By the looks of it, we’re slowly but surely riding out the last of the summer’s heatwaves and returning to our desks. And while the introduction of flexi-working over the past two years has already led to the reinvention of office uniforms, returning to work after wearing nothing but swimwear and beach cover-ups makes finding “back-to-school” attire even more challenging. Add the indefinable weather into the mix and this fashionable equation becomes insoluble. To help solve this conundrum, we’ve come up with four Vogue-approved styling hacks to master the art of office dressing… again.
Cool tailoring
Take it from Tracee Ellis Ross: tailoring needn’t be stuffy. Tailoring says “I’m professional”, and that suits (sorry) just fine in an environment where you’re required to be, well, professional. But there are ways to break up the sobre aesthetic of a two (or three) piece. Ditch the shirt for a statement top and, while the weather allows it, give your sandals the air time they deserve. Easy.
Long live the sun dress
It’s not time to bid adieu to your summer frock just yet. From utilitarian outerwear to chunky knits, the key to taking your go-to dress into the new season is juxtaposition. Less dainty, more practical.
Hold on to your beach essentials
We’re not suggesting that you burst back onto the corporate scene in your swimsuit, but it’s worth remembering that the shelf-life of some of your holiday staples can be extended. Take your beach shirt for example: give it a proper wash and press and match it with a waistcoat and pants. Holiday accessories, however, can feel slightly misplaced in the workplace so best to keep your basket bag for the weekends.
Corporate denim
World, let us introduce you to do-it-all denim. While baggy jeans are the undisputed style set favourite (hello Copenhagen Fashion Week), they probably won’t tick the boardroom box. Wanting to revert back to this tried-and-trusted silhouette nonetheless? Opt for indigo denim and a fine knit to beat the muggy heat. As for accessories? Think “fashion meets Wall Street”.
