Back to work

If your hard-earned festive break has passed by in a flurry of frantic Christmas shopping, party preparations, eating and recovering, then no doubt you’ll now be back at your desk desperately sipping espressos and remembering November as if it was only yesterday.

It’s disheartening to find your colleagues have returned to work looking refreshed and ready to start 2012, while your head is still filled with returning gifts and scrubbing turkey fat out of the oven.

A great way to beat the bite of getting back to the office is to work it with colour, as this winter’s bright work wear trends provide an ideal platform to help you radiate a whole new you for the New Year. This is not the time to suit up in an austere palette of black blazers or grey two- pieces, however sharp it might make you look.

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Instead, take a jewel-toned blouse, maybe emerald green, with a pussy bow neck, and tuck it into a burgundy calf length pencil skirt, as seen when Jonathan Saunders’ fresh-faced models strutted down the catwalk. Adding rich colours to work wear is the key rule of the prevalent Forties’ glamour trend. Gucci brought a sharp outfit to life by matching a dove grey overcoat with a pair of orange Palazzo pants similar to these flattering trousers from Awear (above) and Debenhams (right). Follow Gucci by mixing in a deep purple fur stole and matching fedora hat.

Vintage print wrap dresses also key into the Forties’ trend, as long as they fall well below the knee and are teamed with a pair of Mary Jane heels. Carry one of the latest mini briefcase style bags or a satchel to show you mean business.

Colour blocking is ideal for seeing you into the spring, so clash two or three colours on tights, skirt and top. Or introduce a new colour with a simple accessory. Keep colours separate and don’t confuse the colour blocking effect with too many accessories.

If the corporate environment calls for nothing but a sharp suit then neutral shades such as cream, tan and beige can be revved up with a hint of orange – perfect for this season’s Sixties’ revival. Look out for textured fabrics, as with this stylised two-piece from the very latest Next collection, just about to hit the shops and online.

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Don’t forget outerwear as part of your well-formulated, “I mean business” outfit, as colleagues and contacts often notice your coats and jackets at least as much as your indoor working gear.When it comes to nipping out for lunch, don’t just pop on your weekend walking jacket. Instead invest in a long belted overcoat, a pair of elbow length leather gloves and a fur stole to keep your feeling both cosy and fashionable.

Now that you are striding the corridors in style, you’ll look and feel ready to take on 2012.

Please note that some items may be in sale.

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