Fashion journalist and co-founder of @frankiegraddon, Frankie Graddon is our go – to girl when it comes to style. Here, she finds time in her busy life to talk us through her tips for the perfect looks to wear as we go back to work.
The New Working Wardrobe
Remember the working wardrobe? We spend two thirds of the year at work, and in the right outfit you can rule the world – or at least the watercooler.
What is the right outfit? The pandemic has certainly changed things. For many, the past 18 months have been spent working from the kitchen worktop/spare bedroom/dining table with only house plants for company. Smart separates have been replaced with elastic waistbands as we’ve prioritised comfort over style, and getting dressed for a virtual meeting means little more than a swipe of lipstick and jazzy earring.
As the world opens back up again, and we return to physical office spaces in part, our workwear needs to adjust once more. A hybrid schedule demands pieces that play to both office and home-based working, and can be dialed up or down depending on your day. The new working wardrobe majors on versatility, putting both comfort and style at the forefront – and it’s easier to create than you might think. La Redoute is renowned for classic, basic styles with a twist, making it easy to build a professional, yet comfortable and versatile wardrobe.
The Blazer That Works for You
The starting point is a blazer. Nothing smartens up an outfit quite like the sharp lines of a tailored jacket, so even if you can’t bear to be parted with your leggings, the addition of a blazer will have you looking office-ready. Invest in a premium wool style that fits beautifully and hangs well. Consider a soft dark beige hue which is more contemporary than classic black and navy, but still pairs well with autumn/winter tones.
Smart Knitwear for Work
Jumpers have played a starring role in the WFH wardrobe, but they don’t need to be retired once we’re back at the desk – they just need to be elevated. Switch sweaters for an equally cosy cashmere crewneck, or puff-sleeved knitted Breton, both of which can be layered under your blazer in place of a shirt. Maximise outfit options by choosing a neutral colourway: camel, navy, black, ivory. Inject a flash of gold with a luxe chunky chain – this season’s statement earring.
The Work From Home Wardrobe
On days punctuated by video calls, a top-half with stylish detailing will translate well over the screen. A cotton blouse with ruffled collar has plenty of waist-up dressing impact, and can easily be teamed with smart trousers when venturing out of the house. Add jeans and it works for off-duty, too.
Trousers That Walk the Walk
Speaking of which, the wide leg trouser is having a moment this season, and it’s the perfect style to ease back into tailoring with. Reach for a pair with a comfortable high rise waistband and fluid leg, in wear-with-everything navy. Heading to an IRL meeting? Add a pair of sleek leather loafers and aforementioned statement blouse. For days working at home, these will make you feel smarter than your joggers but can still be worn slippers.
Slip on a Dress
A great dress is always a good idea and, thanks to their one-step-dressing appeal, makes building outfits in the morning a whole lot easier. A floral midi is a simple way to inject print into your working wardrobe and the versatile length means it will pair well with whichever shoes match your day: boots, loafers, heels. Layer a thin roll neck underneath for extra warmth when faced with overly-enthusiastic office air con. Or, try a knitted dress, which comes with all the comfort of loungewear, but looks far more polished. Keep the silhouette elegant with a belted style and team it with a blazer and boots. Get extra wear out of it on the weekends by pairing it with a parka and trainers.
Winter Warmers
Finally, outerwear. Winter commutes demand a coat that will stand up to rain and wind, and do so stylishly. The answer? A trench. Choose a long-length style that protects legs, and in a midweight fabric so you can layer it over your blazer without overheating. While beige is a classic, a checked iteration makes for a modern twist that still feels timeless, and will work with everything else in your wardrobe. Functional and chic - consider this your 9-5 hero.
We love Frankie’s picks! Head over to the Hub to see how Karen Williams styles her beautiful coat and boot edit.
