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Plus, how to style them outside of the office

It's always worth arming yourself with a few workwear essentials, even if you aren't at the office full time. Corporate dress has become increasingly casual over the years, which can make shopping for work clothes even more confusing. Throw in a flexible, WFH schedule in there, and you've got a difficult task at hand.

The answer? Use the smart/casual codes to your advantage. Buy pieces you'd wear post 5pm and into the weekend to ensure you'll get real mileage out of your purchases.

The rise and rise of tailoring is making this easier than ever. Suits are ideal because they also work as separates, creating three outfits in one. But if you don't want to go the whole hog with a matching set, at least invest in an oversized blazer. This structured piece is a go-to for stylish women everywhere, thanks to its versatility – it'll smarten up jeans and trainers, while giving dresses and skirts an edge.

There's room for creativity beyond tailoring, though: you can play with leather pieces (an A-line midi in this fabric is basically an essential these days), white shirting, jersey basics and knitwear to create the ultimate mix-and-match wardrobe.

Our final tip is on colour: while we recommend swapping in some bold hues every now and again, sticking to a monochrome palette means more styling options. It'll save you from the inevitable "what to wear" conundrum and maybe even bag you a few more minutes in bed. You're welcome.

Here are the pieces you need to build your back to the office workwear wardrobe this season...

Up there with the cigarette pant, wide-leg trousers are a real wardrobe staple. M&S's have smart sewn-in creases, but the elasticated waistband and stretchy jersey means they're comfy, too.

If you don't already have an oversized blazer hanging in your wardrobe, where have you been for the past year? This black version from Arket will smarten up skirts and trousers for the office, then tone down anything "slinky" (your go-to slip skirt or bias-cut dress) or sequinned in the evening.

Ah, where would we have been during the last few months without a knitted dress – it's super cosy and never needs ironing. We love the colour-block detailing on Boden's ribbed design.

If your trusty Vejas are looking a little too scuffy for the office, why not invest in a pair of trainers just for smarter outfits? FitFlop's white leather pair features a comfy platform sole and leopard-print accents.

Every working woman should be armed with an easy-to-throw-on shirt dress. Whistles' belted midi is made to flatter with a tiered skirt and long sleeves. Underpin yours with knee-high boots now, then switch to bare legs and mules come spring.

We wish it wasn't so, but a coat is always a necessity in the UK. Go for something lightweight like the trench, which works with everything from jeans and floral dresses to smart suiting.

For days when you can't be bothered with restrictive tailoring, you need an easy knit on hand. Jigsaw's mohair has a comfy relaxed fit, but when paired with loafers and cigarette pants it's chic enough for the office. This hot-pink hue is bang on trend for Autumn/Winter 2022.

We couldn't do a workwear edit without mentioning cigarette pants (paired with loafers, a Breton top and red lips they are forever timeless). Boden's are woven with 3% stretch so they're ultra comfy for the office – if you find them a little too slim, add coverage with an on-trend hip-length blazer.

You'll be seeing a lot more of the loafer in coming months: this classic flat is back. Boden's leather Pennies are true to the '50s classics loved by Audrey Hepburn – which means they'll never date.

If you haven't invested in a suit, we suggest you do so asap: there's nothing more striking than head-to-toe tailoring. Ease yourself in with Aspiga's stretch-corduroy set – this beauty comes in midnight-blue, red, fuchsia, teal and more colourways. Dress yours up with loafers and a shirt, then switch to trainers and a T-shirt on the weekend.

A white poplin shirt is the most classic thing you can wear to work. Arket's is cut for an oversized fit (so you can style it casually, too), with on-trend elongated cuffs.

Commuting is stressful enough without lugging an extra tote (or two) around for your gym kit and laptop. AllSaints' smart leather backpack is capacious enough for all of your essentials and has two straps so you can carry it on the shoulder or in-hand.

A great midi skirt will serve you from now through 'til the warmer months. With its elegant A-line shape and versatile leather fabric, Cefinn's will work with everything from strappy sandals and trainers to knee boots.

Workwear wardrobes don't have to be packed with black. Today's increasingly casual dress codes have made bold colours and prints much more acceptable in the office. Jigsaw's pure silk shirt is dyed in the colour of the season: pea green.

Welcome to your new wardrobe hero: the bodysuit. Before you promptly scroll to the next slide, hear us out: this turtleneck one piece will eliminate all tucking-in bulk, look seamless and smooth under skirts, trousers and sleeveless dresses.