Working it
A new season of trends means there’s no better time to freshen up your office wear. Functionality as well as style are the boxes to tick and if budget is also a concern then this is the time for smart investments. Blouses are back – playful ruffles, fancy bows and voluminous sleeves all add a touch of femininity. They look great tucked into your existing separates too: slouchy, boyish trousers or narrow pants or a pencil skirt for a grown-up, glamorous twist. Find unique versions at D&Me boutique on Brompton Road, where there are hard-to-find labels and reworked vintage finds.
With crisp tailoring being a key look on the AW09 catwalks, it’s a perfect trend to translate to your nine-to-five wear. Suits were smart yet sexy with hitched up, gathered fabric at Lanvin, while at Donna Karan waists were nipped with narrow belts, which looked ultra-sophisticated and confident. Look out for modern, forward-looking details on suits such as structured shoulders and sharp-edged jackets, or pockets in skirts (White Stuff do smart-casual versions – great for relaxed offices). Keep the look uncomplicated and minimal with a clean white shirt, ruffled blouse or cashmere sweater (Hari is the fashion editor’s current favourite) and accessorise simply with a chunky cuff bracelet or large ring.
Another strong theme on the catwalks this season was the graceful Forties, and the floaty tea dress makes perfect nine-to-five wear, worn with ribbed or opaque tights and platform court-shoes. Couverture
& The Garbstore on Kensington Park Road has cute printed versions by Rachel Comey. French label ZOEtee’s (at Matches) has launched a collection with Gwyneth Paltrow, featuring seven easy-to-wear pieces ideal for desk to dinner days; look out for cashmere-blend dresses and draped jersey separates. More structured power-dresses that double-up as investment pieces can be found at Amanda Wakely and Kaliko as well as suits and separates.
Make sure your accessories work for you by choosing handbags that are functional and easy to carry with an essence of understated style to last through the seasons. The aptly named Modern Traveller collection by Bill Amberg is perfect for business travel and alongside the classic tan, brown and black leathers, there is limited edition high-gloss gold for AW09.
Handbag label Belen Echandia has recently launched a laptop bag with discreetly large pockets that looks just like your favourite luxury handbag. Trusted totes – always classic – come in several colours at DKNY including on-trend leopard print, with very affordable price tags.
So, with a few new, strong pieces and a touch of modern accessorising, an updated work look is yours.