‘My best purchase this year’ Fashion pros share their new office essentials for autumn – including a Loewe dupe
FROM gorpecore trends to the final days of brat summer, the buzzword trends have been more changeable than the weather.
But what do the fashion team really wear on the nine-to-five?
Deputy Fashion Editor Abby takes the lazy-girl approach to office dressing, while Fashion Director Tracey is all about investment buys and high-street luxury.
Shop the team’s edit of forever buys, designer dupes and high-street bargains that will up your style game in the office.
Soft tailoring, trophy jackets and oversized bags – these are the must-have workwear pieces you need to know about.
Clemmie Fieldsend, 34, Fashion Editor
- Bag, £18.99, H&M – BUY NOW
- Jacket, £190, Next – BUY NOW
- Jeans, £29.99, Zara – BUY NOW
- Top, £49.50, Autograph at Marks & Spencer – BUY NOW
- Ring, £16, Betty & Biddy – BUY NOW
- Shoes, £49.99, Office – BUY NOW
It’s suede season and I couldn’t be happier.
After seeing a slew of designer and expensive high-street styles, this jacket from Next is one of my best purchases of the year.
It’s waist length, which feels smarter for work days than the others that have an oversized, laidback feel to them.
Paired with dark denim, which also makes your outfit look more polished, and a tonal soft knit from M&S that will last you all season – and beyond.
Big bags are big news this season, and its perfect timing.
You can cram in your layers, lunch and laptop into high street styles like this £18.99 Loewe Puzzle tote dupe from H&M.
And if you’re not ready to let go of bright colours yet, add in a pop of red with some kitten heeled shoes.
Abby McHale, 30, Deputy Fashion Editor
- Earrings, £17.99, Mango – BUY NOW
- Boots, £59.99, New Look – BUY NOW
- Dress, £39.50, M&S Collection at Marks & Spencer – BUY NOW
- Jacket, £44.99, H&M – BUY NOW
- Bag, £25, Accessorize – BUY NOW
I’m quite lazy when it comes to dressing on a morning for the office – I like something easy to throw on that doesn’t require much ironing and is comfortable.
So for me, this midi dress is the perfect option, as leopard print is still such a big trend as we head into Autumn/Winter, so I can simply add boots and go.
A blazer over the top for an extra layer is essential, plus it really can smarten up any outfit.
Some long black boots, which are great for autumn – these ones from New Look are a steal coming in under £60, and they’re extra-wide, so more room for your calves.
I’m finishing the look off with a pop of red in a practical tote bag that will fit everything, including some statement earrings for a bit of post-work glam.
Tracey Lea Sayer, 53, Fashion Director
- Trousers, £39.50, Comptoir De Cotonniers X Uniqlo – BUY NOW
- Jacket, £149.99, H&M – BUY NOW
- Bag, £369, Massimo Dutti – BUY NOW
- Cashmere jumper, £250, Cos – BUY NOW
- Shoes, £99.95, Massimo Dutti – BUY NOW
September is all about investment for me.
I don’t buy a lot of clothes, so when I do, I like to make sure they will work hard and last for years to come.
I have worn all the trends a million times over and learned that I am better off wearing clothes that suit me, rather than get influenced by social media into buying something that will look like a dog’s dinner on me.
Classic tailoring, cosy cashmere and simple accessories that can be mixed and matched with the rest of my wardrobe, to make it all look shiny and new again, are where I am at.
Emily Regan
- T-shirt, £5, Primark – BUY NOW
- Skirt, £35, M&S Collection at Marks & Spencer – BUY NOW
- Coat, £109, John Lewis & Partners – BUY NOW
- Trainers, £95, Adidas at JD Sports – BUY NOW
- Bag, £89.99, Mango – BUY NOW
We’re really lucky to have a fairly relaxed dress code in the Fabulous office, which I absolutely love, because it means that I can buy pieces that I’d happily wear at the weekend, too.
I’ve been eyeing up this checked Marks & Spencer skirt for a while, the elastic waist is super-flattering and gives off serious Ganni vibes on a budget.
With the print sorted, it’s easy to pair with a white T-shirt. I’ve tried a few, but this £5 Primark one is the best – boxy, oversized, but not cropped, and it washes really well.
I have more coats than I need, but I picked up a similar one from John Lewis last year, it’s perfect for layering and a timeless investment that’s well worth the splurge.
I completed the look with a suede bag (I’m into the trend, like Clemmie) and my reliable Adidas Sambas, as comfortable footwear is essential for a day of organising samples in the fashion cupboard.
Five workwear essentials
By Clemmie Fieldsend
Fabulous Fashion Editor Clemmie Fieldsend shared the five workwear essentials everyone should have.
1. WHITE SHIRT
A good white shirt is so versatile. Great for wearing on their own or layering underneath knits and transforming plain jumpers by adding cuff and collar detail, as well as wearing open over plain tops.
2. WIDE LEG TROUSERS
They’ve become a wardrobe staple over recent years as they are comfortable, flattering and will elevate your workwear. Look out for styles with pleating or darting.
3. PRACTICAL TOTE
for a day at work or on your commute you’ll need all your essentials with you, cram them all into a sleek and stylish tote bag in a neutral colour like black, brown or beige so it can be used with all of your outfits.
4. TAILORED BLAZER
Even if worn with torn jeans a tailored blazer will instantly make you look polished and smart for work. Black will be the most useful and look for silhouettes with structure.
5. SIMPLE LOAFER
Whether you like delicate or chunky, a flat and comfortable shoe is essential for everyday use and can look just as dressy as a heel.