Style – true blue

Dressing for business is key. After all, you spend more time in the office than you do anywhere else. It’s a sad fact but true. On the face of it, your workwear can quite easily be narrowed down to a couple of silk ties, some staple suits and a collection of equally staple white shirts. A lot of us see workwear as a functional uniform which we step in and out of each day without giving much thought to what we are putting on aside from asking, “Is my shirt ironed?”Understandably, you don’t want to look like you’re peacocking around the office, but plodding in each morning in the same get up you’ve worn on rotation every day that month really doesn’t give off a good impression either.Cue our mantra: ‘dress convincingly to be convincing.’ If you see your workwear as collection of staple, mundane pieces and tend to stick to monochrome shades, then read on before you let your style slip completely. It’s time to invest in a few on-trend, eye-catching pieces to help you stand out from those in your office with channel vision when it comes to style.This season’s key colour is blue. We’ve taken the opportunity to list six must-have, easy to style workwear pieces below to help you weave this trend into your day-to-day wardrobe.Generally speaking, if you are ever in doubt of how to mix things up then punch into search the following names for some free and easy instant style advice: Oliver Cheshire, Ryan Gosling, Armie Hammer and Ed Westwick – this bunch know dapper from dud when it comes to formal tailoring and accessorising. Suit

Paul Smith suit, £572, from matches fashion.com Just by brightening the tone of your blue suit you’ll go from looking unimaginative and rather dull to sartorially sound and suave. It doesn’t have to be so bright and bold that you stand out from the crowd but just a few hues away what the average guy on the street is sporting.Buttons

Lanvin shirt, £325, from mrporter.comColoured buttons can add a small dose of detail your work wear and will make your shirt more versatile for both casual and formal wear. It’s the small details can have a big effect! Briefcases Tumi has recently announced the debut of one-of-a-kind exotic attaché cases for 2013, exclusively sold at Harrods. Elegantly designed, each attaché is meticulously handcrafted in Italy, lined in rich Vachetta leather with hand polished nickel hardware, and finished in the finest exotic skins – navy alligator, charcoal grey ostrich and glossy black iguana – not your standard cow’s leather!Priced at £26,995 (navy alligator), £14,995 (grey ostrich) and £5,995 (black iguana). For more information see magnusmendax.blogspot.co.uk , Shirt

Shirt, £79, from reiss.comThe rounded collar was part of Eton College‘s dress code beginning in the mid-1800s. Because men wanted to be perceived as belonging to this exclusive club, the rounded, or “club” collar was copied by the masses. It became synonymous with wealth in educated circles. Its class has not dissipated today so why not bring it back? Offset by blue cotton in Reiss’ design gives this trend a modern twist. Coat

Burberry coat, £695, at mrporter.com

Burberry London’s slim-fit wool-blend pea coat design features a smart leather under collar and buttoned back vent. Layer over a suit and pair with brown Chelsea boots. It’ll get you through autumn and winter in style and can be worn on and off-duty for a guaranteed low-key, stylish look.

Knit

Jil Sander cardigan, £810, matchesfashion.comDress down Friday poses a difficult sartorial situation. It’s not formal work wear day, but it’s also not the occasion to pull out your sloppy t-shirts or sweaters. We recommend opting for a smart collared knitted jumper like Jill Sandler’s’ design featured for a preppy, professional look. You can dress it up with a shirt and tie or pare it down with an open neck collar and chinos depending on how dressed down you wish to be.By Emma Corbett