WORDS
Jemima Wilson
With the majority of the City currently working from home, it can be difficult to decide how to strike the balance between being comfortable yet professional in your attire. While it is tempting to roll out of bed and work in your pyjamas for the day, or don your sportswear in preparation for that workout you may or may not do later, there comes a time when considering your outfit is vital for important video conference calls and meetings, as well as for getting in the right frame of mind to focus on work.
The good news is that many of the brands you may usually consider for your business wardrobe also have more relaxed options available, which are suited to home-working. While some may argue that the clothes you wear don’t necessarily affect the work you do, there is no doubt that feeling smart and well put together undoubtedly gives you an instant confidence boost and the best chance to perform at your best.
Crockett & Jones ‘lion rampant’ Albert velvet slippers
Northampton-based, family-owned shoemaker Crockett & Jones has been crafting the finest quality footwear since 1879. However, the inspiration for its Lion Rampant house slipper dates back to the early 1800s, when an attractive and practical indoor shoe was needed to protect wooden floors and the expensive rugs that adorned the gentrys’ palaces and grand homes of England from dirt and grime. Ideal for anyone who wishes to add cosy opulence to their working- from-home ensemble, these slippers feature a lion embroidery design and are made from soft velvet, with a satin quilted lining and hard leather soles.
£285; crockettandjones.com
Trunk Clothiers ‘Norfolk’ merino cardigan in olive
Founded by Mats Klingberg in 2010, Trunk’s original shop is located on Marylebone’s Chiltern Street, purveying a curated edit of contemporary yet classic brands from around the world, alongside its own in-house Trunk label. Perfect for days when you want to be warm but still chic, the chunky 3-ply, mid-gauge merino wool cardigan is an adaptable layering piece that can be worn over any kind of shirt or T-shirt. Knitted in Scotland especially for Trunk, it features single cuffs, a high neck with a comfortable ribbing and two discrete front pockets.
£350; trunkclothiers.com
Turnbull & Asser ‘holiday fit’ stripe linen short-sleeve shirt
Jermyn Street institution Turnbull & Asser has been renowned as an authority on shirt-making since it was founded over 130 years ago. Indeed, one of the first Royal Warrant granted by HRH The Prince of Wales was to Turnbull & Asser for its shirts. While, as the name suggests, its linen ‘holiday fit’ shirt was handmade in England and designed with jetting-off to sunny locations in mind, the shirt’s short-sleeved cut, rever collar and classic contrast vertical stripes make it relaxed enough to wear at home and it will look effortlessly elegant for any video call. Plus, you can wear it on your next beach holiday, too.
£250; turnbullandasser.com
Brunello Cucinelli matte nylon trousers
Located in the picturesque medieval village of Solomeo, in Umbria, Italy, Brunello Cucinelli believes the skilled craftsmanship and passion of his artisans makes all the difference to the quality of the final product. Dedicated to moments of relaxation and free time, these sporty trousers are crafted from lightweight matte nylon with drawstring sides and pocket zippers with contrast color details in cream Panama and orange accents. The fit is comfortable with relaxed proportions, featuring elasticated cuffs with side openings for extra ease.
£850; brunellocucinelli.com
Connolly grey robe de chambre cashmere dressing gown
Connolly was founded as a saddler and shoesmith in 1878 and it soon became associated with the automobile industry, supplying high-quality leather for high-profile clients including Rolls-Royce, Ferrari and Jaguar for over 100 years. Now a label offering a luxurious collection of tailored separates, classic sportswear, knits and leather goods, it’s no surprise its chunky and versatile cashmere knit robe is a Connolly favourite all-year round. Carefully crafted in Scotland, the robe cashmere envelops in a generous boxy cut, perfect for wearing over pretty much anything. Wide sleeves feature a contrasting rib with a seamless soft hood and matching belt completing the laid-back layering vibe.
£1,050; connollyengland.com
CQP ‘jetty’ low wholecut slip-on sneakers
While shoes may be the last thing you think about when putting your ‘working from home’ outfit together, footwear must be considered for a lunchtime stroll or a walk to the shop to give your legs a stretch away from your home-based desk. Specialising in handmade sneakers, shoe brand CQP was born from a passion for great design and quality, and its slip-on ‘Jetty’ style is made from 100% Italian suede, constructed with a supportive sole, arch support and several layers of cushioning for supreme comfort. It also features a calf leather inner lining and a removable inner sole.
£270; c-qp.com
Hamilton and Hare x Mulo suede slippers
Comfy slippers are without doubt one of your most crucial wardrobe essentials during a lockdown period. Combining Mulo’s expertise in innovative and stylish footwear for men, and Hamilton and Hare’s expertise in premium fabrics and comfort-focused clothing, the two British brands have come together to create a slipper that delivers on both comfort and class. The Hamilton and Hare x Mulo slipper is based on the Oxford dress shoe, carefully handmade with Italian suede and cushioned footbed, with Hamilton and Hare signature 100% cotton knitted jersey. Lined with sumptuous, highly-breathable natural shearling, and all-natural rubber grip soles, the slipper is a dependable downtime extravagance for home working – or lounging – in style.
£145; hamiltonandhare.com
Hackett coral trim polo shirt in regatta blue
Whether you know it through connections to sport, a ‘first’ suit for a graduate job, a bespoke or made-to-measure suit for a special occasion, or a tweed jacket for country pursuits, Hackett remains a household name. Long associated with the world of polo thanks to its partnership as official clothing provider to the Hackett British Army Polo Team, the Hackett polo shirt is an iconic wardrobe staple that is the epitome of sporting sophistication. Add a pop of colour to your casual collection with this bright polo shirt, crafted in piqué cotton in a classic fit. The plain silhouette is subtly elevated with a coral print loop on the back neckline, and Hackett’s trademark logo embroidery lends a sartorial stamp of approval.
£85; hackett.com
Favourbrook midnight navy silk dressing gown
Founded by Oliver Spencer in 1993, Favourbrook is one of London’s most prominent purveyors of partywear, specialising in elegant yet striking attire for evening soirees, weddings and the races, as well as smart daywear. While you are unable to don your finest attire to go out for social occasions, there is no more decadent luxury to lift your spirits than working from home in a lavish silk dressing gown. This beautiful silk and velvet midnight robe is available as made-to-order only, and can be processed through the Favourbrook Pall Mall store.
£1,490; favourbrook.com