As the days get lighter and the weather gets warmer, we're looking ahead to spring's balmy days spent in parks and at rooftop bars, and making sure our wardrobe follows suit. Think mules, lightweight jackets, pretty dresses, ruffles, and statement sleeves. But what about our work wardrobes?
There's something tricky about mastering your 9-5 attire come spring: it's no longer coat weather but not necessarily warm enough to go bare-legged; we're ready to shed autumnal tones but not quite there with summer's full-on colour clash.
When you've got ideas to pitch, international Skype calls to dial-in on, and snooze-worthy catch-ups with Jeff from accounts (sorry Jeff), the last thing you want to think about is an uncomfortable knit or dodgy hemline. Well, whether you're freelance, earn your keep at a creative agency, or bring it in the boardroom, we've picked the best pieces to reinvigorate your working week.
If your office environment is more corporate than cool, make the white shirt your outfit's centrepiece. This puffed-up sleeve speaks for itself.
ASOS Blouse With Exaggerated Sleeve, £34, available at ASOS
These are perhaps the best trousers we've ever laid eyes on. Who said tailoring had to be boring? Thanks to Gucci, you can add some eccentricity to your 9-5.
Gucci Ruffled Cropped Metallic Tapered Pants, £1,300, available at Net-A-Porter
**PROMO FEATURE**
Gap has taken two of our favourite spring trends – culottes and jumpsuits – and put them into one standout, work-appropriate piece. Office attire with ease? Check.
Gap Culotte Jumpsuit, £54.95, available at Gap
This is the season for more-than-meets-the-eye shirts, and this candy-striped Zara number is really easy to wear.
Zara Striped Blouse With Pleated Sleeves, £29.99, available at Zara
This woollen blazer is so chic when paired with slouchy trousers. Top it off with your best white kicks for city-slick office attire.
Mango Structured Wool Blazer, £139.99, available at Mango
Once again, a classic trouser shape gets a SS17 refresh. The duck-egg blue and leather fabric turn your trusty workwear into a water-cooler talking point.
Topshop Real Leather Trousers, £150, available at Topshop
Let this statement shirt do the talking by teaming with black trousers and accessories.
Ellery Echo Gathered Cotton-Jacquard Shirt, £500, available at Net-A-Porter
Throw a blazer over this ruffled stripe skirt and, come warmer weather, team with an OTT blouse.
Zara Striped Skirt With Frill, £49.99, available at Zara
There's no beating a classic brogue, and COS is your reliable source for the best leather pairs.
COS Lace-Up Leather Shoes, £115, available at COS
Dresses layered over trousers are the ultimate interesting-but-professional combo – double up with this J.W.Anderson pair or mix and match your favourite pieces.
J.W.Anderson Draped Striped Cotton-Crepe Dress, £1,250, available at Net-A-Porter
White is the easiest way to bring your wardrobe firmly into spring.
Topshop Open Back Wide Leg Trousers, £55, available at Topshop
Come spring, the last thing you need is to stuff your feet into hot, closed-toe shoes. Think slides are too informal for the office? This satin pair from Zara brings a minimalist touch to your slouchy suit.
Zara Satin Bow Slides, £25.99, available at Zara
If you're reluctant to sport a blazer, think again. This Gucci jacket shows you mean business but brings the fun, too.
Gucci Appliquéd Checked Wool-Blend Tweed Blazer, £2,340, available at Net-A-Porter
Smart shoes get the Midas touch from & Other Stories.
& Other Stories Horsebit Loafer Pumps, £69, available at & Other Stories
The best way to springify your day-to-day staples? Colour. This sunshine suit should do it.
Topshop Oversized Suit Blazer, £65, available at Topshop
For those days when you still need a cover-up, this Roksanda duster is a gorgeous brick hue.
Roksanda Melba Silk-Satin Coat, £1,895, available at Net-A-Porter
Slip dresses are so versatile – layer over shirts and knits for day, and add a blazer for desk-to-colleague's-birthday-drinks.
& Other Stories Lace Slip Dress, £55, available at & Other Stories
The reinvention of the shirt doesn't just mean extravagant sleeves. Wraps, bows and ties all feature; this asymmetric Stella piece is your go-to.
Stella McCartney One-Shoulder Pinstriped Cotton-Poplin Top, £405, available at Net-A-Porter
Once again, COS is our shoe saviour. We love the two-tone suede.
COS Chunky Heel Suede Pumps, £125, available at COS
A leather skirt is always welcome in our wardrobe; paired with a striped knit or tucked-in shirt makes it work-appropriate.
Whistles Ines Leather Top Stitch Skirt, £280, available at Whistles
Culottes aren't going anywhere, so hold on to yours and style with an oversized shirt.
Joseph Nixie Pleated Cropped Wide-Leg Pants, £245, available at Net-A-Porter
What better way to jazz up the office than with a punchy electric blue?
Zara One Shoulder Asymmetric Bodycon Dress, £19.99, available at Zara
If your office has a strict dress policy, a simple way to change up your game is with statement earrings. This pair from Whistles are divine.
Whistles Mirabelle Oval Earrings, £30, available at Whistles
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