Q I’m a GP in Yorkshire. I wear the same outfit almost every day because it’s practical. How can I make my workwear more interesting?

Dr Alison Brown, GP

“On four days out of five, you’d typically find me wearing black trousers and black loafers,” admits Alison Brown. As a GP, Brown’s workwear needs to be smart enough to wear during surgery appointments as well as practical enough to conduct daily home visits in all weathers. There is no uniform for GPS, so her only rule is that her wrists should be kept clear to allow for regular handwashing.

“Patients are all ages, so what one person thinks is a professional look might not tick the box for another,” Brown says. “People should know they can talk to me easily in my role. You could be breaking bad news or listening to someone’s story of heartbreak, so I can’t wear anything too frivolous.”

Spearman has some solutions; a green ruffle shirt by Boden and a fine navy corduroy skirt by John Lewis and Partners – all warm, fuss free and machine washable at high temperatures. “Her demand is practicality,” Spearman says. “But Alison said that her work and home wardrobes never cross over, and she wears completely different things in her own time. I challenged her to bring more of her personality into her workwear – and that doesn’t have to sacrifice functionality.”

“Footwear is a big issue for me,” Brown says. “I’m restricted to very practical, comfortable shoes and that makes it much harder to figure out the rest of the outfit.” Spearman suggests sturdy, block-heel ankle boots as “they flatter the legs, plus the proportions go with every skirt and trouser style. You can leave the house, do a whole day’s work and then go out for dinner, and still be comfortable and look polished in the same boots.”