How it actually wears
Cardigans that catch your hair, shirts that give you room on an uncomfortable day, and trousers that sit the way you want them to.
Styled by Blake / Autumn office edit
Good style has to
work in real life.
I love putting an outfit together, but I know you need to get through a whole day in it. Here are the looks I like, where I found similar pieces and the little things I check before buying. If seams, waistbands or fabric can make your day harder, those details matter here too.
The autumn office edit · AI styling concept
Charcoal for the office
If you want to look smart without feeling buttoned up, this is where I would start. The charcoal blazer gives the outfit shape, and the ivory blouse softens it. On a day when you want more room around your middle, leave the shirt a little loose over straight trousers.
What I would check: Sit at a desk in it before you decide. Does the waistband dig in? Are the sleeves in your way when you type? I found a pull on M&S trouser as the softer waist option. The wool blazer is pricier, so I would try it over a top you already know feels good.
Pieces I chose · £28–£150 per piece
FatFace charcoal blazer at Next £50 sale
M&S pure wool blazer £150
M&S ivory blouse £38
M&S pull on straight trousers £28
Through the working day
Easy hair and beauty ideas that still feel good by the end of a working day.
Feeling like yourself
What helps me feel like myself at work, even on days when getting dressed takes more thought.
Autumn edits
The same person, different days.
Maybe you are at your desk, walking to work or going somewhere afterwards. I want the outfit to work for all of it. The pictures are AI styling ideas, and I have named similar pieces I found in UK shops.
Office / colour
Velvet, without saving it for evening
Why I like it. If you want something more interesting for a meeting, I love this green with burgundy. The velvet feels a bit special, and the straight trousers skim rather than cling.
How it might feel. Do you mind a high neckline or a zip at the back? This blouse has both. I would try it on first and check how the jacket lining feels against your arms.
Similar pieces I found · £28–£139 per piece
Jigsaw green velvet blazer · John Lewis£139 sale
M&S jersey twill straight trousers£28
Whistles burgundy cowl blouse · M&S£99
Office / layers
A coat that finishes the outfit
Why I like it. If you wear black trousers and a cream blouse most days, a long coat changes the whole look. The Uniqlo one I found is dark brown rather than the camel pictured, but I think it works just as well.
How it might feel. Try it with your actual work bag. If it pulls across your shoulders on the way in, you will be fed up with it by lunchtime.
Similar pieces I found · £15–£99.90 per piece
Uniqlo wool blend relaxed coat · dark brown£99.90
M&S ivory satin crepe blouse£38
Next chocolate structured tote£15 sale
Off duty / knitwear
The cardigan and the hair
Why I like it. If your hair gets caught at the back of cardigans like mine does, try a low ponytail with this one. I love the blue with the rust top for autumn.
How it might feel. Merino is still wool. If it bothers your skin, put a soft cotton top under it. Check the cuffs too, especially if you dislike anything tight around your wrists.
Similar pieces I found · £34.90–£45 per piece
Uniqlo blue merino crew cardigan£34.90
Per Una cream straight jeans · M&S£45
Off duty / practical
The easy outdoor layer
Why I like it. If you need an easy layer for a walk or a weekend errand, olive goes with dark jeans and most jumpers. I like the roomy shape and the useful pockets.
How it might feel. You can leave the collar open if fabric around your neck bothers you. The hem adjusts too, so you can stop the jacket feeling too close.
Similar pieces I found · £26–£49.90 per piece
Uniqlo olive utility parka£49.90
M&S Sienna straight jeansfrom £26
Movement / teal
Colour for the journey there
Why I like it. If you are bored of black gym clothes, try teal with plum. I like the colour first thing in the morning, and the jacket can come straight off when you get there.
How it might feel. Sit down and do a squat in the leggings before you buy. If the waist rolls or a seam rubs, it will bother you all session. The bra I found is low impact; for a run, I would pick more support.
Similar pieces I found · £20–£28 per piece
Next teal low impact sports brafrom £20
M&S Goodmove gym leggings£28
Movement / burgundy
A softer autumn training look
Why I like it. If you prefer a quieter colour than teal, try burgundy. The matching top and leggings look put together even when you just throw a jacket over them.
How it might feel. Please sit down in them before deciding. A waistband can look great in the mirror and still dig in all the way home.
Similar pieces I found · £18–£28 per piece
Next burgundy wrap over gym leggings£28
M&S Goodmove sports brafrom £18
Prices checked 26 September 2026; sales and stock can change. These are AI outfit ideas, and the pieces listed are similar, not the exact clothes shown. I have not tried them on, so I would always check the fit and fabric for myself. No one has paid me to feature these items.