Back to Work – 3 Ways to Dress for The Office

Since I first saw Ralph Lauren (the man, not the brand) I´ve been obsessed with his eye for classic menswear. His version of the double-breasted glen check suit is perhaps the greatest example. Here in a vintage version from POLO RL with a classic length and full cut trouser that would make Fred Astaire envious. I like the glen check flannel because it is a daily suit rather than an evening one and a fun way to dress elegantly during work without reaching for those dark worsted suits in more formal spectrum. Even though the suit would be considered informal I still like to combine it with a crisp white shirt and the Black Oxfords. The black and white overcheck really looks best with a pair of black shoes and the classic cut complements the more conservative style of shoes. I like to top of the outfit with a charcoal cashmere tie that will help balance the monochromatic look.

Another favourite of mine for the fall season is the Club Blazer. A classic piece of clothing worn by style icons such as Prince Charles, but I personally prefer to dress it down. Instead of a shirt and tie, I opted for a chunky cashmere rollneck in a warm hue of beige and combined it with a pair of grey flannels. The navy jacket with grey trousers is often referred to as the Menswear Uniform but with the brass buttons and double-breasted cut, it transcends into something far more interesting in my opinion. Consider it more as a casual outerwear during the early days of autumn and wear it open or buttoned casually with a lower 6×1 buttoning stance. Those who know me are probably aware that I consider loafers to be an excellent choice even for fall and with this outfit I prefer the Tassel Loafer in brown calf worn with a matching pair of socks.

For the most casual situations I like to switch the formal jackets for a more relaxed overshirt or shirt jacket. This one is from 100 Hands in a hazelnut wool/cashmere blend that will keep me warm enough on a stroll to and from the office. I combined it with a cashmere crewneck sweater and a pair of taupe trousers in cavalry twill. The drape and clean lines of the trouser is a nice way of preserving the elegant touch, even with more casual garments such as the shirt jacket. The sneaker in brown suede ties up the look of warm earthy colours and the tonal sole gives them an even more sombre look.