Make it work for work: The maxi skirt

Head-to-toe print might be out of your comfort zone, but not only will a coordinating skirt and blouse act like breath of fresh air in a sea of safe workwear, they’ll also make mornings much more efficient, meaning you can hit snooze for an extra 15 minutes. The key to nailing this look is to opt for tailored pieces cut from subtle patterns, such as Loewe’s ditzy florals and Gabriella Hearst’s structural stripes. Pick your pattern and play hardball.

Look beyond black and gray to build a truly enviable corporate closet. Color block by pairing a vivid maxi with an equally eye-popping blouse or form-fitting sweater. Keep the look smart by opting for clean lines – this is not the place for fussy hems or superfluous details. And whether you choose The Row’s bright white maxi or Joseph’s burgundy slip skirt as the canvas for your colorful new spin on office style, there’s one non-negotiable point in the contract: finish with graphic accessories. Here’s how to be bold in the boardroom…

Put a chic twist on a corporate classic – and create a powerful silhouette in the process – by adding a tailored blazer to a floor-length skirt and waist-cinching belt. For maximum effect, choose matching separates and asymmetric hemlines to accentuate the hard/soft mix – Stella McCartney and 3.1 Phillip Lim debuted some great cropped options for SS18. When it comes to the accessories, keep it simple: a classic watch and pointed pumps are all you need nine-to-five; when it’s time to clock off, add a slick of crimson lipstick.