Picks of the Week: Back to Work

Heading back to the office after a long break can be both daunting and difficult, but if you have to go, you may as well go in style. Our editors at The Rake have handpicked their top three items from The Rake Atelier to make your first week back at work that little bit easier.

 

Tom Chamberlin, Editor "The 12 days of Christmas have now come to an end, but the cold continues in many parts of the world, so apologies in advance to our Antipodean friends who may be after skimpier suggestions. The rest of us have to wrap up, though, so here are a few ideas that may streamline what is a panoply of goods available to you through TheRake.com. The first is the Teddy Bear coat from Motoluxe. Designing something for warmth and rakish elan isn’t particularly easy, but Motoluxe can be extremely proud of this creation – the cosy alpaca-mohair blend, the insouciance of the belt, the stop-in-the-street originality, all of it is perfect and one of my favourite items on the site. Next up is a pair of Hollywood-top trousers by Edward Sexton, which have been creating noise of late. Not only does this make the list because of the original, high-waisted design, but also because Sexton’s trousers are always remarkably good and no one handles flannel quite like 2017’s Rake Lifetime Achievement Award winner. To tie things up is one of Rubinacci’s latest creations. The house's innovative flair when it comes to scarves and pocket squares is miles ahead (and apart) from anyone else in the industry. The modal/silk versions are perfect all year round but this version in cashmere is particularly good for the season. Plus the commedia dell’arte icon Pulcinella as its motif gives a romantic and Italian grounding, which you will want to show off to everyone who will almost certainly comment on it." Charlie Thomas, Online Editor "Start the year as you mean to go on with your working wardrobe and invest in tailoring separates that can be mixed and matched with ease. Starting with the trousers, this pair by Anderson & Sheppard has been rendered in a sturdy 12oz navy cotton, which will keep the wind out yet is soft enough to pair with less formal garments. For the office, though, you’ll want a sharp blazer at hand, which is where this Rubinacci cashmere piece comes in. A relatively bold jacket with its large houndstooth check pattern, it can be toned down with a Merino wool polo shirt, which offers more warmth than a traditional shirt yet none of the stuffiness. This is a contemporary tailored look that will work well for a number of office environments and a range of professions." Jessica Beresford, Editorial Manager, E-Commerce "The bleary-eyed first week back at work can be so brutal that it almost makes having any time off at all a hassle. The only way to accommodate that perpetual snooze button is to be able to roll out of bed and throw on something fail-safe and effortless – in the true meaning of the word. Private White V.C.'s dogtooth overcoat is the very definition of carefree, what with its ability to cover up almost everything underneath while maintaining flair in its own right. Paired with an easy knit – such as this one of the cable variety by Edward Sexton – simple trousers and slip-ons, and you're well on your way to being a put-together and functioning human being." Anna Prendergast, Online Editorial Associate "I know I’m not the only one to seek comfort and convenience when my energy is being sapped by the cold and the exertion of holding an umbrella up for what feels like days at a time. Keep your hands free for said umbrella with Frank Clegg’s chestnut brown leather backpack, a gorgeous investment that will improve with time and help you keep organised as you head back to work. A shirt that doesn’t require a tie but still looks professional allows you to relax the rules a little, and a tie-dye effect scarf in the softest of cashmere can transport you back to summer in the 1960s, as well as keep you warm." Benedict Browne, Editorial Associate "Nothing makes more of a statement in the colder months than a punchy overcoat. I’ve developed a bit of a weird love affair with Prince of Wales and glen plaid cloth over Christmas and the Japanese brand Ring Jacket’s double-breasted number tops my list. I’ve also fallen for the wonderfully simple button-down shirt (in white, obviously) and Turnbull & Asser’s version has my full, undying and eternal attention. Finally, I rather stupidly found myself indulging in an old habit over the festive period. So, to make myself feel better about smoking again my final pick is a red lacquered S.T. Dupont lighter — no doubt a poisoned chalice." "The resolutions one tends to associate with the New Year are commonly centred on bettering oneself with a healthier diet, but here at The Rake we like to better ourselves through the acquisition of elegant business essentials. Look every inch prepared for a fresh working year with this Bengal striped shirt from Marol, which will add a hint of brightness to the inevitable January blues. Team this with a smart pair of Carmina leather Derbies, lovingly crafted with a Norwegian welt. Lastly, to finish off the ensemble (and to keep your valuables safe during your morning commute) opt for this Mark/Giusti portfolio, rendered in embossed calf leather with a useful strap on the back for extra security." Natasha Drax, Online Editorial Assistant  "For many of us at this time of year, it's time to dust off the suit and head back to work. However, if you’re not quite ready to slip back into your tailored ensemble then a simple rollneck paired with a structured blazer will make for a more relaxed and comfortable alternative. Take this black number by Falke which, crafted from fine-gauge Merino wool, is the perfect garment for layering in the cooler months. A pair of black glasses will keep the look smart and sophisticated and a dark leather briefcase will be both a practical and elegant accessory for business meetings."