Workwear reboot: a seven step guide to bossing your commute look

Back to school, back to work… September’s the month when we look to sharpen up our sartorial acts.

But rather than splashing out on a whole new working wardrobe, why not save some funds for a September mini-break and invest in a few of the season’s key pieces instead?

These are the season’s big hitters, guaranteed to breathe fresh life into your old office staples...

1. The pristine pumps

Say goodbye to your toes for the next nine months — sandal season is officially at an end. But don’t despair: your pedicure fund can be put to good use by investing in these pristine white pumps from Topshop. Because nothing says “new season-ready” quite like shoes without grass stains. Plus, the architectural heel ticks another of autumn’s biggest trends to boot.

£65, topshop.com

2. The hardworking trousers

If you crave more versatility from your workwear wardrobe you are not alone. ME+EM, a brand which prides itself on creating “clothes that you can wear in different combinations — like fashion Lego”, has recruited customer feedback to design the perfect pair of pants. Dubbed the Transformer Trousers, the mustard-yellow style features a buttoned cuff which can be worn either wide-leg or in a more tapered shape, while the pinstripe or microcheck versions feature a popper to let you adjust the length from long to cropped. Other desk-friendly factors include crease-proof fabric and a semi-elasticated waistband.

£189, meandem.com

3. The corduroy suit

Fashion has spoken and the suit remains high on this year’s agenda, though slate grey pinstripe may not seem the most inspired choice. For colour-shy types who still desire an edge in the boardroom, consider corduroy. Since enjoying a renaissance among style plates earlier this year who declares it to be 2018’s answer to denim, the fabric has smartened up its act for next season, with Arket championing a sleek navy blue suit cut from Italian cord. Groovy.

Blazer, £150, wide-leg trousers, £79, arket.com

4. A checked skirt

If you were among the many to buy a checked blazer in spring — and promptly push it to the back of your wardrobe the moment the heatwave hit — now is the time to dust it off again. Its perfect partner? A checked skirt. Crucially, one which clashes rather than matches — think squares of different sizes or subtly different shades. See Zara’s latest campaign for more details.

£49.99, zara.com

5. A fresh coat

When it comes to the not-so-small matter of when and where to buy a new winter coat, savvy shoppers will tell you it’s never too early to start your search. They may also tell you not to bother wasting your time on the high street. But while the former is certainly sage advice, the latter is lately one worth ignoring, largely thanks to the wide selection of timeless, quality styles to be found on the rails in & Other Stories. Among them is an oversized utilitarian trench and a simple single-breasted option, available in four colours. But for style and substance in equal measure our money is on its belted wool duster coat in classic camel. Buy it now or regret it later.

£169, stories.com

6. The leopard-print dress

You know that floral midi dress you wore with everything, everywhere, last autumn? And, in fact, all through winter, spring and summer too? Meet this season’s replacement — the leopard-print dress. Soon to be a ubiquitous sight in offices and Tube carriages across the capital, the really wild print has shed its sexpot image to become an everyday staple. Seek out simple shapes, like this button-down shirt dress by Mango, and style it out with low-key accessories.

£59.99, mango.com

7. The statement shirt

There are two types of shirt in this world: there’s the sort that’s just a shirt, and there’s the sort which has more bells, whistles and superfluous frippery than the cast of Strictly combined. Finding the sweet spot between the two, however, with a shirt that’s neither dull nor demented is decidedly trickier territory. Which is where Label Mix’s collaboration with Rejina Pyo comes in. This chambray shirt comes complete with tab button front and tie sleeves but without the need for a manual to explain how to wear it.

£80, next.co.uk