this season it's all about block-colour blouses in soft fabrics with beautiful detailing. Think ruffles, rouching and wrap fronts – anything that adds interest and elevates a simple blouse and trousers combo into something special.
:: Kitri Agnes Burgundy Satin Blouse, £65, and Sergei Check Trousers, £85 (shoes, stylist's own; kitristudio.com)
:: Lipsy Satin Knot Blouse, £40, Next
3. The high-waisted trousers
Crisp tuxedo pants will never go out of style, but for a 2018 update, it's all about the paper bag waist – high, ruffled and with a tie belt. In super-bright hues, these cropped styles are the ideal on/off duty separate, looking equally at home with the aforementioned statement blouse and blazer, or a chunky knit and pair of trainers.
:: Miss Selfridge Ochre Paper Bag Trousers, £35
:: F&F Red Crop Trousers, £16, Tesco (available April)
4. The check skirt
The miniskirt has made a major comeback of late, and while Instagram's favourite zip-up leather versions may not fly in your office, an understated check style probably will. Teamed with opaque tights, a fine gauge knit and ankle boots, this is your short-cut to 60s chic.
:: Miss Selfridge Dogtooth Checked Mini Skirt, £28
:: Tu Monochrome Check Printed Floral Border Skirt, £16, Sainsbury's
5. Shiny boots
There's also more than a whiff of the 60s about the season's coolest footwear. Dressy enough for the office but with a practical heel, they're perfect for pairing with any of your new-season separates.
:: Sosandar Burgundy Patent Leather Perspex Heel Ankle Boots, £95 (sosandar.com)
:: Jones Bootmaker Madalyn Boots, currently reduced to £69 from £99)
