10 Fashion at work

Spruce up your office wardrobe with these top buys, says Katie Wright, as workwear becomes more versatile

From dawn to desk: smart separates to make a statement in the workplace.

As tailoring moves into the mainstream, and the line between smart and casual clothes is increasingly blurred, workwear is more versatile than ever. This means shopping will be way more fun when it’s for clothes you’ll be wearing for weekend fun and not just the daily grind.

These five staples will help you crack the modern nine-to-five code...

1. THE BOLD BLAZER

The undisputed jacket of autumn/winter 2017, check blazers have been trending massively over the last few months and long may that continue, we say.

Whether you coordinate it with matching trousers, or rock it with a white tee and jeans, your heritageinspired blazer should be straight-cut and slightly oversized.

– JD Williams Double Breasted Check Blazer, £54 and Tapered Check Trousers, £45.

– ASOS Bold Check Blazer, £55.

2. THE STATEMENT BLOUSE

More languid than the classic cotton shirt, this season it’s all about blockcolour blouses in soft fabrics with beautiful detailing. Think ruffles, rouching and wrap fronts – anything that adds interest and elevates a simple blouse and trousers combo.

– Kitri Agnes Burgundy Satin Blouse, £65, and Sergei Check Trousers, £85 (kitristudio.com).

– Lipsy Satin Knot Blouse, £40, Next.

3. THE HIGH-WAISTED TROUSERS

Crisp tuxedo pants will never go out of style, but for a 2018 update in the trouser department, it’s all about the paper bag waist – high, ruffled and with a tie belt. In super-bright hues, these cropped styles are the ideal on/off duty separate, looking equally at home with the aforementioned statement blouse and blazer, or a chunky knit and pair of Adidas Gazelle trainers.

– Miss Selfridge Ochre Paper Bag Trousers, £35.

– F&F Red Crop Trousers, £16, Tesco (available April).

4. THE CHECK SKIRT

The miniskirt has made a major comeback of late, and while Instagram’s favourite zip-up leather versions may not fly in your office, an understated check style probably will.

Teamed with opaque tights, a fine gauge knit and ankle boots, this is your short-cut to 60s-esque chic.

– Miss Selfridge Dogtooth Checked Mini Skirt, £28.

– Tu Monochrome Check Printed Floral Border Skirt, £16, Sainsbury’s.

5. THE SHINY BOOTS

There’s also more than a whiff of the 60s about the season’s coolest footwear; shiny, block-heeled ankle boots

Dressy enough for the office but with a practical heel, they’re perfect for pairing with any of your new-season separates.

– Sosandar Burgundy Patent Leather Perspex Heel Ankle Boots, £95 (sosandar.com).

– Jones Bootmaker Madalyn Boots, £69.

Clockwise from far side: model wearing JD Williams Double Breasted Check Blazer and Tapered Check Trousers; F&F Red Crop Trousers, from Tesco; Lipsy Satin Knot Blouse, from Next; Kitri Agnes Burgundy Satin Blouse; Sergei Check Trousers, available from Kitri; ASOS Bold Check Blazer; and Miss Selfridge Ochre Paper Bag Trousers.