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SPOTLIGHT ON

Your back to work style guide

2 January 2019

The endless moments where day blends into night as you while away the hours on the sofa, pondering what to eat next, are sadly over for another 360-something days. It’s time, gentlemen, to dust off and move on, back to where you were a couple of weeks ago – a fully fledged member of the working world.  

A new year may mean many different things but for us, the most important fresh start should begin and end with your wardrobe. Not only do new clothes hold the key to keeping you sharp and stylish, but they also have the propensity to be a serious mood booster, keeping you mentally and physically on track for that 6am alarm and the long working day that inevitably lies ahead. So, whether getting back to work means a sharpening up your T-shirt act if you work from home, or requires you to be suited (literally) and booted every day, here are the crucial ways to make sure you’re stepping out in style this January.

The suit

There’s nothing that says you’re ready for a fresh start like a new suit. Whether you’re going back into the office or college, a decent two-piece can speak volumes for your daily intentions. With winter in full swing, you’re going to want to reach for a thicker fabric (like wool) in colours that reflect the season (such as dark red, green and blue). Don’t be afraid to add a waistcoat into the mix, either – not only will it provide you with some extra warmth on the coldest days, but it’s also a fantastic way to up the style stakes, too. And remember, it always pays to pick the right style for your body shape – because the last thing anyone needs after the festive season is something unflattering…

The basics

There’s no time like a new year to cast aside old, worn-out pieces in favour of brand new ones. An excellent wardrobe should be filled with classic basics that work for every occasion, including (but not limited to): roll necks, T-shirts, chinos, shirts and strong knitwear. Go in with neutral colours as a starting point, before developing your wardrobe to host brighter, bolder colours as the year goes on. The perfect wardrobe will be continuously stockpiled with the best basics out there and if chosen carefully and properly, should only require a couple of each.

The coat

The deepest depths of winter deserve to be faced with optimum warmth, and your outerwear will undoubtedly be your saving grace. While it might be fair to say that a new coat – whether you’re choosing a sleek Epsom or a bold parka – can come with a hefty price tag, but in our eyes, the right outerwear is undoubtedly worth the investment. Our best advice? Pick something that can be worn day-to-day and that you’re guaranteed to love for years to come. Some of our favourites include, you guessed it, a classic parka, a double-breasted peacoat and a thick, woollen overcoat. All perfect, unique and easy-to-wear in their own way.

The accessories

One thing that easily makes or breaks an outfit is the accessories that are paired with it. You may not be ready for a full wardrobe revamp, or maybe you can rest safe in the knowledge that your wardrobe is already has plentiful iterations of the above. Whatever your reason, there’s always an excuse to focus on the small but mighty details that make up an outfit. From a new tie or hat to fresh shoes or an everyday bag, we guarantee that these seemingly minor changes will make a big impact.

Header image: Jason Lloyd Evans; suit image: Saskia Rumbelow; other images: Jason Lloyd Evans. The men in these images are not associated with Next or their products in any way.