Back to work buys... fashion staples for the new season

The summer holidays may be almost over but the new season’s inspired office staples will last for ever. Emma McCarthy chooses the best
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Emma McCarthy28 August 2012

1. The mix-and-match separates

A multi-tasking item is your back-to-work best friend. These colour-block tops and pencil skirts from Lulu & Co Studio are some of the hardest-working around — pair them or mix and match with anything else you’ve got hanging in your wardrobe. (Left: top, £225, skirt, £295, harveynichols.com. Right: top, £225, skirt, £295, asos.com)

2. The not-so-classic shirt

Traditional is okay but a bit of oomph is even better. This flattering peplum cotton shirt suits everything from simple skirts to tailored shorts and trousers of all shapes and sizes. Layer with a slouchy blazer or cropped jumper when the cold weather bites. (£30, asos.com)

3. The Seasonless dress

Skimpy sundresses and cosy sweater dresses may have their place at the peak of their respective seasons but one look outside will tell you that an in-betweener is worth its weight in gold. This transitional silk dress from Derek Lam’s pre-autumn collection will looks just as good in the last of the sunshine as when the first snow arrives. (From £1,400, from a selection at shopbop.com)

4. The perfect black trousers

Still hunting for the ultimate pair? These fluid, silk crêpe cigarette pants from Parisian label Sandro are the secret weapon in soft tailoring and will safely see you through many, many seasons to come. (£185, 020 7259 9539)

5. The day Clutch

When it comes to a fashionable and practical approach to excess baggage, New York designer Phillip Lim has it sussed. Bung the whole of your working life into this surprisingly spacious oversized clutch and it will never show the strain. (£415, matchesfashion.com)

6. The killer courts

Christian Louboutin has appropriated Kate Middleton’s favourite shoe style, given it a punk makeover and handed it back to us girls in desperate need of toughened-up office attire. Nude courts will never be the same again. Sorry, Kate. (£735, net-a-porter.com)

7. The clean-cut blazer

For a go-with-anything cover-up, keep it basic, not boring. This slick smoking jacket from Mango (£39.99, mango.com) strikes a perfect balance: smart and stylish for Monday to Friday and the tuxedo details can handle an impromptu after-work knees-up.

8. The straight-talking coat

For a winter warmer that means business but still retains its style credentials, look no further than Cos. This fuss-free cashmere blend is the high street hero’s finest. (£175, cosstores.com)

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