The Reader Report: Vol II.
All your questions, outfit pics and comments in one place.
Welcome to the last Workwear Inc. of 2024. This newsletter is a Reader Report – essentially a mish-mash of reader questions and feedback. I’ll keep this intro short and sweet: not much to say here other than a big thank you to everyone who submitted their questions and photos – and see you in the new year!
Fedora x
Commutable, Crease-Free Outfits
Q. Can you please do a commuter edit with non-crumple layering for going from cold train to hot office to meeting to dinner etc.?
A. This is a tricky one, but after years of trying to manage my temperamental internal thermostat, I am convinced I have discovered the perfect combo: a thick wool coat, a blouse and a cardigan.
Here’s why it works. A properly warm coat means you won’t need to pack on too many layers underneath (you’ll be gasping to get them off as soon as you’re indoors). Secondly, a blouse or shirt in something like a seersucker or a plissé or wonderfully wrinkle-resistant Tencel will still look the same after hours of wear – I’ve raved a few times about my seersucker shirt from Nanushka and it’s easily one of the best purchases I’ve made this year. Finally, the cardigan will add that extra layer of warmth when you need it BUT you can whip it off and wrap it round your shoulders (very chic) without messing up your hair and makeup.
For cardigans, I’d err towards something short and crewneck, as it generally looks a bit more polished. I’d also try coordinating at least two of these (e.g. matching coat and cardigan), which will make the outfit look instantly pulled together, even if you’re feeling frazzled.
For the rest of your outfit, a pair of black tailored trousers that fit impeccably will work for every occasion – I wear mine for meetings, for dinners, for nights out. For shoes, I’d do a smart-yet-walkable boot (see the Stuart Weitzmans below) or a loafer. And then on busy, back-to-back days where I’m trotting around town, I like to carry a couple bits of jewellery in a pouch to switch out from day to night. Nothing helps me transition from work mode to party mode like a big pair of hoops.
Corporate Shoes
Q. Please could you a corporate shoe edit for those of us with size 42-plus feet?
A. Certainly! I’ve scoured through a few of my favourite brands and here are a few options at different price points.
Aeyde is my go-to for shoes at the moment and a couple styles are currently on sale on Net-A-Porter – I’ve raved about these Mary Jane ballet flats a few times already, and there’s also one pair of these heeled loafers left in a 42.
If you’re a fan of the heeled loafer look, then Toteme has a very cool croc-effect pair too. They’re available in a deep brown shade on Farfetch, or you can get them half the price on Luisa via Roma in a golden brown shade. I’d also check out The Outnet for a bargain on boots – I found these from Stuart Weitzman, which are a gorgeous shape, in a 42.5.
Finally, Cos. I’m generally of the view that ‘cheap’ high-street footwear is a false economy and that it’s tricky to find a decent-quality, long-lasting pair of shoes for less than a couple hundred pounds. However, if budget is tight, then these buckled ballet flats, which go up to a 42, have got my seal of approval.
Rucksack Recs
Q. Do you have any recommendations for stylish rucksacks?
A. I’ll be honest – it’s been a loooong time since I wore a rucksack. (I’m getting DofE flashbacks just writing this.) However, if I were to invest in one nowadays – and my back would probably thank me for it – I’d opt for something as streamlined as possible. Most backpacks seem to be kitted out with all sorts of pockets and straps and gizmos, which are no doubt super handy, but they’re also very ugly.
First up, Rains. Rains’ rucksacks are everywhere in London but it’s because they’ve easily got the best, most handsome selection out there and they’re reasonably priced to boot. Their standard fabric is a bit too techy for my tastes, so I’d probably go for their rolltop style in the glossy black to add a little glam factor.
If budget allows / you got a big fat Christmas bonus, Loewe is always a good idea. The brand does a gorgeous curved backpack as part of their ‘Flamenco’ range that has lots of lovely little design details. And there’s also APC’s Nino – supposedly for men, but it looks pretty unisex to me. It’s not much to write home about in terms of design, but it’s sleek, roomy and won’t make you look like you’re off on a hike.
Cosy in Cos
One fabulous reader (my sister) wears the Cos jumper featured in The Turtleneck Edit. I’d link it again but sadly it’s now sold out.
Smart-ish Trainers
Q. Could you suggest trainers that aren’t just for commuting?
A. I have a bit of a love-hate relationship with trainers. Like most people nowadays, I default to them day-to-day out of ease, but I also resent that we’ve given up on making an effort in the footwear department – and dressing up in general to be honest. Rant aside, I will say that not all trainers are made equal, and some are certainly much better looking than others.
If you’re in one of those of smart-casual-ish, no-dress-code-but-still-make-an-effort-please sort of workplaces, then I’d veer away from anything that can be mistaken as an actual exercise shoe. I think the key word here is ‘considered’ – ideally whatever trainer you choose should look like an intentional part of your outfit rather than something you’ve just tossed on because it’s comfy. Throw in ‘clean’ and ‘unscuffed’, too (although I’d hope that was a given).
A plain white leather trainer might seem like the obvious ‘smart’ option but to me it’s just very dull. Instead, I’m a fan of more retro, low-top styles with something to say. Right now, when I’m not in my Aeyde boots, I’m wearing the Adidas SL-72 in a chocolate brown and maroon, which I find just as stylish as any of the other more fancy shoes I own (and it hides marks and dirt very well). Next on my list is probably the Mexico 66 style by Onitsuka Tiger in the Birch / Peacoat colourway. I’m also very much pro-Nike Cortez – these in an olive-green brushed suede are delicious. And if you’ve got a bit of extra cash to spend, then try Toteme’s ‘Sport’ in suede and twill.