'Sort of Smart' For Back to Work

This week we are looking once more at ‘sort of smart’ back-to-work outfits. A few lovely readers have requested I focus on sensible smart shoes, nice jackets for the office and bags that are big enough to carry a laptop. So for this round-up I have eschewed denim and trainers in favour of loafers, blazers and some excellent trousers.

It really does feel like a switch has been flicked on the season. The moment August turned into September, the sun went in and the rains came down. It’s a bit sad, as most of our holidays have come to an end, but also quite exciting because this is the perfect time for a little wardrobe refresh. Why should the kids be the only ones that get smart new clothes for school? We can treat ourselves to a few fresh additions too. I have spent most of the summer in shorts, but I’m now ready to swap them for a lovely pair of trousers. Let’s have a look at what I’ve found for you this week.

NO FROWNS IN RED & BROWN

The colour brown is featuring quite heavily again this season, but it doesn’t have to be boring – it’s all about what you team it with. Brown works really well with bright blue, dusky pink and, my personal favourite, red. I like this blazer and these trousers from COS. The trousers have those little elastic strips in the side (like small boys have in their school trousers), so you can let the waist in or out as you see fit. They also come in six colours if brown isn’t your bag. I think all trousers should have these as, personally, my waist is a different size on a weekly basis these days.

BARREL LEGS & BROGUES

If you’re looking for a smart shoe that’s not just a standard loafer or a regular lace-up, take a look at this style. Usually called a ‘Derby’ shoe, it’s a cooler alternative to your regular Oxford brogue. Nice and chunky, it works best with ankle-length trousers and a good pair of socks.

THE THREE COLOUR RULE

I think I’ll do another post on this soon, as it’s such an easy way to get dressed when you’re stumped on what to wear: just stick to three colours that complement each other. This is a nice, easy autumnal combo of blue, brown and green.

TOO EARLY FOR CORDUROY?

As soon as we tick over into September, I say it’s perfectly fine for the corduroy to come out of its summer hibernation. I genuinely get excited when corduroy season starts. I bought this skirt and this jacket from Uniqlo the other week, and I’m very much looking forward to wearing them.

COOL CARDIGANS & BALLET FLATS

If you want to ‘girly-fy’ your masculine trousers and blazers, try wearing them with a pair of ballet flats and a fitted cardigan. HADES make THE coolest knitwear – so original and unique. And for those on the hunt for a simple cashmere cardigan, have a look at this one from John Lewis. The quality is great and it’s available in 10 colours.

SOMETHING OLD, SOMETHING NEW

The ‘old’ being a vintage or preloved bag. There are so many good deals to be had on Vestiaire if you dig deep. I managed to find a Celine luggage bag (that the brand are bringing back this year for over £3k) for less than £500 preloved, and it’s in almost perfect condition. The ‘new’ (and I buy a new one every year) is the clean cut T‑shirt from COS. It’s one of the best quality, best-fitting plain T‑shirts on the high street: the perfect base for any outfit.

A FEW SHADES OF GREY

Black, grey and a bit of green. I can’t do head-to-toe black and grey without throwing in some colour – otherwise I start to feel like a human January afternoon: flat, drizzly and slightly depressing. But I don’t go too mad with it; the brighter shades work better with navy or brown. I also like the idea of opposites, such as throwing a frilly blouse under a simple bomber jacket. It’s the kind of thing that sounds wrong on paper, but in real life it somehow works.

Due to popular demand, next week we’ll be looking at shower-proof jackets that don’t look like they were bought from a garden centre.

K x

WearsMyMoney

I spent it all on clothes by the looks of things...