Your Hard Working Wardrobe

The indisputable thing about clothes is that whether your fashion choices are considered or not, those choices may affect the way you are perceived and indeed how you feel in yourself. 

There are various contributing factors; the cut and texture of the fabric are important for comfort while colour influences mood; for example blue promotes a feeling of calmness while red is vibrant and dramatic making you feel more energised. You may not necessarily like this season's chocolate brown shade but there's no doubting it's a far softer alternative to black for some people.

I volunteer for the brilliant charity Smart Works which helps women into work by providing coaching and personal styling before their interviews. There are now twelve Smart Works locations across the UK and their results prove that building confidence through not just interview technique but also an empowering outfit, can change fortunes. In 2025, 68% of the women who came to Smart Works for help, went on to secure a job - no mean feat in the current climate. As part of the personalised service, all the women referred to Smart Works not only get to keep their chosen interview outfit (where possible this is a head to toe look of new or nearly new clothes, including a coat, shoes and bag), but when the candidate is successful, they receive further pieces to build on their work wardrobe in a second follow-up styling session. 

This charity helps to make an enormous difference in these women's lives, in a life-altering way sometimes. 

Jumpsuits are trouser suits without the formality

It's clear that despite the relaxing of office dress codes since the lockdowns of 2020, a cohesive and thoughtful work wardrobe is important for women who are either returning to work, starting in a new role or simply navigating a combined remote and on-site job. The question of what to wear to work these days is a question I'm often asked by clients, they don't want to look the same as the twenty-somethings but they're equally keen not to feel mumsy or outdated. 

So what should you wear for those days in the office? It's true that suits are probably a bit much for most work environments in 2026 (despite the slouchy trouser suit being bang on-trend) however a jumpsuit ticks the same boxes without the formality of a two-piece. A jumpsuit is the trend that nobody expected to hang around but became so indispensable it earned its own section on brand websites. Versatile, comfortable and stylish, the jumpsuit can be styled in so many ways you will always get your money's worth.

The sleeveless jumper, this season's most versatile knit

Alternatively, this winter consider straight or wide leg tailored trousers with a shirt and a hot flush-friendly sleeveless knit which leaves your armpits breezy and can be more comfortably worn under a coat. Whether crew neck, v-neck or roll neck, this style looks fresh and modern over a shirt, long sleeved t-shirt or even a dress.

If a dress doesn't feel quite right for a week day at your desk then the latest skirts give decent bang for your buck. Clear your mind of floaty floral pieces and instead try a long pleated skirt with a jumper, a kilt or if you prefer something a little shorter, a tailored pair of shorts. Accessorising with boots or loafers rather than heels or ballet pumps will ensure this look is up to date. If in doubt, check out Claudia Winkleman's Traitors outfits, they're a masterclass in wearable, effortlessly put together styling.

Tailored shorts are a modern alternative to skirts.

The bottom line is, we want to be comfortable all day without forfeiting our sense of style or self and that really isn't too much to ask. If you have a hard working wardrobe - five elegant well fitting business appropriate outfits you can reach for on any give morning - you will start your day positively, with one less thing to worry about. And who doesn't want that?

If you would like my help, or would like to book time to chat through what I can offer you, please get in touch here!

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