How To: Nail Back To Office Dressing.
Remember that January feeling of a fresh uniform and new stationery? It promised new beginnings and at least the feeling that you looked like you knew what you were doing - or the chance to reinvent yourself.
We’re getting a similar vibe at the moment. After holidays and of course, a two year pandemic, what does office dressing look like?
We’re keeping comfy but ready to move on (a little bit!) from the loungewear and trainers that started and finished 2021 as our uniform.
The secret is wardrobe staples that freshen up what you have but can work hard; be mixed and matched, layered up or down, and suitable for work and play.
Here’s our pick of the Back To Office essentials you need, no staplers in sight.
The oversized button up has fast become an After Eight favourite. Chic and perfectly versatile, the cut and fit make it a smart but comfortable piece to throw on or style up. Our best style tip? Wear open over a tank and with tailored trousers as a ‘summer blazer’. Genius.
Stylist picks: Michael Lo Sordo does the shirt perfectly, with a range of cuts and materials like the Silk Tux, Cropped or Oversized Artist Shirt. ESSE covers the long and short of it with their Classico, Signat or Supine Short Sleeve options. The Matin Classic Shirt is one you’ll reach for daily, while Wynn Hamlyn’s sunflower Classic Shirt adds the perfect refreshing warm weather touch.
Tailored trousers are everywhere as the ‘90s style continues its comeback. While neutrals (black, cream or grey) are failsafe options, push your personal style that little bit further with a pop of colour. Michael Lo Sordo’s Relaxed Boy Pant in teal adds a confident tone without being overpowering. Pair it with black or white basics or denim for a casual look.
If you do prefer black, then go for the best quality. ESSE’s sell out style, the Gathered Pant is back in stock (get in quick!) They’re slinky, comfortable and a dream to wear. The Ally Trouser from Wynn Hamlyn ticks all the boxes for a pair of classic, high waisted and wide leg styles, while Aaizel’s Wide Leg Pant transforms deadstock into a superbly tailored style favourite.
The power suit has a fresh new look. Build on your Michael Lo Sordo pants with the matching Oversized Boy Blazer for an office-appropriate matching set. The ESSE Folded Tux Trouser and Blazer (coming soon) brings a hint of holiday to work with fresh linen and interesting tailored details. Style back with a white ESSE Crop Tank Top and the SAYE 89 Vegan Sneaker.
Consider these your must-have styling pieces that will pull any look together. They can also be the key item to switch between seasons or change the look of your hero trousers or bottoms. Anna Quan have introduced a new style in their signature rib, the Lara Top, available in silence or black. The wide strap, square neckline style top is made from super soft 100% cotton.
For cooler days, Wynn Hamlyn’s The Divide Top offers breezy collarbone cutouts that look stylish and polished. You’ll wonder how you ever lived without The Crinkle Top, while the bubble knit silk blend fabric and finish of The Bubble Polo adds interest and a sense of fun to any outfit. We could rave about the ESSE Crop Tank and High Neck Tank all day, so to save all of us time all we’ll say is: Stock. Up.
What are you wearing or loving for Back To The Office dressing? Email us or tag us @itsaftereight on Instagram.
