New York - We live in a world without dress codes.
Unless you’re a peer-pressured banker in a navy suit or a germaphobic doctor in scrubs, you can probably wear whatever you like to work. Express yourself, or don’t, in either case, you’ll want things that last. Elevated basics, in other words. Wear them this year, at this job, and for many more to come.
Great white shirt
You probably have one or 10. That’s why labels are upgrading theirs, creating new basics that play into an easy, minimalist way of getting dressed.
For women, silk elevates the style, even better if it ties at the neck. Men: Go for nubby oxford cloth. The cowboy-like details seen here work better in a corporate office than, say, on a ranch.
Grown-up pleated skirt
Modern versions of the prep-school perennial showed on the runways of Paris and Milan before trickling down to fast-fashion retailers. Almost all employ sophisticated tweed, leather, or at least luxe-seeming materials. Some have silk or tulle between the pleats to add volume, and most aren’t too short for work. Keep the rest of the look modest - a neutral cashmere crewneck works, along with this season’s streamlined shoulder bag.
The novel cable knit
The knit exemplifies the preppy staple’s new mood: it’s striking, but not so brash that it doesn’t go with all your pants. Knits that have interesting cuts, cool dye techniques, or fun embellishments achieve that balance. Or go for giant links, as shown in the picture, top right.
Serious boots
Last winter’s boots are salt-stained or too LL Bean for those days you need to impress the boss. Chelsea boots are stylish, reminiscent of British Mod rockers - and, with their elastic gusset, easy to put on while half-asleep.
But any ankle boot will dress you up, so long as you get the leather or suede cleaned regularly (bimonthly, at least). Ankle boots look best with suits or trousers, in part because they hide your socks. Or, if you’re a woman, try cropped pants to draw more attention to the slick footwear.
Paddington bear coat
The British military called it a duffle, named for the rough Belgian wool it’s made from. Stateside, it’s commonly known as a toggle coat. But even young children will recognise the look: slightly roomy, sloped at the shoulders, often hooded, and fastened in that retro way.
For a guy, it’s the ideal dressed-but-not-too-dressed overcoat.
Wear it daily. Soon, it’ll feel more comfortable than any down-feather cocoon. Duffles are warm, but not enough to brave the next polar vortex. The stylish solution is to layer a vest under it in a contrasting hue.
Better grey pants
When was the last time you put on a pair of dress pants that weren’t either (a) part of a suit or (b) black? If the answer is more than a week, consider changing your routine. You won’t look like a square - promise - just someone who’s decided to look better. Grey is the most versatile hue. Add some texture like stripes or checks to banish the Mad Men (RIP) vibe.
Mandatory plaid
Sure, the motif’s a bit obvious for autumn, but with clothing, “obvious” is just another word for useful. The idea this season is to find a three-tone plaid with several colours forming the grid.
Wear a flannel shirt over a T-shirt if your office skews more casual. Or opt for a blazer, along with a white dress shirt, if that’s more your daily uniform. The level of brightness is your call, although it’s best to avoid Happy Gilmore pants.
Unboring black dress
You know the usual one. It falls from the shoulders, nips at the waist, hits at the knees and offers little in terms of personality or quality. Time to slip into something more interesting. Silky panels are a good add, or start by going for a slightly more daring silhouette.
Earth-tone tailored look
Brown, burgundy, pale yellow, or even burnt orange. These are the magpie shades designers high (Valentino, Prada) and low (Zara, Suitsupply) are pushing for dressed-up clothes this autumn\[jo.shepherdsmith\]fall. Find one that flatters your skin tone and wear it often.
It’s much more exciting than that navy suit you’re sick of putting on. Once the domain of 1960s\[lynn.lister\]Sixties flight attendants, skinny-patterned scarves are back. Loop one around your neck with a blazer, or let it dangle on either side with a shirt.
After years of neckwear being really skinny, heavily textured, or otherwise tricked out, a classic 9cm-\[jo.shepherdsmith\]3.5-inch-wide silk tie feels right. Match your suit’s shade.
Furry finish
Last winter brought an onslaught of bulky, if not ostentatious, coats with fur, real and faux\[lynn.lister\], all over. That’s given way to a quieter idea: jackets that riff on ones your grandparents might’ve owned, with soft cuffs, collars or other accents in shearling, authentic animal hides or a synthetic approximation.
Opt for colourful knits or dress shirts beneath for a luxe commuting look. If you have one, use the office coat closet - these will look sad hanging on the back of your chair.
One upside of wearing simpler clothes is you can go wild with your accessories. Spring for statement earrings, lush scarves, knee-high boots and other investment pieces.
Bloomberg