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    1. Fashion
    2. Shopping

    Bored of party dressing already? Here's the grown-up alternative

    The perfect day-to-night look

    Penny Goldstone's avatar
    By Penny Goldstone
    Published 2 December 2024 In Features

    When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

    Corporate dressing
    (Image credit: Getty Images)
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    'Corpcore', 'boardroom fashion', '9 to thrive'... you may have seen this trend under various guises the past few seasons, but corporate dressing is very might top of the agenda this season.

    And it just happens to be the perfect antidote to those of you who can't bear the sight of yet another party dress. This movement towards back-to-work outfits first emerged post-pandemic, with a focus on elevating workwear basics - particularly after months of wearing athleisure and leggings.

    But this Autumn/Winter 2024 season, the trend has taken whole new heights, with designers competing to create the most wow-worthy looks that most definitely should not be reserved for the office.

    On the more grown-up side of party dressing and the ‘back to school’ trend we've seen a lot of, corporate suiting dominated the catwalk across all fashion capitals.

    Here again, there was a style to suit all tastes, from 80s-inspired oversized silhouettes at Schiaparelli (braided hair tie optional), 90s patchwork pastel blazers at Dries Van Noten, tailored pencil skirts and shirts at Bally and discreet shoulder pads at Alexander McQueen and Givenchy.

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    Needless to say, we're talking high-hitting work outfits hinting that failure is not an option.

    But far from being reserved for the boardroom, this trend is perfect to take into party season, with a few tweaks.

    Marie Claire Newsletter

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    Corporate dressing

    (Image credit: Getty Images)

    Alberta Ferretti mastered this beautifully with 70s-inspired pointed collar silk shirts in jewel tones, layered under tonal suits. Meanwhile, Alexander McQueen championed the return of the slim cigarette pant, paired with cinched blazers with exaggerated shoulders, all adorned with embellishments for extra sparkle.

    I also loved the lame suits at Badgley Mischka and the tasseled skirt, paired with an oversized blazer at Victoria Beckham.

    These are all looks that can be easily recreated this season, or, should you want to keep it simple, a silk slip, an oversized blazer and a satin tie will do the trick.

    Shop corporate dressing

    prada tie

    Prada, Re-Nylon gabardine tie
    £290 AT PRADA

    A tongue-in-cheek way to incorporate the trend into your everyday wardrobe, layered over a silk blouse.

    Oversized Velvet-Trimmed Striped Cotton-Poplin Shirt

    Etro, Striped Cotton-Poplin Shirt
    £560 AT NET-A-PORTER

    Layer over a sheer lace skirt to add a feminine touch.

    Bianca Jacket

    Racil, Bianca Jacket
    £695 AT RACIL

    This classic blazer will go with everything from a t-shirt and jeans to a silk dress.

    Straight-Leg Pinstripe Trousers

    Massimo Dutti, Straight-Leg Pinstripe Trousers
    £119 AT MASSIMO DUTTI

    For party season, style these trousers with high Mary-Janes and a sheer blouse.

    Rose Tie Necklace

    Arket, Rose Tie Necklace
    £17 AT ARKET

    Swap your corporate tie for this rose tie necklace, an accessory Carrie Bradshaw would be proud of.

    Silk Shirt in Teal

    Reiss, Silk Shirt in Teal
    £198 AT REISS

    This shirt comes in several colours, but I recommend teaming this teal one with a velvet burgundy for an on-trend look.

    Perla Skirt

    Reformation, Perla Skirt
    £133.50 AT REFORMATION

    If you don't want to go for the full sheer look, this skirt is a great compromise. For an office-friendly look, wear a longline blazer on top.

    Leo Satin Long Waistcoat

    Aligne, Leo Satin Long Waistcoat
    £129 AT ALIGNE

    Aligne has brought out a festive version of its best-selling waistcoat, in a black satin finish.

    Tailored Waisted Blazer

    & Other Stories, Tailored Waisted Blazer
    £125 AT & OTHER STORIES

    You can't beat & Other Stories for affordable tailoring, and red is the colour of the (festive) season.

    Asymmetric Cowl-Neck Midi Dress

    & Other Stories, Asymmetric Cowl-Neck Midi Dress
    £97 AT & OTHER STORIES

    Team this dress with the matching blazer above.

    Shearling Effect Midi Skirt - Women | Mango United Kingdom

    Mango, Shearling Effect Midi Skirt
    £29.99 AT MANGO

    A tactile and playful take on an office wardrobe staple.

    Metallic Thread Blouse Zw Collection

    Zara, Metallic Thread Blouse
    £45.99 AT ZARA

    This sheer metallic blouse will look great with jeans and wide leg satin trousers alike.

    Vika Cropped Satin-Trimmed Velvet-Jacquard Jacket

    Saloni, Satin-Trimmed Velvet-Jacquard Jacket
    £495 AT NET-A-PORTER

    This comes with a matching skirt, but I love the idea of wearing it with tailored trousers or denim.

    Nat Satin-Trimmed Embroidered Velvet Midi Skirt

    Saloni, Embroidered Velvet Midi Skirt
    £425 AT NET-A-PORTER

    Perfect paired with a white men's shirt and velvet platform heels.

    Penny Goldstone
    Penny Goldstone
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    Contributing Fashion Editor

    Penny Goldstone is the Contributing Fashion Editor at Marie Claire UK. She writes about catwalk trends and the latest high street and Instagram sartorial must-haves. She also helms the Women Who Win franchise.

    She has worked in fashion for over 10 years, contributing to publications such as Cosmopolitan, Red, Good Housekeeping, and Stylist.

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