Annmarie O'Connor: Executive dressing is back and here's how to wear the look

Ready to look the business? Onboard your wardrobe with these 10 new hires

Thu, 21 Sep, 2023 - 06:00

Annmarie O’Connor

It had to happen. Business casual is being managed out. After years of waist-up and hybrid dressing, executive dressing is back with Saint Laurent at the helm. Expect a redux of office staples with strong menswear references and a strict policy of tailoring in checks and pinstripes. Best practice? Take the corporate vibe from the ‘80s boardroom to today’s flexible workplace culture with soft knit separates and a subdued palette. Introduce fashionable deal makers like a power shoulder blazer or a pencil skirt that best suit the optics of your personal brand. Now, go ask for that promotion. Ready to look the business? Onboard your wardrobe with these 10 new hires.

Rectangular Nappa leather camera bag

Massimo Dutti, €89.95

Horsebit buckle leather belt

Arket, €69

‘Clara’ snake print leather shoes

Aeyde, €295

‘Joy’ check turn-up trousers

LK Bennett, €345

Water-repellent premium trench coat

Mango, €239.99

100% cashmere turtleneck

Mango, €119.99

Double-breasted fil-à-fil suit blazer

Massimo Dutti, €169

Wool peplum knit blazer

Zara, €69.95

Aviator shield sunglasses

& Other Stories, €35

Twist front satin blouse

& Other Stories, €89

STYLE NOTES:

Want to give your wardrobe a professional audit? Use this method to divide and conquer.

ONE-SHOT DEALS are apparel that does the thinking for you. These time-savvy staples always get the job done but don’t work well as a team. Dresses, anyone? That said, their reliability is unquestionable. Consider these your go-to garments when interviewing, pitching or meeting with senior management. Allot: 25 per cent of your closet.

REPEAT BUSINESS are separates that prove greater than the sum of their parts. Individually unassuming, when combined in various iterations, these workhorses add significant value and multiply opportunities for wear-time. High on potential but require consistent, creative management to see results. Allot: 75 per cent of your closet.

DEAL-BREAKERS are the riffraff that pose professional liability and require managing out, if not immediate dismissal. They include but are not limited to anything scuffed, creased, stained, ripped, faded or in need of repair; anything worn to the beach, bar, bed or gym; and anything referred to as ‘this old thing’. Such offenders offer no career pay-off and should be avoided. Allot: No space.

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