Yes, I’m very much aware that today is not Wednesday. Unfortunately I could not yet publish this post last week and if I wait two more days, spring may have arrived everywhere and that humongous scarf will look awfully our of place. Brussels has already moved from -8 to +8 degrees in the space of one week, so I’m already late for Belgium, I’m afraid.

No matter. I think there are several instructive points to be made about this outfit, not all of them weather-dependent. First, let’s talk about this H&M dress that is probably my most effortless office dress. It is ridiculously easy to wear while being absolutely non-boring. Partly, it’s because of the wonderful colour. Mostly, however, it’s because of the shape. It is very much inspired by Balenciaga, but it’s not an obvious dupe. For centuries, people have copied the styles coming out of Paris and other fashion capitals and unless it’s meant to deceive you into thinking it’s actually Balenciaga, I can live with that.

Back to the dress. It is longer and looser than what I usually wear to work and the asymmetric hem is unusual as well. All these elements make it much more modern than a classic shift dress. They also make it more comfortable. If you are built like me – tall and rather slim, with slender arms and legs, but no waist – this is a very forgiving shape. I’m not saying I have huge issues with my weight, but when I put it on, it’s around my mid-section. This dress draws attention to ancles and wrists and who knows or cares where my waist might actually be.

The coat is an old one from Zara and illustrates the versatility and longevity of beige or camel outerwear. It is by far my most worn coat, because the colour works with almost everything and as it’s loose, it also fits atop most things. Five years ago, I would have gone for something slightly more fitted and this season, something a bit more masculine, but generally speaking, this kind of coat dates very slowly. I still wear my snug, knee-length light beige coat regularly. Other good neutrals that don’t date easily are navy, grey and of course black (I’ve covered the contrasting and matching options in earlier workwear posts.)

And finally, the scarf. It is a cheap scarf from Zara, but look at the impact! When you’re wearing your modest outerwear, but still want some attention, a statement scarf is probably the easiest way to get it. What I mostly wanted to stress, however, is that it can also be a very practical choice. It’s been unusually cold in Brussels the last two weeks and people have been asking me what to wear to survive. As an Estonian, I’m obviously considered an authority (also, so many blog-name puns!).

The reality is that most people here don’t own things that would be considered essential farther up north – lined boots, massive knits and insulated jackets. It would probably also not make sense to buy anything like that for only a week or two and most shops here don’t carry anything suitable anyway, especially in March. That’s where the scarf comes in. It is not a huge investment and is easy to add to whatever you’re wearing. In case it’s wool or cashmere and big enough, it will provide considerable warmth. When I wrap myself into this yellow scarf, my ears, neck and chest are all pretty toasty. If nothing else can be had in shops, cashmere/merino/alpaca throws should be available in home ware stores and will do the job.

Dress by H&M (gifted by the brand), coat, scarf and boots by Zara, shoes by Prada. Images Liina Jasmin, MUAH Grete Madisson.