Before we begin, I would like to present to you the raison d'être for this article.
As someone who fully prescribes to the philosophy of glorified laziness, it is natural that I would want to pick clothes that go with as many things as possible. You want to find the most number of combinations and possibilities for the least number of clothes owned. A game of permutations, if you may. Ideally, your clothes would be innocuous enough your boss won't notice you wearing the same clothes two days in a row, so you won’t find any frills, fancy florals, or complex geometric prints here. What we have instead is an offering of basic work staples.
In curating the lazy wardrobe, it is easy to feel rather restricted choice-wise. One way to stand out is to look out for clothes with small, yet interesting and unique details. Pick something that’s recognizably classic, but retains a certain presence. Instead of opting for bright colours, keep a lookout for pieces with variegated textures.
Okay you guys here we go.
1. T-Shirts
The ubiquitous t-shirt comes in a variety of kinds and colours. Pick out a scoop neck of the less-slouchy variety for something slightly more formal. This number from Topshop has a scratchy hem detail.
Nibbled Hem Tee from Topshop - €16
2. White buttoned blouse
The wardrobe staple that goes great with most things, from jeans to ankle pants. Dress it up or down accordingly. A general rule of fabric is that the stiffier and less comfortable it looks, the more formal.
Crisp Stretch Poplin Shirt from Nordstrom – €38.03
One Button White Blouse: Poplin blouse from Zara – €39.95
Okay, so I like this because it’s places an interesting twist on a blank canvas. The side cuts and the button detail make this a rather cool piece.
3. Boldly Flout 19th Century Sensibilities with: Ankle pants
Gallery Side Zip Trousers from Dunnes- €35
Straight-cut black pants are the other staple of any work wardrobe. This pair has a side zip and a v-notch at the ankle to prevent your pants from bunching. Thoughtful.
Saville cr bi s black from Acne Studios - €290
Fitted, but not skin-tight, and the pleat in the front gives for a simple, but nice touch
Top tip: If you are severely lacking in height or if your pants don’t sit at the exact length you want them to, it is absolutely worth it to go get them tapered. The devil is in the detail.
4. To combat the complex of too-cold offices worldwide: Sweaters and Cardigans
Black Waterfall Cardigan from Penneys – €14
I personally prefer my cardigans with a bit of billow to them. The Vader cape aesthetic gives that elusive zig-a-zig-ah that short, body hugging cardigans don’t. Pair with a white button-up for a touch of preppy.
Krysia Sweater in Cloud Dancer from Wood Wood – €250
Copenhagen street wear label Wood Wood is a personal favourite for their clean cuts. The boxy cut and two-toned zip detail make me quite happy.
5. Dark Shoes
Shoes are the final frontier, everybody. A formal looking pair can make your outfit approx. 26% more work-friendly. I selected dark coloured shoes because they require less deliberate thought to wear and pair.
Jackson Black from Anne Thomas - €155
Black shoes pair well with almost anything. This pair from French label Anne Thomas is part prep and part formal. Opt to pair with a simple white top, a cardigan, and black pants for a basic work-ready look.
Contrast Ankle Boots from Zara – €39.95
Clean and simple, making the zip detail pop well.
Black Chelsea Welly from Penneys – €9
Why has nobody ever commented on the pure genius that is the welly x Chelsea boot hybrid, I’ll never know. I’m not entirely convinced they are all-purpose work-friendly (Your Office’s Mileage May Vary) but conventional wisdom has led me to believe that employees with dry feet are the happiest.
6. Bags
Benin from Moss Copenhagen – 150.00 DKK or about €20
There are many options for a work bag, but this shopper is a good value option and is also dimensionally big enough to smuggle an entire dozen box of donuts to work in.
There you have it, I think I've assembled what is practically the most boring list of outfits ever, but anything for the extra 5 minutes in the morning I don't have to waste trying to match my clothes.
For more cool lists and fashion tips check out RTÉ Fashion.
