Picture yourself in 5 years. You’re 26 and you’re renting a luxury apartment in Notting Hill, you work 24/7 three days a week and earn a six-figure salary, the clubs of SW1-3 are your night-time playground and you’ve finally relocated your long-nagging parents to a remote villa in the Bahamas.
Back to reality. You might be interning at that fancy PR firm, but you’re still the dirt underneath everyone’s feet and those all-expense-paid lunches at The Crazy Bear are a long way away.. This week I’ve employed the help of ex-Lifestyle editor, agony uncle and infamous campus-hipster Nicholas Dunn-McAfee to aid me in choosing the perfect wardrobe for your blossoming City career.
We’ve divided this week into three categories: Work, After-work, and Relaxed work. After all, every glamorous Londoner knows you can’t afford to be off your game..
SMART
When it comes to office essentials I always feel it’s best to work your way in (no pun intended), as well-chosen accessories and outerwear will keep you looking well-maintained and professional whatever the weather. Sure, dreams are made on this Burberry number but there are numerous options available at reasonable prices that will make an equally-great first impression. Pair with great hair and some contemporary classic brogues from up-and-coming shoemaker Hudson and you’ll sail through to a graduate invitation.
Whilst a three piece suit might seem a little heavy handed for your internship, bear in mind the flexibility it offers over a standard two piece; you’ve got the opportunity to wear the waistcoat and tone it down with a dark pocket square and tie or you can take the standard two piece up a notch with colourful paisley tie and pocket square. Teamed with a white shirt and these black Hudson wingcaps, you can’t really go wrong with the awkward pocket square and tie combo so long as one carries a touch of the other’s colour.
AFTER-WORK
If there’s one brand that captures the slightly-edgy London vibe perfectly it’s All Saints. Starting in Spitalfields selling re-worked clothing and industrial fabrics, it’s mix of grunge & sleek style has become a metropolitan staple for after dark shenanigans. These heels have a super-flattering hidden platform to add that extra height, and the chunky buckled style will keep your legs looking slender and fashionable through the winter months.
The printed shirt is beginning to look like a multi-season staple. We’ve had Aztec prints, animals prints and coloured fairisle but for something that works from boardroom to bar try this All Saints printed shirt with a blue suit for after-work drinks or a pair of chinos if you’re out at the weekend. The relaxed western styling and ink-discharge print means it’s just the right side of bold for an office environment whilst still standing out from the other white-collar-clones in the bar.
RELAXED
I just love jumpers. If you’re lucky enough to gain a placement (or job) somewhere that allows a smart-casual dress code then a fashionable knit is the perfect finishing touch to your workwear wardrobe; sling on over a basic vest or cami for now, and when the weather cools down (who am I kidding) you can upgrade to a long-sleeved tee without looking too weird. A well-chosen slouchy knit can carry you from work-place to drinks to home again in one fell swoop – although I’d avoid the cat print if you’re trying to snare the fourth-floor hottie. Team it with a bag large enough for your essentials (remember those heels) – we love the Paul Smith Redcar and it’s cute colour-pop strap – and you’re good to go.
Given our tumultuous weather and the impending autumn, me recommending a printed t-shirt and some denim shorts for your relaxed look might be a little irresponsible. If you’re thinking ahead in terms of fashion, there’s never been a better time to grab yourself a transitional jumper. This one, again from All Saints, with shoulder patch and elbow patches not only taps into the continuing heritage trend. It’s lightweight blend of merino, silk and angora means you won’t get hot under the collar but you also won’t fall victim to light rain or a passing breeze. Team them down with some black slim jeans for a simple off-duty look that stays on trend without looking try-hard.