Five New Season Smart/Casual Pieces for Work

Autumn Fashionbusiness casualeasy outfitshigh street hitsOutfit InspirationPersonal ShoppingPersonal Stylistwardrobe updatewhat to wear to workWork Wear

20 Aug

Written By Lisa Gillbe

If you are like me and more or less hate every season apart from summer then do not despair! - summer is still here until at least mid-late September - over a MONTH away yet. So even though my Autumn bookings diary is filling-up, we still have plenty of short’s wearing days and rose to drink before the jeans and thin knits are back on.

However! I was in the shops last week and I am back again this week with international clients who are only in London for summer and needed an early autumn update. So the good news is, I’ve already had the chance to have a good look at what’s new-in for September, getting a head-start on wardrobe planning for the new season.

I’ve tried to include some items that feel fresh so for example, the pleated midi skirt has featured regularly on my blog but this time, I’ve chosen an asymmetric hem version to give a slightly different new look for the new season. I think the reason this kind of skirt has become a wardrobe staple is it’s easy feminine appeal. It works on most body shapes but you have to be careful of the pleats as they can add bulk if you have a bit of a tummy. I find knife-pleat and chiffon work better if you have bigger hips and a tummy., satin skirts are more unforgiving

Spotted - Key looks and inspiration from the shops

As well as this blog, I use my instagram to bring inspiration from the shops and outfit ideas so If you follow me on instagram you’ll see I put videos up on my IGTV or insta stories of the selection I pull together for my clients. Or, I sometimes do trying-on sessions myself in the shops to get outfit ideas too and often look for smart/casual outfits as that’s a look that most of us need.

Here are the best items I’ve spotted so far in the shops now for Autumn ‘19 for a smart/casual environment.

Handkerchief hem skirt.

‘By Malene Birger’ has done a lot of these for the new season and as I mention above, it feels very fresh. An update on the pleated midi skirt that is still so loved and worn everywhere and doesn’t seem to be going anywhere. This kind of hem is really flattering over shapely hips and super flattering on legs too. Would wear it with a thin cashmere knit or a silky blouse for the office. Would also work with a blazer over the top and with a t-shirt and trainers.

By Malene Birger at Net a Porter

Autumn look with Malene Birger Skirt

2. Co-ords.

Another strong look for the office is wearing a matching top and skirt. This look makes sure you are living fully in the zone, and your wardrobe is current, stylish and smart. Again, Malene Birger has some excellent options to pull-off this look and not feel like a try-hard. This is grown-up, not frumpy and not mutton dressed as lamb either!! Perfect.

Co-ord top and skirt By Malene Birger

3. Wide legged trousers.

Still very much the silhouette of the moment, a pair of wide legged trousers in an essential in a smart/casual wardrobe. As well as wide legged, a tapered silhouette is going to be coming through for the new season which is a nice update. I spotted these in Harvey Nichols last week at Anine Bing and instantly loved them. I would wear with boots or trainers but they’ look really cool with a simple black suede or leather court shoe and a pretty lace blouse.

Anine Bing tapered leg charcoal pinstripe trousers

4. Pretty lace or silk top.

To go with above and because tops need to be regularly updated to keep the wardrobe feeling fresh. I always include a lace or silk blouse in off-white or cream in my selection for clients because they add femininity and polish but this pretty floral silk blouse would also work brilliantly.

Reiss floral silk blouse

5. A belted blazer

I love a belted blazer. Chic and classy with a belt to cinch in the waist, also giving you that pulled-together but still cool look! This camel version is Topshop Boutique so if you thought Topshop was just for teens, have a look at their high-end Boutique collection for wearable quirky pieces and inventive cuts and styles that look far more expensive. This style of blazer would work really well over a flippy, pleated midi skirt or the a-symmetric/handkerchief hem skirt above.