As if autumn dressing wasn’t tricky enough, post-lockdown the age-old conundrum of what-to-wear has been exacerbated by the hybrid working situation. As well as the weather being unpredictable, it’s hard to know what’s expected at work. Smart? Casual? (As long as it’s not smart-casual – what does that even mean?)
I guess hybrid weather and hybrid working can only mean one thing – a hybrid wardrobe. For me, that means a vest and jeans that will work in the warmth of the mid-day sunshine, both at the weekend and during the week. Paired with ankle boots my feet won’t get wet or cold, and the grey is less obvious than black might be. This checked blazer is about five years old – I actually wore it with black flared jeans to go back to the office after my first maternity leave – and it’s great because of its timelessness, but it also acts an extra layer to keep off the morning chill, as well as adding a level of professionalism for the office. It’s a look that works for any daytime occasion because it mixes informal (blue jeans) with formal (the blazer and boots).
Invest in jeans, tailoring, and coats, stock up on affordable but quality basics, and treat yourself to dresses and accessories that feel like you while also making you feel a million dollars. Having a wardrobe that builds out from the basics will certainly make getting dressed easier.
