How to dress for work now
Victoria Moss explains why a long skirt is the perfect ally for the new, relaxed workwear rules
My knees are not for public consumption and I really only favour skirts that hit me at least mid-calf, so fashion’s recent wave of midi lengths in pleated or knitted guises is ideal. But a midi can be awkward if it falls at the wrong point, which is where the new crop of modern maxi lengths comes in: one that sits on or slightly above your ankle, allowing for a chic shoe flash.
Veronika Heilbrunner, founder of lifestyle website HeyWoman!, is a great fan of the long skirt. “I love romantic or glamorous pieces in the day, but it’s important to make it work in a practical way,” she says. “I wear flat, simple sandals. On colder days, Converse chucks or Dr Martens are the perfect counterpart. It’s simpler to get around as those volumes of fabric aren’t easy in heels.” Heilbrunner also recommends retro tracksuit jumpers (very this season Chloé), leather or denim jackets to add contrast.
It’s also a great in-between weather choice when your legs are still feeling a little shy. My advice for pieces that work well as smart day wear is to avoid the flounce: I’m no advocate of a tiered sweeping maxi skirt. There are many tiered monstrosities on the high street thanks to designers who tie dyed and bleached their way down the catwalk. These might float your boat, but I offer that these suit no one over the age of seven. But hey, it’s your selfie.
Amy Smilovic, the designer behind the American label Tibi, says: “Long skirts are always in my rotation because they are both refined and eased out. The same skirt that can go to a quite formal event can take on a completely different look with a T-shirt and a pair of trainers. It’s also timeless – on someone younger, it takes on an ironic spin, and on someone older it’s a perfect classic.” Tibi currently has a chic black-andwhite polka dot asymmetric hemdetail – with one side gently draped towards the floor. Skirts with extra design quirks such as this are helpful to avoid that block-y look that can come with a maxi. Mango has the strongest selection of options on the high street, including a pretty spidery floral print – wear with a navy sweater and plimsolls or coloured loafers.
Silky flowing pieces will always flatter – Tory Burch has a gorgeous peach and dusky green printed maxi. I like the idea of pairing printed pieces with a plain smart T-shirt or light knitted top, then a blazer, to neaten up your silhouette. If you like a bit more structure, the Maje skirt (above) looks perfect with the jacket tucked in (swap for a shirt) and will keep giving come winter. For stretchy but sleek options, Rick Owens (£315, stylebop.com) has a khaki Mermaid hem maxi, or T By Alexander Wang has a great jagged hem merino wool navy one (£255, Net-A-Porter.com).
At British-based label 1205, which has this week launched its own online store (1205.eu), creative director Paula Gerbase has kept all her skirt lengths long for spring/summer, with elegant pleats and relaxed folds to soften them. “Anything longer than lower ankle length would take away from the ease and comfort that one should naturally feel when wearing less structured clothing,” she says. “The most important thing is that the skirt works for you, not the other way round.”