E-Paper
Back to work: What we’re wearing to office after the pandemic
Everyone’s back at the office. Covid flexibilities are long forgotten. But being comfortable is still key. So, what are we wearing to work?
We’ve learnt nothing from the Covid-19 outbreak. Everyone’s still washing their hands wrong, nursing suspicious coughs, and assuming they’re immortal. Turns out, the most visible legacy of the pandemic is in our offices. No one wants to wear anything uncomfortable to work, anymore. YouTube used to show us how to knot a scarf in 12 ways. Now, Reels tell us that pyjamas are actually co-ord sets. Clips tagged #GRWM are styling black, brown and navy track pants as workwear. Kaftans used to be stocked next to swimwear in stores. Now they’re right alongside leggings and heels. Even sneaker companies are putting out sleeker styles, in leather.
“Office wear now reflects personalities rather than rigid dress codes,” says Amritha Ram, creative director of KH House of Khaddar (@Amritha.Ram). “There’s also a move towards dopamine dressing, in which we incorporate bold colours and unique pieces, so as to express joy at work.” Stylist Rishi Raj (@StyleJar) says that workwear trends are simpler and functional. “It makes you look polished without feeling confined within a dress code”.
But comfy doesn’t mean lazy. And it certainly doesn’t mean looking unkempt or flashy. Here’s what to restock for the long days in the office.
Fine knits. Not your grandma’s chunky sweaters. Raj predicts that lightweight, close-weave knitted fabrics will be the next big trend in workwear. “It’s moved beyond cosy lounge styles, with structured knit blazers and tailored knit dresses,” he explains. Bouclé dresses and jackets fit right in. “Brands such as COS and Banana Republic are blending the softness and stretch of knits with sharp silhouettes that work pretty well for the boardroom.”
Basic upgrades. Statement neutrals are having a moment too. But Raj says the palette puts a twist on the usual beige and brown. “Think greige, muted sage and sand, with subtle textures. Theory and Massimo Dutti are doing some nice, clean, polished designs that feel fresh and timeless.” It reflects a shift toward longer-lasting, more thoughtful wardrobes, moving away from fast fashion.
Co-ords that swap. Love them or hate them, matchy-matchy prints are here to stay. Luckily, there are both solid colours and coordinating prints to choose from. “It takes away the necessity (or anxiety) to mix and match all the time,” says designer Pranay Baidya (@Pranay_Baidya). “Most working folks are in a hurry on a work morning.”
Grown-up prints. Indians haven’t fallen out of love with busy patterns, says Baidya. “It’s just that they are no longer confined to Indian silhouettes.” Handlooms now show up in designers’ ready-to-wear collections (including his own). “The material is handspun, handwoven cotton from Calicut Kerala. But the prints include chintz, Bengal stripes, forest scenes, and tropical botanicals.” It’s possible to show off an ikat print on wide-leg trousers, get a bandhani print on a T-shirt and wear a tailored blazer with phulkari trims.
Discreet logos. “The look is shifting towards subtle branding, small logos and uncluttered designs,” says Ram. “It resonates with younger generations, who prioritise personal style over flaunting brand names.” Raj says that brands such as Uniqlo and Everlane have nailed this. “This approach lets professionals focus on their own style and comfort, without monograms getting in the way,” he says.
Smarter shirts. “Clean lines and muted palettes are in,” notes Ram. Baidya recommends pairing long shirt dresses with bold accessories. “Collared, structured styles, worn with belts make a formal impact and yet are easy-breezy to wear throughout the day,” he says. While the prints may be loud, “the styles are all modest, structured and flattering but not fitted, which means you’ll reach for them on busy days.” Who are we kidding? They’re all busy days now.
From HT Brunch, November 23, 2024
Follow us on www.instagram.com/htbrunch
