Seasonal workwear shifts to cooler combos

Have you thought about your autumn wardrobe or are you clinging on to the last of the summer washing line? The cooler months ahead usually conjure up images of thick black tights, clumpy boots and puffa padded coats for women along with dark heavy suits and loafers for men. Fortunately, this season there is a shift to lighter shades, cooler combinations and looser shapes.

This season heralds in utilitarian looks and industrial workwear inspired more by Karl Marx than Karl Lagerfeld with prices to match. For women, the androgynous trousers and laissez-faire tunic tops create a Jean Paul Sartre rather than John Paul Gaultier statement as cool baggy trousers, breezy oversized jackets, linen shirts and parachute pants get top billing on the runways.

The prominent baggy male linen suit makes a welcome comeback with a passing nod to the Oxbridge style of Brideshead Revisited. Floppy hairstyles, cricket sweaters, cream jackets and wide ending trousers deliver that debonair charm. Womenswear goes casual by day with cargo pants, hooded sweaters and vintage recycled car coats to create investment pieces that transcend seasonal fads.

Three Irish fashion brands which always have their fingers on the business buzzers have pulled together a fashion hit list for 2022. The first one NAYA just launched its autumn collection, and the value brand is sticking to easy silhouettes, layered pieces that come in classic shades and sustainable fabrics. The design focus is on wardrobe staples that last beyond one season. NAYA nails it with dressy looks with flexible pieces and building-block basics desirable for working women. Certain pandemic habits have fortunately vanished like homemade sourdough bread, Zoom parties and washing your groceries, but good stuff like relaxed office style remains firmly in place.

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The flowing white shirt is back worn loose over trousers and tractor soled boots. Optic styles and graphic prints in black and white are splashed on dresses as well as hot pinks and electric blues from designer Kate Cooper. Funnel necklines, patch pockets and hoods ensure that clean lines never looked better. Pair it up with chunky boots, a statement necklace and an oversized tote bag to top the fashion poll.

Irish label Ora Clothing is another innovative plus brand for busy women who have curvy shapes from sizes 14 to 24. Now in its third season, Ora’s new focus is on gently tailored, stylish work and weekend pieces. The result is a collection that focuses on plus size basics and wardrobe staples in contemporary shapes and fabrics. Plus-size women can trust the fit with designs that are specifically made for curvier shapes. The whole design process from drawing to fabrics are to ensure a flattering fit and silhouette.

Using classic colours like black, tan and with flashes of orange and royal, Ora uses shape to tell its story. Prints are graphic and bold. Stripes are used to great effect.

A Godsend for many shoppers who had given up trying to squeeze their legs into leggings designed for greyhounds or shimmy into tight bandeau dresses designed for embalming mummies.

Kate Cooper sticks to her original design DNA with distinctive smart dresses and coats that will stand the test of time. This designer also does not scrimp on fabric and delivers that added glamour ingredient this season.

Budget buyers usually put coats at the end of their bucket list prepared to face the elements than blow money on an overcoat that is dumped once you get indoors. However, Cooper’s coats come in a one style suits all – that will literally go over everything.

Apparently, we spend 70 per cent of the year cocooned in coats, and with heating costs this winter we will probably end up sleeping and cooking in them too! They look great over KC’s royal blue and fuchsia pink dresses in silky fabrics that are perfect for taking you from work to a smart cocktail bar or evening reception.

Penney’s menswear is concentrating on zip-up jackets, tailored check trousers and fine wool sweaters that fit easily under suits for a less formal workwear image. The Kem brand also has the versatile cardigan jacket – known as the swacket with the pay packet – as well as sleeveless gilets.

The modern, understated collection includes soft separates, fluid dresses and blouses and deliver both in terms of quality and trend cycles.

Men are well suited to the season with Bugsy Malone baggy suits that can be worn over hoodies for street cred threads. The urban worker clad in baggy cargo pants with muscle fit T-shirts and chunky runners is ready to go. Think Dermot Kennedy for inspiration as workwear returns with a generous element of leisure and streetwear too.