Style by Claire Lopez

The Workwear Edit

I read the other day that August is the Sunday of summer and it definitely feels like autumn is nearly here as thoughts are all moving towards back to school, back to work and a new season. So it’s time to start thinking about how to dress for work again now that flippy summer dresses will no longer cut it. You don’t want to plunge yourself headfirst into depressing darks so the perfect segue into new season is with a spot of check.

Here is your bumper workwear edit…

The check blazer

Possibly the easiest way to do the trend and it doesn’t have to be too officey if you go for a more relaxed style. This double breasted blazer by Warehouse would definitely sharpen up a pair of plain black trousers: Check Jacket £59

Or try this Edge to Edge Check Blazer £58 from Oasis.

H&M’s Double Breasted Jacket £34.99 is also worth a look.

&Other Stories Oversized Checked Blazer £129 is not to be dismissed but probably one to size down on unless you want to look like you have borrowed your dad’s 80’s blazer. Fab with jeans or tailoring alike.

At the top end is Reiss’ Langley Houndstooth Checked Blazer £295.

Ok it’s not a blazer but I love this Bentley Checked Crombie Overcoat £350 also from Reiss which would work just as well over denim as tailoring. I am holding out for a proper coat’s blog to really delve into this season’s outwear, but there will most certainly be checked options about.

Or go get yourself a suit at Hobbs with it’s Ayla Jacket £189 and Trousers £110 which look slick together but could just as easily been worn as separates.

The check dress

For some serious power dressing check out Boden’s Adelaide Tweed Dress £150 which comes in regular or long and looks fresh with the contrasting trims.

Or try Hobbs for it’s Raegan Dress £139.

Thes knot front dresses from Warehouse were best sellers in the summer so add sleeves and a check and you have a winter winner: Check Knot Front Dress £46

Oasis’ Check Tailored Dress £60 also comes in a longer length.

And for something softer which would also work casually, I love this Warehouse Check Midi Shirt Dress £46

The check trouser

Jigsaw does great trousers and these Micro Check Cigarette Trousers £98 would be perfect with plain coloured tops/knits, boucle jackets and paired with pointed flats, heels or loafers.

Or for a larger check try these Overpane Check Paris Trousers £130.

Reiss is another good brand for investing in trousers and these Milan Checked Trousers £120 will work with heels or trainers alike.

For a different silhouette I like Hobb’s Lula Trouser £110 which is styled beautifully here.

Boden’s Richmond Trouser is also a good bet that is in a check this season £65 and comes in petite, regular and longer leg lengths.

Although the blazer may have sold out, Hush’s Cropped Check Trousers £75 are in stock in all sizes and perfect for work with a tailored shirt, soft blouse or fine gauge knit. Or pair with a tee and trainers or boots and you have a more relaxed look.

For a great pair of trousers under £50 try Oasis Check Tailored Trousers £42 which also come in long and short lengths.

And for a bargain, M&S has several checked trousers to choose from including these Checked Slim Leg Trousers £35.

The check skirt

The perfect skirt for the office is this Check Wool Skirt with Front Split £79.95 from Massimo Dutti.

Or there is also this Check Tailored Skirt £42 from Oasis. I love the longer length and the wrap style which makes is much more interesting than your standard pencil.

Mango’s Prince of Wales Skirt £49.99 is also a good bet with it’s button and wrap detailing and will be great with a soft shirt or equally with a nice piece of knitwear.

Or try Jigsaw’s Micro Check Pencil Skirt £98 for a more traditional take on the look. Can’t say I dig the styling though.

Alternatively Reiss’ Perla Skirt £135 is another office-appropriate option.

For a different check option try the Houndstooth Pencil Skirt £49 from &Other Stories as this could easily be dressed up for the office or down for a more casual look.

 

If it is something a bit more fun that you are after then try Hush’s Knot Check Skirt £55 which you could smarten up easily with a fitted piece of knitwear and heels or dress down with ankle boots and a tee as here.

Or for a different silhouette Mango’s Printed Pleated Skirt £49.99 is in a mini houndstooth check.

So from super corporate and traditional to more relaxed looks, here is everything you need to kickstart your start to the season. And with nothing checked in my wardrobe (apart from a spot of gingham which doesn’t really count) a blazer is top of my shopping list.

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