Dressing for the Office: The Shirts, Knits and Dresses That Do the Work
A working wardrobe beyond the blazer: the shirts, knits, dresses, skirts, bags and shoes we would buy for the office this season.
Fashion /
Morning Uniform: A Coat, Good Jeans and Trainers for the School Run
The coats, jeans, knits, trainers, totes and sunglasses we would wear on the school run and through the rest of the day.
By Taiwo AdedayoEvery piece here has been chosen by our editors. We may earn a commission on some products.
The school run is ten minutes at the gate, but the outfit usually has to last until pick-up: a coffee, a meeting, a supermarket. That asks for a proper coat, jeans that fit, a warm knit and shoes you can walk in. These are the pieces we would choose, from £170 to £1,160, all in stock now.
The jacket 
Nour Hammour and Polo Ralph Lauren
Nour Hammour’s barn jacket is red suede with a contrasting leather collar and patch pockets, cut for a relaxed fit. £780.
Polo Ralph Lauren’s is olive green with diamond quilting, a corduroy collar and press studs. £419.
The knit 
Le Kasha and Guest In Residence
Le Kasha’s Fraga cardigan is finely knitted from organic cashmere with wide ribbed trims, £198. Guest In Residence’s cashmere cardigan is dark brown with a collar and a western yoke, £511.
The bag and the glasses 
Polo Ralph Lauren, Courrèges, Saint Laurent, Fortela
Polo Ralph Lauren’s navy canvas tote has pebbled leather trims, £370. Courrèges’ Heritage is light grey calf leather with a detachable shoulder strap, £400.
For low autumn sun: Saint Laurent’s tortoiseshell-effect oval frames, £236, or Fortela’s Audreyn cat-eye with gradient lenses, £337.
What makes it work
Choose the coat first, since it is what everyone sees, and make sure it fits over a knit. A straight or slightly relaxed jean works with trainers, loafers and boots alike. Pick a tote with a zip or a fastening, so it can be dropped in the car. Keep the palette simple, and everything goes with everything.
Watch: a week of school-run outfits
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