Dress Code: What Should You Wear To Work?

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Dress Code: What Should You Wear To Work?

Words by Benedict Browne | Styling by Sabina Khan

6 January 2025

The notion of “workwear”, and what you wear to work, carries a fascinating duality. At once, it is steeped in its traditional association with hard graft and durability. And it also reflects its modern sensibility as the clothing we wear to navigate our professional lives, whether as accomplished attorneys, fastidious financial strategists, skyline-defining architects or sought-after creative minds.

While traditional, heavy-duty denim and flannel shirts remain vital – and long may they thrive – most of us find ourselves in spaces and roles that demand a different kind of wardrobe. Yet, in getting dressed for work, the essence of workwear endures. We still seek practicality in our clothing – like the utility of well-placed pockets for essential tools, perhaps a beautifully crafted fountain pen – while ensuring our attire reflects who we are and how we wish to be perceived.

Clothing has a transformative power: it can make us stand taller, feel more confident, and help us approach our work with greater efficiency and focus. Today, the workplace is more sartorially diverse than ever, allowing a broader scope of what is deemed acceptable – and, as self-confessed “clothes people”, we couldn’t be more thrilled.

01. The hotshot lawyer

First impressions are important and if a lawyer can’t put effort into their own presentation, it can raise doubts about the effort they’ll put into representing you. New York-based brand The Row is a failsafe for impeccable tailoring. It goes the extra mile when it comes to fabrics, fit and style. Case in point: this double-breasted suit cut from a navy grain de poudre wool. Translating to a “grain of powder”, it has a finely textured handle, gorgeous drape and resolute structure – making it a signifier of exceptional taste. Finished with a stainless-steel, time-only Hermès Timepieces watch and a workhorse pair of black leather penny loafers, it’s a look that means business. Sharp, understated, and dependable, much like the lawyer who wears it.

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02. The no-nonsense professional

“It comes with the territory,” as they say. Which is why practical, serious professionals, whose decisions carry weighty consequences, gravitate toward clothing that serves their utilitarian needs. Take architects, for instance: their wardrobes are often defined by understated functionality, with pieces that seamlessly blend style and practicality. A two-pocket overshirt from De Bonne Facture, celebrated for its refined, high-quality workwear, is a prime example. Worn over a simple T-shirt with jeans and boots, it transitions effortlessly from the workday to after-hours, embodying both effortless style and purposeful design. This combination of form and function is not only a reflection of their role but also their approach to life: grounded, thoughtful and ready for whatever challenges arise.

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03. The understated creative

We can all admit to feeling a twinge of envy for those in creative fields. Beyond the obvious perks, like having creative freedom, there’s the undeniable appeal of their Monday-to-Friday wardrobe, which typically blends comfort, coolness and a curated mix of lesser-known, highly covetable brands. Gabriela Hearst delivers elevated staples, like this hidden-placket button-down shirt in dark indigo denim. It’s clean, sharp and perfect when paired with matching trousers for a sleek, uniform look. A modern suit, if you will. It’s understated yet refined and can be easily elevated with a statement bag and a touch of bling for added flair. It’s the kind of outfit that embodies the creative workplace aesthetic: polished yet relaxed, with just the right amount of individuality.

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04. The (stylish) guy in finance

The once-sharply suited finance industry has seen its formality wane in recent times, with “the bros” favouring minimalist, luxe athleisure-wear looks. This year heralds the return of boardroom-commanding formal wear and a great place to start is with TOM FORD’s single-breasted, notch-lapel charcoal grey two-piece suit, worn with a pair of John Lobbs. Peak lapels can be a little too bold for some, which is why the notch variant offers a more understated edge coupled with a birdseye cloth that’s rarer and, therefore, more discerning. With structured shoulders and a nipped waist, the silhouette is sleek and refined because, unlike the markets, finance bro-wear doesn’t require endless calculations to get it right.

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05. The ideas man

Big ideas don’t necessarily call for bold outfits. Instead, a sharp yet understated look can create the calm and clarity needed to let your thoughts take centre stage – whether that’s guiding your team on a project or delivering a message to an audience. There’s nothing wrong with keeping to a simple uniform, but we’re all for elements such as texture and tone to make an outfit pop. Oliver Spencer knows a thing or two about understated and contemporary clothing and offers this button-through cardigan that’s striking enough without trying too hard. As for big ideas, well they’re kept within a statement Bottega Veneta tote with signature intrecciato detailing that’s a testament to the visionary you are (while also being a keepsake from an iconic Blazy-era at Bottega).

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