SELFRIDGES LOVES:

THE MODERN WORKING WARDROBE

The way we work is changing. As we embrace hot-desking, multi-tasking and all things digital with gusto, we need a working wardrobe that does the same. Forget stuffy suits, this is about the modern pieces that will adapt to your new routine and inspire fresh ways of working. From commute-friendly culottes to the reversible bag, meet the items every woman needs in her 2015 professional wardrobe and how to wear them.

ALEXANDER MCQUEEN Tuxedo jacquard-lapel jacket

1. THE WHITE JACKET

While we can’t deny the classic appeal of monochrome, who says black needs to dominate? A sharp white jacket is what modern workwear is all about - oozing confidence and perfect for the spring/summer months. Choose something impeccably structured, like this Alexander McQueen piece, or louche and long-line from Sandro. Either way, take inspiration from Emmanuelle Alt, editor-in-chief at Vogue Paris, and team with black cigarette trousers.

 

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PAUL SMITH BLACK V-neck geometric print dress

2. THE DAY-ENHANCING DRESS

You know, the one that has your back when you've hit the snooze button one too many times, pleasantly surprises you every time you visit the bathroom mirror and makes you feel as if you could take on the world, not to mention your 9am meeting. Opt for something that will inject personality into your work wardrobe such as this all-over geometric print - Paul Smith's modern take on classic houndstooth.

 

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SELF-PORTRAIT Monochrome checked culottes

3. THE CULOTTES

Move over traditional trousers, there's a new bottom-half superstar in town. This trousers-meets-skirt-meets-shorts phenomenon has the benefits of all three: smart, elegant and perfect for summer. Though a bold style statement, culottes are also sneakily versatile. Try with a silk pussybow blouse and pointed courts, a tailored white shirt and mannish loafers or a lightweight knit and stacked-heel sandals.

 

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VALENTINO Reversible rockstud tote

4. THE REVERSIBLE BAG

Let's face it, toting the same beloved bag at the office every day can get a little repetitive. Or, if you're a professional multi-tasker opting for a portfolio career, you need a bag that's as adaptable as you are. Enter, the reversible bag! New arrivals from Valentino, Mulberry and Michael Kors can all be worn two or even three ways, depending on your mood. Never has a handbag worked so hard.

 

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ACNE STUDIOS Sleeveless twill waistcoat

5. EDITOR'S PICK: THE LONG WAISTCOAT

Our office layer of choice this season, the long waistcoat is the next stop on your transitional coat journey. The sleeveless style allows you to get creative with layering, increasing your number of work outfit options tenfold. Sharp, chic and effortlessly throw-onable, this dusky pink example from Acne is great for brightening up your working wardrobe.

 

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THEORY Adar stretch-crepe waistcoat and Grega stretch-crepe shorts

6. THE MODERN SUIT

The go-to brand for stylish workwear, Theory shows us how to do a suit in 2015. This smorts (smart shorts) and sleeveless jacket combination says 'I mean business' in the least corporate way possible. Light-weight, loose-fitting and cool (both in attitude and temperature), it's the only way to suit up this summer without being in danger of spontaneously combusting on your sweltering commute.

 

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WHISTLES Claribel frayed-trim jumpsuit

7. THE JUMPSUIT

If, like us, you're all about streamlining your work routine, putting on just one piece of clothing in the morning is a good place to start. More fashion-forward than a suit and more modern than a dress, this is a thoroughly 2015 approach to professional attire. For a jumpsuit that's work-appropriate, look out for smart details such as a collar, a short sleeve, a waist-cinching belt tie, or - in the case of our favourite Whistles number - all of the above.

 

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Photo by Netflix

8. THE STYLE ICON

Ask any House of Cards fan (that's us, by the way) about their dream working wardrobe and we can bet that Claire Underwood, played by Robin Wright, springs to mind. Every episode sees the new First Lady looking immaculate in form-fitting ensembles by Roland Mouret, Burberry, Armaniand Alexander McQueen - demonstrating with aplomb that in 2015, 'power dressing' is nothing to do with dressing like a man, and all about embracing those feminine wiles.

 

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The Devil Wears Prada 2006, TM & copyright 20th Century Fox

9. THE WORKWEAR MASTERCLASS

Want some one-on-one advice? As part of our Work It events programme, join our women’s Personal Shopper, Zoe Georgiou, at Selfridges Birmingham on Thursday 28 May. She'll be revealing her top five key pieces you need for your working wardrobe, as well as the simple steps to take you from boardroom to bar.

 

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The Devil Wears Prada 2006, TM & copyright 20th Century Fox

10. THE BIG BEAUTY LUNCH BREAKS

You've nailed the working wardrobe, now for the beauty regime. Revitalise your lunch break and arrive back at the office feeling refreshed and radiant with our amazing lunchtime beauty experiences. Available on selected days in each of our four stores, enjoy a complimentary mini treatment and lunch bag to enjoy 'al desko'.

 

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