The new normal has affected every part of our daily lives, especially our working lives. Whether you’re commuting (driving or cycling) to an office, answering emails from home, nipping out to collect the kids from school, the new everyday uniform needs to be adaptable and functional.

The key to successfully building a successful capsule wardrobe is investing in a well-rounded assortment of staples that can be styled a multitude of ways. You need to move more (a little stretch goes a long way) and wash less; everything needs to “double-job” for your hybrid day. A wardrobe with a reliable foundation of clothes will make it easier for you to maintain your WFH routine and will make day-to-day dressing easier. So what are the new wardrobe essentials? The everyday pieces that will double-job, pieces that you’ll mix and match for years to come?

Do away with high heels and sharply pressed pants, swapping them for pointed-toe flats (or kitten-heel boots), a piece of knitwear and a beautiful piece of jewellery. Buy a crisp white button-up shirt that suits your figure. It acts as a solid base layer and is fresh and smart. Designed in London, inspired by men’s tailoring but adjusted for women, shirting label WNU offers affordable, well-cut, high-quality shirts; www.withnothingunderneath.com. A great blazer is still the workhorse of any wardrobe. Invest in a classic knit like a chic longer-line cardigan to keep you warm. Treat yourself to a luxe, colourful blouse for virtual meetings and cocktail hour and style it with a belted blazer or a cosy cardigan. Add an on-trend midi skirt to the mix (it can be styled up or down), or business leggings (comfy alternatives to tailored pants with a bit of hold-you-in firmness).

Opportunities for dressing up these days are few and far between, so make the most of your outerwear. A softly padded coat, nothing too bulky, is a good investment. On days when you feel like you have nothing to wear, you can still depend on a great coat to get you out the door (even if you’re just going to the postbox).

WORK FROM HOME CHIC

EVERYDAY ESSENTIALS

THE BEST COATS TO BUY NOW

WRAP COATS

PONCHOS AND CAPES

SMART RAIN COATS

CLASSIC WOOL COATS