workwear ideas

STYLE & AMBITION

To quote the infamous song: ‘Work, work, work, work, work, work’ is an important part of your life. You spend more time with your colleagues than your family, so style surely needs to be at the forefront too? We spoke to a lovely set of professionals about their careers, workwear triumphs and struggles, as well what makes them feel good 9-5.

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Tamara Kelly, Shopping Editor at Ideal Home online

Never one to be seen without sky high heels, Tamara loves a comfortable/cool look when in the office, but tends to smarten things up if running out for a meeting with a tailored blazer. Having started out her career as an intern at That’s Life magazine, she loved it and never looked back. A lover of something a little different and fashion that catches your eye, she knows what she wants out of her working wardrobe.

The Quick Fire Round

Song to G yourself up to:

Sunshine by Tieks and Dan Harkna

Describe your work ethic:

Conscientious

Workwear fashion icon:

Emmanuelle Alt (Editor of French Vogue) – I love the idea of being able to wear something classic every day and she does. She always wears kind of a uniform.

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KAT BYRNE, STYLE DIRECTOR AT MATALAN

Kat became a stylist after working in PR and attending a shoot: ‘I saw this girl dressing a celebrity and I thought wow. I didn’t know the job existed until then. I quit my job and started assisting people.’ She believes colour is a great mood enhancer when it comes to work: ‘I like a bit of colour in my working uniform, I mix it up with different textures. It’s a bit depressing to be in black all the time.’

The Quick Fire Round

Song to G yourself up to:

I don’t really use music to G myself up....it’s more as background noise.

Describe your work ethic:

Committed

Workwear fashion icon:

Phoebe Philo (Creative Director of Celine)

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LILLIAN BETTY, head of strategic partnerships at time inc

Bigger, bolder, better ideas is what Lillian specialises in, having once considered a career as a political lobbyist, she fell for media thanks to her love of creativity. It’s not always about work though, her 3 kids (husband included!) play a massive role in her life, and are incredibly proud of her as a working woman.

‘I try to be there in key moments, from school plays to parent evenings. I have a routine with my daughter that on her 10 minute walk home we have a chat on the phone and talk about her day – it’s become our thing.’

The Quick Fire Round

Song to G yourself up to:

Anything from Beyoncé, to Public Enemy, to Taylor Swift.

Describe your work ethic:

Excellence

Workwear fashion icon:

Olivia Pope (played by Kerry Washington) in Scandal

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mark stephens, head of content marketing at time inc

A self-confessed trainer addict (he has over 40 pairs) Mark began his media career working for local newspapers and eventually ended up in the creative environment he adores at Time Inc. He juggles a really varied week, so goes from ideas meetings in the office to formal meetings with clients and he gets his best ideas during his evening bath.

The Quick Fire Round

Song to G yourself up to:

Good Morning by Kanye West

Describe your work ethic:

Exhausted

Workwear fashion icon:

Riz Ahmed always looks the business, awesome actor, really smart and John Boyega stays very true to himself – he’s very London.

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DANIELLE DUFFY, ASSISTANT BUYER ON WOMEN’S TAILORING AT MATALAN

Danielle always wanted to work in fashion buying and describes her work style as smart/casual, although the British weather can interfere when it comes to getting ready in the mornings: ‘It’s all weather dependent!” The fast-paced environment and demand doesn’t stop her from fully enjoying her job:

The Quick Fire Round

Song to G yourself up to:

Seventeen by MK

Describe your work ethic:

Passionate

Workwear fashion icon:

Victoria Beckham

GARRY BARNES, LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT ADVISOR AT MATALAN

Helping people realise their potential and fulfil it is what Garry prides himself on. As a passionate L&D advisor he admits his commitment can sometimes take over: ‘With my work life balance, I would say at the moment it’s more work...but I love my job.’

The Quick Fire Round

Song to G yourself up to:

I prefer more relaxing music like: The Beatles, David Bowie, The Kinks – I’m into more motivational and inspirational lyrics.

Describe your work ethic:

Passionate

Workwear fashion icon:

David Beckham – his fit’s always great and that’s really important to me.