Working girl

The trouble with much of the workwear is that we see these days is that it looks so darned uncomfortable.

Why, for example, do female TV weather presenters now insist on squeezing themselves into tight-fitting, body-con, Lycra-reinforced shift dresses that appear to make most movement (except the occasional point to a map) look almost impossible, and breathing increasingly difficult the longer the weather report goes on?

At first I assumed it might be because someone, somewhere, upstairs at the BBC had decreed that smooth contours work best against the weather map, but, as male TV weather presenters tend to wear conventional suit jackets, rather than Lycra all-in-one cycling ensembles, this cannot be the case. So, I continue to ponder the issue (and would welcome any thoughts and insight on the matter).

Anyway, summer is the time for freedom of movement, even if you are stuck inside, at your desk all day, glancing longingly at the outside world. You want to feel the air (conditioning) circulating all around you, so look for gently tailored tunic dresses and fluid separates in soft and silky fabrics that allow you to think and breathe with ease.

Dressing all in one shade, or within the same tonal palette, is the perfect way to go for interviews or special business meetings, conveying unity and inspiring confidence. Choose white, nude/caramel, soft pale blue, pale grey and earthy light terracotta for this.

Layer, for example, white slouchy tailored peg pants with waist-length white silk T-shirt and longline white or ivory soft jacket. Wear hair loosely tied up, or back, if long. Don’t be tempted to hippify the look with a scarf, not even a white one, and keep jewellery to a minimum.

All-in-ones are ideal for office dressing, especially wrap-style top versions, which give a smart touch, but take care which shoes you wear with these, as sandals can add a holiday or party feel, which might look out of place in an office – try peep-toe shoe-boots instead, or flat brogues, if you don’t really need the height.

Linen is an excellent fabric for summer but look for silk linen and linen mixes, to avoid an overly crumpled look that is no longer in keeping with today’s sleek and easy smart dressing for the office and work.

A lace blouse is a key piece to mix in, to team with cropped cigarette pants or pencil skirt, peplum optional, but do make sure you can move and sit in it. Knee-length, gently flared, silk and chiffon skirts are perfect. Pattern works well, and you can try it all over, but keep it condensed and structured, rather than big, splashy flowerheads.

Insist your accessories work for you by choosing with extreme care. Pointy sling-backs combine coolness with style. Make sure you can walk in your shoes, so you look ready for anything.

Twitter: @yorkshirefashQ