Editors' Picks... Best for Business

Black Friday weekend at The Rake is the perfect opportunity to stock up on your office attire. Don't be fooled into thinking dressing for the office is a prosaic task. The city might be awash with anodyne charcoal suits but critical mass is no reason to join the pack. Instead, you might like to take a more adventurous approach, mixing up patterns or adopting a tonal look. Office uniform, of course, doesn't stop at the suit and shirt. In fact, if anything, how you accessorise your look is a loaded decision: stylish combinations are always noted, but poorly assembled ones are never forgotten. Our editors have selected their favourite pieces for every type of office, from the more casual creative workspace to the corporate boardroom.

 

Wei Koh, Founder of The Rake Lorenzo Cifonelli is truly a master tailor, able to translate all of his bespoke expertise into his ready-to-wear suits, which is why I love this windowpane check three-piece suit. It's certainly a statement for the office and blasts through the hegemony of the charcoal suit, but you can just as easily dress it down as a two-piece for the weekend with a polo shirt and a pair of loafers, which leads me neatly on to my next pick. A man can never have enough loafers, but if you have to have one pair, you’re looking at them: Rubinacci's Marphy Belgian loafers. Honestly, you could wear these year-round with just about anything, but I like the idea of bringing a confidently casual vibe to an office. As ridiculous as it might sound, something as miniscule as a pair of cufflinks can completely ruin a business look - once seen, never forgotten. So I'd direct you towards these Jan Leslie moonstone cufflinks - an abundance of character but office friendly nonetheless.   Ryan Thompson, Digital Editor Polished and punchy, this blue high-twist yarn suit from Lardini is a beautiful addition to any serious business wardrobe, and especially for those who travel frequently as the high-twist fabric is virtually impervious to creasing. Some sartorialists will tell you never to mix stripes but I prefer to break the rules by pairing it  Cordone 1956's white and azure blue stripe dandy cotton shirt - the very definition of power dressing - with Edward Sexton's sky blue, brown and navy twin stripe silk tie. The fact that I've kept the palette tonal blue means neither of the pieces will shout over the other.

 

Benedict Browne, Associate Style Editor Pinstripes mean business and if you’re wanting to make a statement, go wide or go home. Lardini’s iteration in blue has a luxurious handle, thanks to a slight touch of silk blended into the weave. Slim fitting with a shirt-style shoulder, it’s a comfortable jacket that’s met with flat-fronted trousers. Paired with a pair of black Oxfords with medallion broguing, care of Northampton-based Bodileys, and a portfolio from Adriano Meneghetti, the boardroom is already in your command.

 

Aobh O'Brien-Moody, Editorial Assistant Each Cordone 1956 shirt is a veritable piece of artistry: you can’t go wrong with this classic Cambridge style, which features the label’s signature Luigi collar. Pair with a wool and silk Edward Sexton tie, a sophisticated staple that makes for an understated yet striking addition to your everyday business attire. Finally, these sturdy yet stylish calf leather derbys by George Cleverley will fast become your go-to shoe for the boardroom and beyond.