Latest news with #fashionexperts
Daily Mail
02-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Etiquette expert reveals what NOT to wear the office, plus the best work-appropriate outfits - and whether getting your toes out is allowed
Daily Mail journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission - learn more British people are cranking up their fans in their houses and the AC in their cars to maximum as the UK continues its blistering heatwave. However, while the sunshine may be good for trips to the seaside and catching a tan in the back garden, it poses a problem when it comes to dressing for work. For many women, dressing for summer can be daunting as the high street fills up on holiday essentials such as skimpy bikinis, flip flops, crop tops and denim shorts - all of which would not go down well in the office. The last thing women want to wear are heavy polyester trousers with matching blazers while they step onto crowded public transport in balmy 33-degree weather. Shoes are also another issue. Every year, women working in corporate jobs ask themselves the age-old question of whether it is appropriate to get their toes out. There is a fine line between suitable sandals for work and footwear that is only appropriate for vacations. But how does one dress in an appropriate manner when there is seemingly a lack of options in affordable stores? To avoid getting a HR complaint, MailOnline have put together a list of summer office Do's and Don'ts with help from our etiquette and fashion experts... What NOT to wear World-leading etiquette expert Jo Hayes said that workers can often mistake the summer heatwave for a summer holiday dress code - but says that dressing as though you're off to Glastonbury or the beach for the day won't cut it when you're in the office. She said that casual wear should only be worn on your weekends to the seaside, along with short shorts, flip flops and jelly shoes. 'No bikini tops [should be] visible underneath other layers of clothing. No sarongs, tank tops, spaghetti strap tops or dresses [should be worn],' she told MailOnline. Hayes added: 'No crop tops, no mid-riffs, no cleavage, no mini-skirts. Modesty and professionalism, always.' She said that open-toed shoes can be appropriate, but only in certain circumstances. 'Toes on show are not necessarily a deal breaker in the office. But ensure the toes are clean and well maintained [with] a coloured polish - nothing too wild. 'Ensure the sandals are professional, nothing close to a flip flop. A heel, even if very small, is generally better than a flat sandal for women. Personal stylist Shauna Colaci says that many people often make the mistake of wearing sheer clothes without lining, especially when it comes to white linen trousers. She added: 'Linen is great, but overly creased clothes can cross into scruffy territory if not styled right.' Those climbing the corporate ladder should also not opt for leggings or cycle shorts. Colaci said: 'They be comfy, but they usually read "gym" not "team meeting." 'Tight clothes restrict airflow, show sweat marks faster, and can make you feel self-conscious.' What to wear Hayes says that people often mistake professional workwear as heavy and bulky clothing when in fact the smartest attire can be light and airy. She said: 'Keep layers as light as possible. Choose light, natural, breathable, fibres and materials, over thick, heavy, and synthetic materials - for example, light cottons and linen work wonders in summer.' She said it's also important to make sure that you wear lighter hues instead of black and navy as darker colours attract the heat more. Broderie anglaise cotton blouse £18.99 Shop Pure Cotton Square Neck Crochet Detail Midaxi Tiered Dress £55.00 Shop COLLECTION POLKA DOT MIDI DRESS £49.99 Shop White Linen-blend Bermuda Shorts £69.00 Shop White cotton shirts, floaty maxi skirts and delicate dresses can be styled into your wardrobe for clothes that are work-appropriate but that you can also sport while meeting friends on the weekend. Hayes said that it is important to have loose flowing clothing with short sleeves or sleeveless but said that there should not be any spaghetti straps or excessive cleavage on display. The broderie anglaise cotton blouse from H&M, the cotton crochet dress from M&S and the light blue and white striped shirt from George at Asda all provide airy comfort but also still look chic. She said it is also crucial to have the right jacket that is season-appropriate. She recommends investing in a light linen blazers instead of dragging out winter jackets for windy summer days. She added: 'For ladies - good news. The Capri pant is bang on trend this summer, presenting an in-style, cooler option to the full-length pant. 'But, caveat. No skin-tight, athleisure options here. Think sophisticated, feminine, Audrey Hepburn, circa 1950s. 'Linen or cotton are excellent options. Pair with a light blouse, and / or light linen blazer for a sophisticated, professional look.' & Other Stories offers a good array of smart, crisp linen blazer that will keep you cooler than cheaper polyester options. Stylist Lisa Talbot says that even though it may be 28-degrees outside, offices often love to crank up the AC, meaning you can spend eight hours a day wearing structured blazers or lightweight knits without breaking a sweat. She said: 'Summer work style isn't about baring more, it's about wearing smarter. By choosing light fabrics, soft tailoring, and clever layers, you can look put-together and professional without melting before your morning meeting. Fitted Linen Blazer £177.00 Shop Light Blue Striped Poplin Popover Oversized Shirt £14.00 Shop Linen Blend Wide Leg Trousers £27.50 Shop Black Crinkle Frill Boho Puff Sleeve Mini Dress £14.00 Shop Classic Capri Trousers £98.00 Shop Black Gingham Capri Trousers £69.00 Shop Black Gingham Print Embroidered Frill Sleeve Tiered Midi Dress £35.99 If you want a more practical piece of clothing that will keep you cool, Hayes recommends city shorts. The garment is similar to tailored suit trousers and are a plausible option for men and women, unless your workplace have a strict suit-only policy. Nobody's Child has a stylish pair of white Bermuda shorts made from natural materials - 55 per cent linen and 45 per cent organic cotton - and for men, M&S and Moss Bros provide good options. To maintain a level of professionalism, Hayes said: 'Ensure they're tailored, and cut to the knee, or just slightly above.' For those who want an option that is in-between city shorts and trousers, Capri pants may be worth looking into. They usually come just below the knee, fit like a tailored trouser and are versatile enough to be styled with many different shirts, blouses and tops. The White Company have slightly stretchy black Capri pants, made of mainly organic cotton and elastane - a wardrobe basic - but if you want to mix things up, Nobody's Child has a monochrome gingham option. Gingham print has also been sweeping across many clothing stores, with New Look offering a good all-rounder midi dress perfect for picnics and strolls in the park on a hot day. ASOS DESIGN cotton shirred blouse in buttermilk £26.00 Shop Daisy Street x Molly Mcfarlane boho maxi tiered skirt in buttermilk £36.00 Shop Tailored V-Neck Waistcoat £65.00 Shop Julissa Jumpsuit £139.00 Shop Butter yellow is currently one of the hottest colours and has been seen on an array of celebrities and royals since spring. Daisy Street on ASOS has a good all-rounder boho-chic pale yellow maxi skirt that, along with a £26 long-sleeved shirred buttermilk blouse, a decent price for 100 per cent lightweight cotton. Jumpsuits are another way to effectively combine office wear with a summer wardrobe, without compromising on style. Hot pink is another hue that has been seen at high society events such as Ascot, and it will certainly make you stand out in your neutral office. Phase Eight and French Connection are two stores that have an array of bright raspberry-coloured clothing on offer. Leather ballet flats £44.99 Shop Leather Chain Detail Flat Loafers £259.00 Shop Chisel-toe slingback court shoes £37.99 Shop For shoes, Hayes said women should opt for enclosed ballet pumps, court shoes or Mary Janes as they provide a smart option without having to struggle with heels in the heat. Slingback heels also open up your feet more to help them breathe in the heat, without showing any toes. She said: 'For men, you may have fewer options than women, but, if your workplace standards allow, you may be able to ditch the heavy socks and brogues, and go for a cooler, leather deck shoe, with thin invisible socks. 'Or, if you're style-savvy and can pull off the smart leather sandal, there are some professional-standard men's leather standards that could [work] when paired with a professional city short, or long chino turned up at the ankle.'
The Guardian
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
M&S is back! Here are 12 of the season's best pieces to shop online
M&S is finally back after a cyber-attack forced the retailer to pause all online orders – losing an estimated £25m a week. It's not completely back to normal: click and collect is not available, many items are out of stock while the lines are gradually added, and online delivery is not yet back up and running in Northern Ireland. But as of today, many fashion ranges are available again in England, Scotland and Wales. The Guardian's journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. Learn more. So to celebrate M&S's online return – and show the beloved British brand a bit of support – we've rounded up your favourite pieces from our fashion experts' picks over the past few months. From versatile holiday dresses to stylish yet comfortable men's pyjamas, we're glad to have them back. Polka dot sweetheart neckline maxidress £79 at M&S 'Marks & Spencer has gone big on the polka dot this season,' said fashion editor Jess Cartner-Morley in her column on spots and stripes. This maxidress would be lovely for holiday dinners out and wouldn't look amiss at a wedding. It also comes in petite, regular or tall. Cartner-Morley suggests wearing it with 'flats instead of wedges, and a slicked-back bun rather than barrel curls, to keep it modern'. For more, check out spots or stripes? The good news is you no longer have to choose Men's pure linen shirt £45 at M&S For formal occasions during the hotter summer months, linen will be your best friend thanks to its breathable qualities. 'It will even look good without being ironed or steamed (as long as it's not too crumpled),' says stylist and menswear expert Peter Bevan, who cherrypicked this M&S shirt as one of his 50 men's summer wardrobe updates under £100. It comes in 14 different colours, and can be bought in regular or slim fit (Peter recommends sizing up for a more expensive-looking finish). Knitted round neck midi dress £39.50 at M&S Still looking for that perfect holiday dress that can seamlessly go from beach to restaurant? Look no further. 'The hero piece of this season is the main-character-energy beach dress. This is a dress that complements your swimwear, rather than concealing it,' says Cartner-Morley. This chic crochet dress ticks all the boxes. For more, check out Jess Cartner-Morley on fashion: the beach dress is this summer's must-have Chanel-style jacket £69 at M&S The Chanel-style tweed jacket is a classic for a reason. M&S's take on the timeless style is infinitely wearable and the perfect antidote to chillier summer evenings. 'You could pair it with jeans and metallic ballet pumps for a relaxed, but smart look. But I'd also wear it with wide-leg linen trousers and slingbacks for garden parties,' says styling editor Melanie Wilkinson. For more, check out the best Chanel-style jackets to rival the real thing V-neck frill detail midaxi dress £45 at M&S Shopping for weddings can be a bit of a nightmare – you fork out all that money on an expensive dress and then wear it only a couple of times a year. Instead, opt for one you can wear all season. This drop-waist dress has a 'relaxed feel and flattering frill neckline [that] will serve you well, from wedding dancefloors to casual dinners and summer lounging,' says fashion writer Ellie Violet Bramley in her roundup of the best wedding guest dresses. Pure cotton striped boxers £30 for five at M&S Another hot tip from Bevan's summer wardrobe updates for men is to channel Paul Mescal's love for short shorts and wear oversized boxers as outerwear. 'I'd suggest sizing up for a roomier fit – and don't forget to wear your underwear beneath to avoid any embarrassing mishaps,' he says. This affordable five-pack comes in a striped pattern that wouldn't be instantly recognisable as boxers. Sign up to The Filter Get the best shopping advice from the Filter team straight to your inbox. The Guardian's journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. after newsletter promotion Embroidered relaxed shirt £59 at M&S This embroidered shirt will serve you well across the whole summer, whether for a coffee date or a relaxed fit for the office (providing you wear something underneath to spare your colleagues' blushes). There's also a matching pair of trousers, if you fancy it. Pure cotton halter neck midaxi dress £39.50 at M&S As soon as I get slightly bronzed, I can't help but want to wear red – no colour better complements a tan. This tomato red dress from Cartner-Morley's May style essentials comes in a flattering fit and flare style, ideal for exploring cobbled streets on a city break or enjoying a cocktail on the beachfront. Rubberised waterproof backpack £50 at M&S Whether you're hitting the beach or heading out for a hike, this handy backpack can carry all of your day-trip essentials. It's waterproof, too, so it will keep everything dry even on drizzly days. Cotton blend T-shirt £18 at M&SStriped pyjama bottoms £30 at M&S In need of some new PJs for lazy Sunday mornings? This Autograph pair is 'made from lightweight, breathable fabrics, perfect for the impending summer. They're so smooth [you]'ll never want to take them off,' says Bevan. For more, check out the best Father's Day gifts: 83 thoughtful ideas for £50 and under they'll actually want Non-wired sports bra £28 at M&S Lighter mornings make pre-work runs so much more appealing. If you're in need of a new sports bra, this non-wired option promises support and comfort, and is made of sweat-wicking material to keep you cool. For more, check out what to wear for running Jelly slip-on ballet pumps £19.50 at M&S 'A jelly shoe is pure holiday nostalgia, but also practical – you can clean them under the tap and drop them in your basket bag,' said Cartner-Morley in her May style essentials. This bright red pair will make a wearable but statement addition to your summer wardrobe.
South China Morning Post
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- South China Morning Post
Jewellery
Jewellery From shifting market trends to dazzling red carpet displays, dive into the world of haute joaillerie with the latest news, analysis and expert opinions.
