Plan your everyday outfit formula (with four easy pieces)

Outfit formulas: they may sound boring but trust me when I tell you it will make your life 100 times easier. I have dabbled in so many trends over my 20-year career in fashion, but when it comes to looking smart and pulled together, I swear by the same hero pieces in my wardrobe on rotation. I’m a proud outfit repeater, especially when it comes to everyday workwear and the first months of the year being less than sympathetic to the bank balance.

For a versatile everyday uniform, I start with what I consider to be the four hero pieces for an easy work wardrobe: the knitted tank, classic trousers, an everyday shirt and a tote bag. Take a look in your closet and chances are you have some of these already. If you are shopping, my first piece of advice is to make sure these key basics are not too basic! Add a few unexpected (simple) twists; maybe the trousers aren’t black, perhaps the tank is an unexpected pink. The key is to look for simple pieces that offer something slightly different to bring to life the rest of your wardrobe. It’s also a simpler and more affordable way of updating your work wardrobe – these items will work in a plethora of ways with items you already have…

Step 1: Start with classic (ish) trousers

Granted, I’m wearing mostly dark trousers in these pictures, but don’t be too conservative with your hues. We’ll be seeing a lot of brown in the shops this year (which works wonderfully with pale blue) and I’m introducing a burgundy pair to my wardrobe. Without going too wild, choosing a new neutral base opens you up to new colour combinations: claret and blue (not just for football fans), grey and even a flash of red.

We’ve seen the recent take over of barrel-leg jeans (Everlane do the best pair, in my opinion), and this new shape is now coming for your work trousers. Another shout out: Cos do some of the best cut trousers on the high street. I’ve spotted a grey pair (£135) that will instantly add a touch of modernity to your everyday Monday to Friday look. This ankle length is also much easier to wear with flats, too – just add a bright colour sock if you don’t like chilly ankles (M&S or Tabio are where I’d look). For the work from home brigade, can I recommend this gentle sporty pair from M&S? They can still look great with your shirt, tank and even heels. But equally good with trainers on your off-duty days.

Double faced wool jacket, £135, Cos; Cotton blend waistcoat, £120, Cefinn; Wool blend trousers, £130, Hush; Recycled sterling silver earrings, £75 and chain, £65, Catch Rhys; Glasses and shoes, Alex’s own

Step 2: Add a mannish striped shirt

I never tire of a classic oversized shirt, it’s such a great piece to layer but a slightly different cut can really help shake up your existing core pieces. If you are shopping, look for interesting collar details (a pointed collar looks superb under a tank), maybe an exaggerated stripe can break up the norm or try an alternative fabric. Experiment in front of your mirror with tucking in or leaving your shirt tails showing. The latter always looks more relaxed with a knitted vest – to my eye at least.

Cotton shirt, £79, Whistles; Cargo pants, £163, The Frankie Shop; Loafers, £59, Charles & Keith; Suede bag, £495, Me+Em; Gold plated earrings, £75, Edge of Ember; Necklace and glasses, Alex’s own

Step 3: Find a knitted tank to lift your mood

A knitted tank was one of my most worn items last year and it’s a year rounder. Layer over a striped shirt, make that long sleeve midi dress feel office appropriate or wear over a T-shirt for a more casual look. It’s tempting to go for a neutral here but I would recommend a shade that brings the rest of your plainer office pieces to life. Take this Cos pale pink vest. I’m not usually one for pastels, but this ballet slipper pink helps lift a dark palette and works especially well with navy. Feeling bolder? The Damson Madder “Aggie” tank in red (£66) is so adaptable (you’ll potentially wear it outside the office environment, too), leaving you to keep the rest of the look simple.

Mohair vest, £85, Cos; Cotton shirt, £25, Marks & Spencer; Wool blend trousers, £99.95, Massimo Dutti; Leather loafers, £205, Bobbies; Recycled sterling silver earrings, £75, Catch Rhys

Glasses, Alex’s own

Step 4: Don’t leave the house without a capacious tote

I’m not going to convince you to downsize here, a giant bag is an essential workaday saviour, but I am going to urge you to look for an alternative to black. Chocolate brown suede looks so beautiful (easier to maintain than tan suede, which is like a magnet for stains!). Sézane has a patent leather tote (in four classic colours, but believe me the accent colour for 2025 is pillar box red) that will hold a laptop, spare shoes and everything else you’ll need all week. Look for leather and durable materials, it’s an investment but one that will serve you well in the long run.

Wool blend cardigan, £49, John Lewis; Wool trousers, £295, Cefinn; Textured leather bag, £155, & Other Stories; Gold plated earrings, £75, Edge of Ember; Necklace, glasses and shoes, Alex’s own

Step 5: Experiment!

It may not be groundbreaking, but I truly believe that tweaking existing core workwear pieces is a much simpler solution to upgrading your wardrobe. Just one of these items will open up different ways of dressing and add a new perspective. And that’s exactly how I like to dress: minimal effort, maximum impact. Here are a few of the combinations I put together in the studio.