6 Ways We're Revamping Office Dress Codes in 2022

Since the 1940’s, relaxed trousers in women’s fashion have embodied a cool confidence, often taking centre stage during times of female empowerment in the workforce. This season we’re taking that ethos to heart with liberating wide-leg cuts that offer both comfort and a voguish insouciance. The casual drape of this silhouette makes it easy to transition from day to night with a switch-out of cropped tees for button-downs. Style a high-waisted pair with equally oversized blazers for an ensemble that says “boss” in and outside the office or embrace the Y2K revival with a trendy low-rise waist.

When we think of workwear, leather doesn’t always come to mind, however as the definition of officewear has evolved, we’ve found finishing utilitarian tailoring in leather elevates the classic suit and gives a chic edge to our nine-to-five look. Wear rich leather-on-leather alone for a powerful office statement or layer your blazer over white tees and sultry crops after-hours for that 90’s it-girl appeal.

Often overlooked as an option for workwear tops, the right styling of buttoned crops and cut-outs can bring new life to the basic blouse. Styled with high-rise pants and skirts, cropped work shirts offer a streamlined alternative to the tucked-in approach with less bunching and without actually showing more skin. Similarly, subtle cut-outs can bring something extra to work basics, or experimenting with buttoned styles that can be modest when needed but give you the option to show-off more at evening soirées.

The right blazer is perhaps the easiest shortcut to making a good look a great one. All-round our approach to suiting this season is rooted in adapting traditionally masculine silhouettes and embracing the effortless confidence of utilitarian style. When it comes to blazers, we’re taking notes from 1980’s power-dressing and bigger is BETTER. Layered over everything from corset tops to turtle necks, use oversized blazers to bring an air of sophistication and self-assurance to your weekly roster no matter the occasion.

Beloved for their cinched look and versatile styling, corset tops have taken runways by storm. Although by far the least traditional garment on the list, don’t underestimate what modern revivals of this 18th century classic can bring to your daily rotation. For an inspired feminine take on the three-piece business suit, consider a cropped corset layered over your button-up in place of a vest, topped off with the perfect blazer to match. After-hours you can ditch the top altogether and wear the corset-blazer combo alone for a sultry statement that plays with feminine and masculine tailoring. We’re also seeing more and more renditions of corsetry that include long sleeves and soft textiles for even more wearability.

Further on this season’s theme of “empowered practicality” we’re once again embracing a time-honoured classic; the trench coat. Named for its hard-wearing use in World War I trenches, this iconic winter staple embodies high-utility layering that over time has garnered popularity for its refined appearance. A key final step in the modern woman’s edit, the trench coat’s assertive poise demands respect no matter where worn.