How to do…summer work-wear
Dressing for work. I’m sure none of us thought this was going to be an issue, because once you get your dream job you also get a magical wardrobe full of beautiful, sophisticated, office-appropriate clothes, right? Maybe not. The reality is usually somewhere between a tried and tested, but tired, outfit and ‘sorry I’m late, I tried on five different outfits and I’m still unhappy with what I’ve managed to drag from the washing pile’.
Summertime, particularly in a country with less than dependable weather, makes this all the more challenging. Thankfully, you don’t need to waste those precious minutes of snooze time umm-ing and ahh-ing over what to wear each morning. We at YCB have put together a collection of summer work wear pieces from Hobbs, so get ready for your colleagues to award you best dressed.
A white shirt:
If you don’t already have one, buy one. Then buy another. Then go out and buy a few more. A white shirt will be your go-to piece. It’s an essential for work-wear – go fitted and crisp or relaxed and slouchy, it is a classic piece that works with everything and suits everyone. Opt for interesting details, such as collar detailing, tasteful cut outs, or the subtle hand-punched broderie of the Winifred shirt from Hobbs.
Monochrome:
Can we all agree that monochrome isn’t going anywhere? It will always work, it will always look stylish, and –yes – it will always make up 90% of our wardrobe. Go for a monochrome dress if you want an effortless but pulled together look. Monochrome is a wonderful foundation for experimenting with texture and pattern without it being overwhelming. Don’t dismiss it as boring, pair it with some bright accessories or try a new silhouette. Hobbs’ Marci dress is a perfect summer work-wear piece, stylish and easy to thrown on in a sleep-deprived haze.
The blazer:
If the sun seems to have abandoned you it might not be t-shirt weather, but going into a meeting wrapped in a parka will be greeted with puzzled looks. So you need a blazer: sophisticated and a great way for smartening up a breezy summer dress. You can’t predict British weather, but a blazer will always work (even if you’re not working. Sometimes a 3-hour Instagram break is necessary, you know?) The Hobbs Lillie jacket is a boyfriend fit blazer in a gorgeous pale blush, keeping things relaxed and up to date.
The jumpsuit:
Toilet breaks aside, jumpsuits are the best. It’s a whole outfit in one. It’s perfect for work, going for drinks at your favourite rooftop bar, or meeting up for an impromptu BBQ (the stuff summer dreams are made of). Being able to grab one piece and know that you will feel comfortable and chic all day no matter what you end up doing after work is why the jumpsuit is such a strong work-wear option. Try the Naomi from Hobbs and update your wardrobe with one very hard-working piece.
Culottes:
They’re everywhere, and with good reason. Culottes are the perfect balance between wearable and fashionable. They’re also flattering, comfortable, and a classic silhouette. Pair with trainers or black flats to look like you’ve stepped straight off the streets of Paris during fashion week. Grab yourself a pair of structured culottes in tan, like the Hobbs Carolyn culottes, you’ll thank us later.
There you are, mornings just got a whole lot easier.
