How to dress for the new world of work
Isabel Marant AW20
As some of us head back to the office, others commit to working from home and yet more adopt a hybrid of the two, the new season brings workwear that is protective and persona-projecting while still providing comfort and joy.
From souped-up shirts for that all important online pitch to the blazer that will help dress up a pair of luxe joggers, the new season at Harvey Nichols is filled with pieces you'll want to wear for work, weekends, wherever.
The winter coat
There are few fashion purchases as important as a new winter coat: the trusted friend that is worn day in, day out. Choose wisely and it will be in your wardrobe for years to come.
But longevity doesn't only come with classic design. Colour can be just the pick-up you need in the deep December gloom, while fuzzy faux fur will be something to snuggle into on a cold winter's commute.
Stand Studio Faustine brown faux fur coat, £300
Mackintosh Troon navy mohair-blend coat, £1,350
Stella McCartney black and yellow textured-knit wool cape, £1,150
3.1 Phillip Lim army green Melton wool-blend coat, £1,200
The elasticated waist
Working from home has made one thing clear: elasticated waists are nothing to be sneered at. But you don't need to sacrifice style for comfort, as some of the smartest trousers this season come equipped with a stretchy waistband.
Whether you choose wide-leg, tailored or a luxe take on track pants, team them with a statement shirt (untucked) and blazer for a winning workwear combination.
Plan C terracotta wide-leg trousers, £380
Simon Miller Alder teal wide-leg jersey trousers, £150
Loewe black cropped wide-leg leather trousers, £2,000
Izaak Azanei blue wool and cashmere-blend culottes, £155
Dion Lee Marle grey wide-leg trousers, £480
Loulou Studio Palazzu stone wool-blend trousers, £230
The statement shirt
A crisp white shirt is a style classic, but the details tend to get lost on video calls. For an of-the-moment update look for asymmetric styles that will look just as good dressed down with jeans at weekends.
Rejina Pyo Allie stone asymmetric shirt, £350
Lee Matthews Kei mint cotton-poplin shirt, £320
PushBUTTON blue striped draped cotton shirt, £360
Palmer//Harding Calli striped cotton shirt, £345
The blazer
A trouser suit might seem far too formal after months spent working from home, but a blazer makes a surprisingly versatile addition to a winter wardrobe, instantly elevating T-shirt and jeans or even track pants and trainers.
Dries Van Noten Bailey checked wool-blend blazer, £725
3.1 Phillip Lim navy cady wrap blazer, £760
Isabel Marant Étoile Charly grey houndstooth wool blazer, £385
Eudon Choi Alize black wool blazer, £570
The grey knit
Grey is the new navy, at least where knitwear is concerned, but its far from boring thanks to details like split hems, flared sleeves and wrap fronts. Opt for the softest fibres you can find and a grey jumper will see you through the working week and into the weekend.
Stella McCartney light grey mélange alpaca jumper, £675
Paige Iona grey ribbed cotton-blend jumper, £210
J.W. Anderson dark grey merino wool jumper, £375
People's Republic of Cashmere light grey mélange cashmere wrap cardigan, £275
The midiskirt
Midiskirts continue to reign supreme, not least because they can be dressed up or down, and even made going out-out ready. Wear with a T-shirt, blazer and boots for work, switch to sweater and trainers for more casual days.
J.W. Anderson navy plissé skirt, £495
3.1 Phillip Lim black handkerchief stretch-twill midiskirt, £440
Joseph wool cashmere knit skirt, £245
Max Mara Leisure Alessio grey satin midiskirt, £165
Nanushka Amas black faux-leather midiskirt, £315
The winter boots
Like a winter coat, it's wise to spend a little more on a pair of boots that will see you through multiple seasons. Ankle boots look smartest in black, while softer browns and wine shades tend to work best for knee-highs.
See by Chloé 50 brown leather knee-high boots, £455
Aquazurra Boogie 85 plum leather knee-high boots, £800
Paris Texas 65 crocodile-effect leather knee-high boots, £535
Rag & Bone Shiloh black leather ankle boots, £480
Jimmy Choo Youth black leather ankle boots, £695
From souped-up shirts for that all important online pitch to the blazer that will help dress up a pair of luxe joggers, the new season at Harvey Nichols is filled with pieces you'll want to wear for work, weekends, wherever.
The winter coat
There are few fashion purchases as important as a new winter coat: the trusted friend that is worn day in, day out. Choose wisely and it will be in your wardrobe for years to come.
But longevity doesn't only come with classic design. Colour can be just the pick-up you need in the deep December gloom, while fuzzy faux fur will be something to snuggle into on a cold winter's commute.
Stand Studio Faustine brown faux fur coat, £300
Mackintosh Troon navy mohair-blend coat, £1,350
Stella McCartney black and yellow textured-knit wool cape, £1,150
3.1 Phillip Lim army green Melton wool-blend coat, £1,200
The elasticated waist
Working from home has made one thing clear: elasticated waists are nothing to be sneered at. But you don't need to sacrifice style for comfort, as some of the smartest trousers this season come equipped with a stretchy waistband.
Whether you choose wide-leg, tailored or a luxe take on track pants, team them with a statement shirt (untucked) and blazer for a winning workwear combination.
Plan C terracotta wide-leg trousers, £380
Simon Miller Alder teal wide-leg jersey trousers, £150
Loewe black cropped wide-leg leather trousers, £2,000
Izaak Azanei blue wool and cashmere-blend culottes, £155
Dion Lee Marle grey wide-leg trousers, £480
Loulou Studio Palazzu stone wool-blend trousers, £230
The statement shirt
A crisp white shirt is a style classic, but the details tend to get lost on video calls. For an of-the-moment update look for asymmetric styles that will look just as good dressed down with jeans at weekends.
Rejina Pyo Allie stone asymmetric shirt, £350
Lee Matthews Kei mint cotton-poplin shirt, £320
PushBUTTON blue striped draped cotton shirt, £360
Palmer//Harding Calli striped cotton shirt, £345
The blazer
A trouser suit might seem far too formal after months spent working from home, but a blazer makes a surprisingly versatile addition to a winter wardrobe, instantly elevating T-shirt and jeans or even track pants and trainers.
Dries Van Noten Bailey checked wool-blend blazer, £725
3.1 Phillip Lim navy cady wrap blazer, £760
Isabel Marant Étoile Charly grey houndstooth wool blazer, £385
Eudon Choi Alize black wool blazer, £570
The grey knit
Grey is the new navy, at least where knitwear is concerned, but its far from boring thanks to details like split hems, flared sleeves and wrap fronts. Opt for the softest fibres you can find and a grey jumper will see you through the working week and into the weekend.
Stella McCartney light grey mélange alpaca jumper, £675
Paige Iona grey ribbed cotton-blend jumper, £210
J.W. Anderson dark grey merino wool jumper, £375
People's Republic of Cashmere light grey mélange cashmere wrap cardigan, £275
The midiskirt
Midiskirts continue to reign supreme, not least because they can be dressed up or down, and even made going out-out ready. Wear with a T-shirt, blazer and boots for work, switch to sweater and trainers for more casual days.
J.W. Anderson navy plissé skirt, £495
3.1 Phillip Lim black handkerchief stretch-twill midiskirt, £440
Joseph wool cashmere knit skirt, £245
Max Mara Leisure Alessio grey satin midiskirt, £165
Nanushka Amas black faux-leather midiskirt, £315
The winter boots
Like a winter coat, it's wise to spend a little more on a pair of boots that will see you through multiple seasons. Ankle boots look smartest in black, while softer browns and wine shades tend to work best for knee-highs.
See by Chloé 50 brown leather knee-high boots, £455
Aquazurra Boogie 85 plum leather knee-high boots, £800
Paris Texas 65 crocodile-effect leather knee-high boots, £535
Rag & Bone Shiloh black leather ankle boots, £480
Jimmy Choo Youth black leather ankle boots, £695
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