Shopping for your autumn workwear wardrobe can be confusing, with so many diverse styles, and trends targeted at different working environments. Finding a balance between looking like Kendall Roy in Succession and Sophia Amoruso in Girlboss can be a high-wire act. It’s better to choose a smart-casual style so you don’t look like you’re starring in a costume drama.
Navigating through the ocean of outfits in town can be daunting and it’s easy to feel more like a belly flop than a business shark at the end of the shopping spree.
“Yes, shopping for a workwear wardrobe can be totally overwhelming because the choice is endless,” says Michelle Curtin, personal shopper at Brown Thomas.
“So many permutations can work but the question is, what looks best for the customer? Therefore, we ask our customers first about how they want to present themselves in work, taking their style and body shape into consideration. Then we apply our knowledge gleaned through dressing clients in similar roles.”
Judging by the looks along the rails, tailored suiting is certainly back this season. The roomy shapes will comfort those who have packed on a few pounds over the summer months as fleets of double-breasted jackets and flared trousers deck the shop floors.
Also, there is enough legroom in some pants to smuggle in a pair of baby elephants, while some of the dramatic shoulder cuts could provide shelter for a couple of homing pigeons. The key trend piece is the wide-shouldered jacket – a take on that boyfriend theme – paired with narrower skirts or palazzo trousers. Power-shoulder jackets run through the Prada, Stella McCartney and the Khaite collections.
“Stella McCartney’s oversized suiting comes in a palette of delicate beiges and creams, while Alexander McQueen’s structured coats with designer Sean McGirr brings theatricality to any working wardrobe,” says Curtin.
Blouses are ruffling feathers this autumn too, from Chloe’s exquisite cascading ruffles with pointed collars and lace details that slip under a waisted or cropped jacket. Labels such as The Kooples and Maje display printed blouses with bow ties and ruching, and the looks are replicated in stores including Next and Zara.
Whether you are the corporate clodhopper or the company’s clever clogs, another fashion focus point has to be shoes.
“Footwear can be a valuable place to start, as we can then build around that style,” says Curtin. “The loafer, for instance continues to dominate, and it can be paired with tailored suiting for an edgy look or with a skirt and knit for a more relaxed aesthetic.”
For those still sole-searching, who may be short in stature but high on ambition – the loafer may feel a bit flat-footed, so a higher-heeled court shoe or a buckled Mary Jane style adds height and elegance to a knee-length skirt or the barrel-legged trouser suit.
There are lots of fresh autumnal tones from deep clarets and rich burgundies appealing to those bidding farewell to the last of the summer wine. Marks and Spencer also have smart leather jackets and handbags, especially in the Jaeger and Autograph range. Simone Rocha’s collection, stocked in Donnybrook’s Havana boutique, has angelic shades with delicate pinks and baby blues.
“You don’t need a huge investment when you are starting out; look at brands such as Sandro, Rohé and Lou Lou studio,” Curtin advises. “However, a perfect place to start might be the Ba&sh Meredith single breasted jacket for under €300 that takes inspiration from the classic Chelsea Celine jacket. The Nili Lotan Paige style looks impeccable paired with trousers such as the Joseph Coleman straight-leg option too.”
Denims are also fine, especially flared jeans co-ordinated with a cropped navy jacket, flouncy blouses and a boxy wool jacket for a professional finish. What say you about a pair of Docs teamed with army surplus combats?
“By all means, pull on combat jeans but choose a tailored camel pair from VB (Victoria Beckham) or a Celine drawstring waist option for workwear. Pair them with the perennial court shoe or a smart trainer,” Curtin advises.
Men's wear for work is maintaining a much narrower frame, in contrast to the fuller-figured womenswear. Suits by Paul Smith, for instance, are cut with that skinny Mod silhouette reminiscent of iconic London bands like The Jam or our own best dressed actor Cillian Murphy.
Business magnates might have the loot to shop labels such as Tom Ford, Canali and Zegna but the slimmer wallet won’t be stuck with slim pickings as there are lots of high-street brands filled with work attire in a variety of colours and fabrics.
“The office is no longer strictly a suit-wearing environment,” says Dusko Starcevic, men’s wear personal shopper at Brown Thomas. “Looking sharp and professional can be achieved by wearing separates while still reflecting your individual personality. Many clients are opting for blazers and chinos for a more relaxed work look.”
For autumn workwear Starcevic suggests a blazer from Italian brand Boglioli matched with a five-pocket trousers and fine gauge merino wool or sea island cotton knitwear. Options include a polo, crew or V-neck, as well as a half-zip sweater in subtle colours, delivering a very professional look.
What about the more casual employee working in advertising or TV circles?
“Most creatives want to look cool but still want to feel good in what they are wearing, with a touch of subtle luxury,” says Starcevic. “Hoodies and zip tops are now being produced in beautiful cashmeres and, for jeans labels, I am a big fan of Jacob Cohen, Paige and Seven, as they have a great fit.”
Young aspiring Zuckerbergers who want to make a lasting impression will know how a Zoom meeting can magnify minor details, the likes of a crumpled collar or a sloppy jacket. So, pay attention to grooming, fingernails and hairstyles. Choose a well-fitted jacket and a shirt and tie if you’re looking for a position in a sales or conservative legal company and make sure the background setting is clutter-free, with no beer cans, overflowing ashtrays or heaving laundry baskets on display.
For those on tight budgets there are lots of generic versions of designer themes in high-street stores too. Remember that fashion isn’t everything, but it gives you the body armour to take on a challenge. Or in the timeless words of Twitter founder Jack Dorsey: “Success is never accidental.” So, plan your wardrobe as part of your career journey.