Work Style
Not ready to give up loungewear? Here are some comfy but cool workwear ideas for ‘real life’ meetings with clients and colleagues or, for some, a return to the office.
‘Do you think I can get away with wearing tracksuit bottoms to the office?’ – a question many of us have asked ourselves recently. While only you (or your boss) can really answer that query, we can offer some outfit ideas that will help you transition from your working-from-home bubble – where no one has to know what you’re wearing on your bottom half – to a workspace again, where you’re visible to colleagues and/or clients. There are early signs that working from home may be coming to an end for some with a shift back to the workplace, but even those who continue to work from home will be doing some in-person meetings. These workwear staples are stylish and smart enough for the office or meetings, but don’t compromise on comfort…
Breezy blouses
Swap stuffy cotton shirts for loose, summery blouses that can be easily teamed with skirts or trousers. Pretty lace detailing or colourful prints elevate a simple silhouette.
Red Ditsy Print Plissé Top €29, visit next.ie
Crew Clothing Tania Blouse €69, visit crewclothing.co.uk
Sonder Studio Willow Blurred Floral Blouse €52.70, visit sonderstudio.co.uk
Blue Short Sleeve Linen Shirt €89, visit mintvelvet.co.uk
Comfy Trousers
The closest thing you can get to joggers, while still adhering to the smart-casual dress code, wide-leg trousers are a cool (in every sense of the word) alternative to slim-cut styles or skinny jeans, particularly if they’re made with breathable cotton.
Wear with flat sandals, so the swishy hems reach all the way to the floor.
1. Monsoon Wide-leg Trousers Blue €59.50, visit monsoonlondon.com
2. River Island Pink RI Studio Straight Pleat Trousers €65, visit riverisland.ie
Easy everyday dresses
Sometimes it can be tricky to find summer dresses that aren’t too, well, summery for the office. You want to look boardroom-ready, not beach-ready.
Cap or three-quarter-length sleeves are best, if you’re dealing with a more conservative dress code, while floaty midi dresses look chic with heeled sandals.
1. Ted Baker Silk Splodge Midaxi €192, visit tedbaker.com
2. Hush Joan Midi Shirt Dress €120, visit hush-uk.com
3. Monsoon Ruched Midi Dress Yellow €90.50, visit monsoonlondon.com
4. M&S x Ghost Floral V-Neck Angel Sleeve Midi Dress €120, visit marksandspencer.ie
Smart trainers
In the era of ‘lifestyle trainers’, it’s way easier to get away with wearing sneakers to work than it used to be – so long as they’re understated and, crucially, clean (the more box-fresh the better).
For summer, low-tops in white or pastel hues are perfect for pairing with trousers, skirts or dresses.
Air and Grace Cru Signature White Silver & Gold Trainers €186, visit airandgracelondon.com
Next Signature Leather Back Detail Trainers €63, visit next.ie
Cocorose London Hoxton Pastel Pink with Gold Stars Leather Trainers €137.95, visit cocoroselondon.com
Tommy Hilfiger Essential Monogram Suede Loafer €125, visit ie.tommy.com