Back to the Office


Many of us are heading back into the office, switching from home-desk comforts to the hot-desking commute once again. It’s time to shift our wardrobe choices too, from everyday essentials and that comfy lockdown loungewear, back to looks which say put-together and ready for anything.

 

However, just as we don’t want to compromise on our workwear style, there is no need to compromise on comfort either. This is all about finding clothing that will do the hard work for you when it comes to your wardrobe planning - replacing stress with effortlessness.

When it comes to building a workwear wardrobe that is going to save you time and hassle, here are some easy steps to follow:

1. Choose comfort

A long day at work calls for natural fabrics to ensure you stay comfortable all day long. Sitting close to your skin, you need fabrics that have a breathable weave and an ultra soft finish. Innovative TENCELTMModal is not only environmentally friendly (using 10-20 times less water than cotton production) it is also incredibly soft, from spinning beech tree cellulose into a malleable pulp, which is then twisted into fibre threads that are gentle and silky.

2. Don’t sacrifice practicality

On a practical level, workwear needs to stay fresh and look just as pristine from stepping out of your front door to when you get back home. Look to TENCELTMModal for your go-to fabric once again. It is 50% more absorbent than cotton, so perfect for those clammy commuter mornings or when you’re running errands. Retaining its shape all day long, it’s also a really durable fabric, draping beautifully thanks to its natural stretch, while staying smooth and wrinkle-free. Minimal ironing = big tick! For an added bonus modal resists pilling and shrinking in the wash, all helping to save you time in a busy working week.

3. Build upon neutral foundations

Neutral tops are essential foundations for a workwear wardrobe, because you can mix and match what you wear on the bottom half with ease. Cream, white, navy and black tops can be paired with matching neutrals, or contrasting pops of colour, such as a statement red trouser or colour-popping suit. They are also great layering pieces, with neutral roll neck and mock neck styles sitting effortlessly underneath shirts and blazers in colder months. These colours will always stay lustrous-looking too, as rest assured Lavender Hill fabrics use only environmentally friendly dyes, producing fabrics which suit the dye process to ensure shades won’t fade.

4. Find shapes that flatter

Mix up your necklines and sleeve lengths. A half sleeve is a good choice for autumn months, its sleek fitting sleeves giving workwear looks a smarter edge. For colder days, look to a roll neck, which will tuck seamlessly into any trousers or skirts. If you want something with more structure look to the square neck style, which is ultra flattering (especially for larger bra sizes). Or try a mock neck, a light-weight option that looks as luxurious as it feels. What’s great about all of these styles is the opaque nature of the fabric that complements all body shapes. They all have the perfect amount of stretch and length in the body to tuck neatly into any smart trouser or skirt too, whether you prefer a high or mid-waist, so there is no need to overhaul your entire wardrobe to make them work. These tops will work around you.

5. Take your workwear from day to night

These tops will provide elegant and effortless styling in the office, but remember they can also be dressed up for after-work drinks! Layer some necklaces, or add a statement earring for an extra piece of polish!