In my mind, workday dressing should be a wonderful ritual that sets you up for the day. The reality is that I spend an hour lovingly doing my daughter’s hair, carefully washing her face and helping her pick out her perfect pink-on-pink outfit. Afterwards, a scrappy four minutes remain for me to throw on anything clean and vaguely presentable.

I think about clothes all the time – obviously, that’s my job – and I’ve been trying to move away from a formulaic way of dressing to something more creative and joyful. But, you know what? 7.55am on a Monday calls for formulaic; it’s all my busy mind and schedule can take at that time.

So, I am pleased to report that I’ve finally cracked it. The perfect workwear formula that works every time. It’s based on three core elements that I am reasonably confident most of us already have in our wardrobes. And if you don’t? Buying them will be a smart investment for your sanity.

First up, the core of the outfit is a wide-leg trouser. We have talked about these so much at Stylist recently and the reason is… they are fabulous. Smart yet relaxed. They mean business but are of the moment. And crucially, they’re comfy. I bought a pair from The Frankie Shop in December and I wear them three times a week, maybe four. Cost per wear, you can’t fault them. 

I’ve added a couple of other favourites below.

Arket

Linen shirt, £57

Croco leather belt, £57

Linen trousers, £87

With these core trousers, you need to wear a basic top. Depending on the type of day you have in front of you, this could be a crisp white T-shirt, an oversized shirt, a V-neck knit or a slimline cardigan. All of the above will work with minimal fuss – just pick what works best for you. If your office requires a smarter outfit, opt for a masculine shirt tucked in and wear with square-toe loafers. You can even add a blazer if you wish. If your office is more informal, a T-shirt and bright retro trainers will look slick. 

And the final piece of the magic wardrobe puzzle is a belt. When some of my chicest friends started to wear belts again after many years in the sartorial wilderness, I was unconvinced. But, as ever, they were right, and a slim leather belt with a metal buckle is the quickest way to elevate a simple look for the workday. It pulls together two simple basics and turns them into something more. 

This workwear formula has got me through the first three months of 2025, and I plan to utilise it for the rest of the year. So my advice is: buy yourself a belt. It will update your simple separates in an instant. You won’t regret it.  

Mango

Knit strap top, £17.99

Telmo belt, £35.99

Wide-leg pleated trousers, £59.99

Leather straps sandals, £79.99

Images: Getty; courtesy of brands