HOT DESKING: HOW TO UPDATE YOUR WORK WARDROBE

Move over mini – the pencil skirt is coming back (and not just to the office). This midi-length style has cropped up on runways all year long, establishing itself firmly in the AW25 trend roster. With a fitted shape and sleek, structured fabric options, it’s the perfect bottom half to parade around in cooler weather. The preppy energy is also great for this time of year, serving up plenty of office-siren energy to keep your colleagues on the edge of their seats.

GET THE LOOK: 

ASOS DESIGN denim pencil midi skirt in chocolate, £34
ASOS DESIGN tailored belted pencil midi skirt in grey melange, £40
Levi's ankle column faux leather skirt in black, £95
Pretty Lavish tailored midaxi skirt in cream, £55

Cooler weather means heavier fabrics, and this year is all about tweed, wool and other heritage textures. Think long country walks and fireside catch-ups. This very British energy is dominating the fashion landscape right now – and there’s no reason you can’t supplement the same vibes when heading to your desk job. Tailored wool coats are the perfect complement to your corporate uniform, providing a sleek silhouette that won’t mess up more formal tailoring. Plus, they look just as good with jeans and a tee for those weekend walks in the wilderness.

GET THE LOOK: 

ARKET wool maxi belted trench coat with side splits in Khaki, £279
& Other Stories belted wool coat in mole, £245
Weekday Logan wool blend oversized double breasted coat in black, £135
Abercrombie & Fitch crop tweed blazer in cream, £85

Whether you’re going to back to school or back to the office, autumn is the ideal time to refresh your fashion roster with some new-start energy. Plaid is a go-to in this department, giving serious old-academia that works just as well in the corporate world. The best part about a check pattern is that it looks great in any outfit formula – whether you opt for a tartan jacket, scarf, coat or skirt. This is your opportunity to have fun with the standard monochrome palette that frequents a meeting room. Just look at Cher Horowitz – if she can pull off a tartan yellow two-piece and still rule the school, so can you.

GET THE LOOK: 

ASOS DESIGN buckle detail pleated kilt midi skirt in brown check, £50
ASOS DESIGN side split co-ord maxi skirt in brown check, £38
ASOS DESIGN collared fitted tailored jacket in grey check, £55
ASOS DESIGN scarf with dogtooth check in black and white design, £18

Complex silhouettes might not be the first thing on your office-bound radar, but mixing up your usual pieces is a great way to inject some fun into corporate style. This season, fringing is having a real moment, bringing some movement and vintage flair to even the simplest of looks. Opt for a tasselled skirt or jacket when heading to your 9-5 – both provide an unexpected twist on your usual uniform. Just think of all the enviable stares you’ll get when sashaying your way to the water cooler.

GET THE LOOK: 

ASOS DESIGN boucle fringe hem mini skirt in cream, £28
Never Fully Dressed PU fringe midaxi skirt in black, £149
ARRANGE linear floral fringe asymmetric midi skirt in floral print, £110
ARRANGE embroidered halterneck fringe hem longline top in black, £95

Whether you reach for heels, loafers or flats for the work commute, office footwear can feel limiting at the best of times. But the great news is, smart school-style shoes are all the rage this season. Loafers will undoubtedly be dominating our winter wardrobes for years to come, but there are plenty of alts to throw into the mix, too. Mary-Janes and ballet flats are timeless and versatile nods to your days on the playground, while 90s-style skinny boots will give you an elevated edge when worn with more casual wide-fitting trousers and suiting.

GET THE LOOK: 

Topshop Narla premium real leather high pin heeled ankle boots in burgundy, £110
ASOS DESIGN Peso platform Mary Jane high heel shoes in black, £30
SEQWL Wide Fit Iris tie detail ruched ballet flats in black micro, £16
ASOS DESIGN Mellow premium loafer mules in taupe suede, £85