NEW year, new workwear wardrobe.
If you’re bored of wearing the same outfits on rotation to work every week, then now is the perfect time to invest in some new pieces to spruce up your office attire.
With plenty of our favourite high-street stores launching their new-season collections, there are plenty of pieces out there to refresh your workwear wardrobe.
Whether you’re adhering to a strict smart dress code or your company has a more relaxed approach, your outfits don’t have to be boring.
But what do the fashion team really wear for the nine-to-five?
From trending triangle scarfs to oversized bags and versatile knitwear, these are the must-have workwear pieces you need to know about.
Tracey Lea Sayer, 53, Fashion Director
4
- Trousers, £115, Cos – BUY NOW
- Coat, £250, Cos – BUY NOW
- Shirt, £119, Aligne – BUY NOW
- Triangle scarf, £67, Arket – BUY NOW
- Bag, £95, Cos – BUY NOW
- Shoes, £59.99, Mango – BUY NOW
I love January! A new start always makes me feel good.
I also love to give my wardrobe a bit of a refresh at the start of the year.
Frosty pastels in lightweight wools, like this on-trend triangle scarf, and lots of soft tailoring from Cos have always been my workwear go-tos, because there is nothing worse than being uncomfortable in the office.
I soft-launch my spring wardrobe in January, introducing lots of layering that can be mixed and matched for the season to come.
Clemmie Fieldsend, 34, Fashion Editor
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- Coat, £40, Primark – BROWSE HERE
- Cardigan, £35, M&S Collection at Marks & Spencer – BUY NOW
- Trousers, £168, Reiss – BUY NOW
- Bag, £37.99, H&M – BUY NOW
- Shoes, £35, Next – BUY NOW
Following the “new year, new me” ethos, I’m trying to embrace colour.
And by colour, I mean brown.
I love this bag from H&M that’s got a hint of The Row about it, which is perfect for throwing in all my pre-prepared lunches – which I will try and make – laptop, spare flats and endless chargers.
I’m also in love with this coat from Primark, with a nod to heritage that is everywhere at the moment.
It’s an on-trend winter warmer that will always be a classic with its dog-tooth print.
With brown as my new black, pairing everything else coloured with my bag makes January dressing a breeze.
Abby McHale, 30, Deputy Fashion Editor
4
- Cardigan, £145, Kitri Studio – BUY NOW
- Skirt, £55, Next – BUY NOW
- Earrings, £17.99, Mango – BUY NOW
- Bag, £119, Charles & Keith – BUY NOW
- Boots, £229, Massimo Dutti – BUY NOW
This year, I’m coming back into the office channelling Claudia Winkleman in The Traitors.
Not only am I obsessed with the programme, but I love her style throughout the series.
There are loads of tartan pieces on the high street, and this skirt from Next is super-soft and comfortable, which is a tick if I need to sit in it for eight hours a day at my desk.
I’ve paired it with some knee-high boots, a bright-red cardigan for a pop of colour and some gold earrings.
Finishing off with a smart bag to carry all my essentials, I’m ready to hit the office in style.
Emily Regan, 25, Fashion Assistant
4
- Jacket, £119.99, Reserved – BUY NOW
- Cardigan, £25, River Island – BUY NOW
- Skirt, £39.50, M&S Collection at Marks & Spencer – BUY NOW
- Bag, £50, River Island – BUY NOW
- Socks, £25, Ganni – BUY NOW
- Shoes, £35.99, New Look – BUY NOW
Our office is lucky to have a fairly relaxed dress code, but this year I’m aiming to step up my style a bit.
I’m loving the long socks trend and I really want to invest in a pair of chunky loafers that will instantly smarten up my look.
This baby-blue cardigan looks super-cosy and the button-up detailing gives it a more elevated look, plus I’ve been on the hunt for a woollen A-line skirt for a while, complete with belt loops.
I’ve rounded off the look with this premium boxy jacket, ideal for layering well into spring, and a cream tote bag to bring a touch of contrast to the darker tones.
Five workwear essentials
By Clemmie Fieldsend
1. WHITE SHIRT
A good white shirt is so versatile. Great for wearing on their own or layering underneath knits and transforming plain jumpers by adding cuff and collar detail, as well as wearing open over plain tops.
2. WIDE LEG TROUSERS
They’ve become a wardrobe staple over recent years as they are comfortable, flattering and will elevate your workwear. Look out for styles with pleating or darting.
3. PRACTICAL TOTE
For a day at work or on your commute you’ll need all your essentials with you, cram them all into a sleek and stylish tote bag in a neutral colour like black, brown or beige so it can be used with all of your outfits.
4. TAILORED BLAZER
Even if worn with torn jeans a tailored blazer will instantly make you look polished and smart for work. Black will be the most useful and look for silhouettes with structure.
5. SIMPLE LOAFER
Whether you like delicate or chunky, a flat and comfortable shoe is essential for everyday use and can look just as dressy as a heel.
