It’s a rather uninspiring time of year to get dressed, period, let alone ready yourself for work in a way that’s put together but practical, elegant yet easy. And because no one wants to have to forgo a precious extra snooze because they haven’t thought about what to wear into the office, we’ve done the leg work for you, coming up with five outfit ideas that really tick all the boxes when it comes to staying warm and looking polished.
A new year is also an opportunity to switch off autopilot when it comes to your ‘work clothes’. There’s nothing wrong with having a uniform, of course, and in fact it can be helpful to stick to a capsule style of shopping. But there’s a tipping point when a uniform, perhaps one you’ve had for years without accounting for professional (or personal style) changes, becomes stale for lack of a better word.
These five options are the opposite, breathing new life into the idea of what’s appropriate for work, without sacrificing on comfort or warmth, both crucial factors this early in the calendar. Just don’t forget to layer up on long-sleeved thermals!
Co-Ordinating Jumper And Skirt
A little coordination – and colour experimentation – will go a long way if you’re feeling lacklustre about heading back to work. This woman’s chocolate brown separates, paired with a hint of pistachio and practical flat boots, puts a new-year spin on the colour everyone talked about in 2025.
Rise & Fall Chocolate Cashmere Merino V-Neck Jumper
Burberry Regular-Fit Cotton Poplin Shirt
Massimo Dutti Flowing Flared Skirt
Now 33% Off
Funnel-Neck Jacket And Wide-Leg Trousers
A blazer alternative that’s been making the rounds is the funnel-necked jacket, which makes for a supremely chic pairing with balloon-legged trousers or, simply, a style that sits high on the waist and pools, ever-so-slightly, at the ankle.
Arket Wool-Alpaca Blend Jacket
Toteme Double-Pleat Fluid Trousers
Aeyde Tillie Ankle-Strap Pumps
Otiumberg Small Kite Earrings Sterling Silver
Trouser Suit And Denim Shirt
With few offices now operating a ‘smart’ dress code, a denim shirt will more than cut the mustard, especially if teamed with a trouser suit. & Other Stories’ kick-flared pair will be nicely finished off by a pointed Mary-Jane.
& Other Stories Double-Breasted Wool Blazer
With Nothing Underneath The Classic Shirt
& Other Stories Flared Press-Crease Wool Trousers
Vagabond Red Brush-Off Leather
Tuxedo Jacket And Chino Trousers
They say opposites attract, which appears to be the case in this outfit, a tuxedo jacket beside lo-fi chinos (cargo pants would also work). Keep the balancing act in check across the entire outfit with a jumper tied around your shoulders (relaxed) and flat ballet pumps (refined).
Joseph Jaden Comfort Cady Jacket
& Daughter Ada Crewneck Cardigan
Nili Lotan Tribeca Brushed Cotton-Blend Twill Barrel-Leg Pants
Mansur Gavriel Dance Mary Jane
Tomato Red Separates And Black Leather Tote
When you’re feeling grey, and the skies are doing nothing to lift your spirits, sometimes there’s nothing for it but to dial up the saturation. A jumper plus a pair of trousers, both in a perfectly ripe shade of pomodoro, will prove to be an instant mood-booster.
Brora Organic Corduroy Barrel-Leg Trousers
Russell & Bromley Tabley Boot
St Agni 90s Messenger Tote
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