UK Edition
The capsule wardrobe to kickstart your office look for autumn
Isabel Spearman is a brand and image consultant who previously worked as special adviser to Samantha Cameron at Downing Street. Each week , she offers a helping hand dissecting workwear dress codes and offering a modern take on power dressing.
To ask Isabel Spearman your workwear questions, email isabel.spearman@telegraph.co.uk or follow her on instagram @isabelspearman
In this week's column, she outlines the ideal back to work capsule wardrobe for the new season...
Q. Now that my summer holiday is past, my workwear feels out of date. What should I be looking for?
A. No matter your age, the start of September brings a back to school feeling. It’s a great time to reconsider your work wardrobe and update it for the cooler days ahead. The shops are currently full of mustard, plum and all those delicious Autumnal colours, plus velvet, corduroy and winter florals; the trick here is choosing a few additions to your workwear wardrobe that will update what you already have.
Start with the shoes. With the 1970s inspiring new season trends, there is a lot of my favourite colour, burgundy, around. These patent block heels from Zara are the perfect work shoes. They also come in black if you prefer; I will probably buy both colours are they are such a good price.
I am not one for patience (ask my husband) but I have had to wait for Arket to launch to get my hands on this dress. I will wear it now with black or burgundy heels, and come colder weather it will look great with boots. Arket is H&M’s new sister brand and a good source for workwear.
It’s hard to find tops that look just as good under a jacket as on its own, as the neckline is usually too low or high, but this silk blouse from The Fold has a lovely pleat detail at the front. Yellow can put people off, but mustard is the easiest shade to wear, and this is the ideal time to try it, when your skin tone will likely be warmer and more tanned - if not, just add bronzer!
Intarsia ribbed top, £59, COS; Medium heeled shoes, £19.99, Zara; Checked coat, £450, LK Bennett (out 13th Sept)
I avoid trousers as they just don’t suit my figure, but if you do, then this pair from Jigsaw should be on your list. A flattering cut with a high waist, they’d look great with a simple knit. For those, I rely on COS and Uniqlo who each season produce well fitting and good quality merino sweaters in mouth watering colours.
And last but never least, the quest for a new coat. You will find checks and tweeds everywhere thanks to the catwalks, and this LK Bennett coat is my favourite with its clean collar and nipped in waist. The only problem is, I - and you - will have to wait 2 more weeks, as it’s not available until the 13th September. Fingers at the ready…