This is the last installment in my workwear essential series that I put together with the help of Max Mara. For all the information on how this came to be and the parameters of the collaboration, check out the first post. In addition to coats and trousers, I’ve covered skirts and dresses and different knits. And I have a couple of things still to say on things that I believe are useful to have in one’s wardrobe.

A blazer
I’m not the first nor the last to write about the importance of blazers in workwear and there is a reason for that. Of course, no item of clothing is universal: there are people who hate blazers or for whom they don’t work or suit their style. But for many, a structured jacket is a very useful thing to have: it adds sharpness and polish to everything and can turn a rather casual outfit into something work-appropriate in two seconds.

I own many different ones: a classic black, a light mustard version, navy pinstripe, beige linen, a riding-jacket style, a somewhat rock’n’roll Zadig & Voltaire number, cropped tweed and, bought most recently, a blue checked double-breasted blazer. The latter is very similar to the Max Mara Weekend one I’m wearing here and I really love both. It is sharp enough to work with a pencil skirt, relaxed enough to work very well with jeans. The most iconic one of them all is the bodyconscious Balmain blazer, & Other Stories usually has a good selection and for a very fashion, sustainable approach, check out The Oversize Store.

It is of course crucial to find a cut that works for you: I’m lucky, as quite a few do, but not everyone feels great in a very mannish, boxy style or a super slim-fit one. The length is very important, too – while I do own a couple of shorter styles, longer ones tend to be better. The advice is again to try on different things, especially as the results can be counterintuitive. I’ve got relatively broad shoulders, so it would make sense that shoulder pads are wrong for me, while in fact a little added emphasis there looks flattering.

For those of us who like blazers, it’s a good idea to keep a versatile one in the office at all times, in case there is an emergency – a surprise meeting that requires a more polished look than you envisaged in the morning, a spill on your blouse, an unexpectedly chilly office. A good jacket makes everything better and pulls you together.

A shirt
Most of the time, one would need to wear something underneath that blazer, which brings us to shirts and blouses. Unless you are in a dress, usually a top is required and for work, it’s often these two options. If you are a white shirt kind of a girl, good for you. I do like the look, but it has to be pristine to work: I am many things, but pristine is not one of them. So I need something a bit more relaxed and a silk shirt is my personal go-to.

I find that simple silk shirts age really well, especially the classics colours. But if there’s a colour that flatters you or something you just really love, that’s also likely to stay appealing. I’ve got two blue shirts that work well with my colouring; I’ve worn both for years. The burgundy version here isn’t a proper ‘classic’ shade either, but it’s gorgeous and will not go out of style any time soon.

What really makes this look, however, is the contrast between the light silk of the blouse and the sturdy leather of the skirt. You know I like to do monochrome looks, especially in high-quality materials with different textures. You also know my love for leather skirts (faux or otherwise). This outfit is exactly the type of thing I would wear – and do wear – to the office. The contrast can be pushed further with a washed silk shirt or keeping the shiny shirt but wearing a suede skirt instead of a patent one. Btw, a certain Meghan Markle wore a very similar ensemble some time ago, in dark green.

For classic silk shirts, Equipment is loved by many; Sezane is good and frankly most high-street retailers do decent versions, if budget is tight.

Do you do blazers? Are you a shirt or a blouse person?

Clothes by Max Mara (press loan), images Laura Nestor, MUAH Erle Taklai.