Dressing for your dream job

If you have resolved to improve your career in 2015, why not try a new look for work?

Model wears shirt £75, blazer £195, rucksack £130, whistles.com

While some resolutions are based on physical self-improvement, many people choose a new year to undertake a fresh start professionally. Be it pursuing promotion or branching out in a new direction, a tried-and-tested approach to job-hunting is to dress for the role you want, rather than the one you’re in.

But this doesn’t mean commissioning Savile Row’s finest to kit you out – few and far between are the roles that call for such formal attire. Instead, take direction from the creative class and bring a modern, casual spin to the classics.

Wearing a suit has fallen out of favour in most workplaces, but that can be rectified by opting for soft tailoring that’s unlined and unstructured, which is far easier to wear than anything strict or severe and won’t elicit teasing remarks about court appearances from the office wag. A slightly loose, relaxed fit is key to making this look modern – as is forgoing a starched shirt and tie.

A fine-gauge rollneck is the most up-to-date way to wear tailoring, but the thought of the unforgiving but necessary slimness of fit isn’t worth the sweat stains if you’re anxious about your abs. Instead, a buttoned shirt in a poplin, printed silk or soft chambray denim will ensure you’re not mistaken for a stuffed shirt. Trainers and a suit is still a strong look, but if that’s too casual for you choose suede or leather lace-ups with minimal detailing.

While the transition to tailoring might feel daunting at first, you’ll be surprised how following the easy formula makes getting dressed in the morning easier, leaving you more time to concentrate on the task at hand.