
The Edit: Back-to-work essentials
The summer holiday season has ended, but don’t feel glum. Treat yourself to classic and beautifully made accessories from The Royal Exchange retailers to guarantee a stylish return to the office
ON THE MOVE
Be the envy of the boardroom with Aspinal of London’s super-stylish and practical portfolio. This luxurious accessory is made from the finest full-grain leather and soft suede and features plenty of space for paperwork, cards, pens and a writing pad. Why not add your initials to show you really mean business? Executive A4 Zipped Portfolio in tobacco pebble, £215; shop at Aspinal of London at The Royal Exchange
THE SKY’S THE LIMIT
Remember how, as a child, new stationery would always help to combat the back-to-school blues? Well, the same applies to adulthood. It’s time to scrap your tatty old notebook and invest in one from Smythson. We love the Blue Sky Thinking branded Chelsea notebook, which is the perfect size for creative brainstorming on-the-go. It’s filled with Smythson’s signature gilt-edged paper in a cheery shade of Nile blue. Blue Sky Thinking Chelsea Notebook in Panama, £95; shop at Smythson at The Royal Exchange
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STEP OUT
There’s nothing like a shiny new pair of shoes to help your office attire get off on the right foot. Heritage British shoemaker Crockett & Jones produces the finest-quality leather shoes and boots, and this versatile pair of tassel loafers are the perfect balance of traditional and contemporary. Cavendish dark brown calf loafers, £485, available at Crockett & Jones at The Royal Exchange
MINI MARVELS
The majority of our working lives may take place behind a screen these days, but there’s always space for traditional pen and paper. If you’re a fan of the (hand) written word, then you best make sure your equipment is up to scratch. Pens don’t come more iconic than Montblanc’s stylish writing instruments. Inspired by the original Montblanc “Baby” pens from the 1920s, the new Rouge et Noir Baby collection features classic designs in black lacquer with platinum-coated fittings in a petite, purse-friendly size. Montblanc Heritage Rouge et Noir “Baby” Special Edition Black Fountain Pen M, £595, available at Montblanc at The Royal Exchange
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WORKING WARDROBE
Many office employees are enjoying a hybrid approach to work post-lockdown. While we welcome this newfound flexibility, navigating the new working wardrobe can be a bit of a minefield. For the days when we’re not on Zoom meetings with the camera switched off, comfort is still crucial – although we don’t want to rock up to the office in sweatpants. Sirplus has the answer with its Relaxed Tailoring edit featuring refined smart-casual pieces that don’t restrict the body and are stylish enough to wear for IRL meetings. Cream Supima Cotton Polo Shirt, £125, discover more at Sirplus at The Royal Exchange
WORD FOR WORD
There’s no need to splash out on a brand-new wardrobe in order to make an impression in the office this autumn. Instead, why not make a statement in a classic yet contemporary silk scarf from Hermès? This typographic print scarf, with a luxurious cashmere and silk blend, is versatile and très chic. Jeu d’Adresse scarf 100cm in cashmere and silk, ÂŁ630, available at Hermès at The Royal Exchange
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IN THE FOLD
Haven’t you heard? Backpacks are back in vogue. When you’re on the move commuting or travelling between meetings, you can’t really get a more practical solution. We love the aptly named Just in Case bag from the newly opened TUMI at The Royal Exchange boutique. This clever lightweight number folds completely flat so you can pack it as an extra bag or use it as your main holdall. Just in Case Backpack in beetroot, £100, available at TUMI at The Royal Exchange
STAR MAN
You’ve dusted off your shirt and tie for your return to the office, but now realise that you don’t have a pair of cufflinks to finish the look. Why not splash out on a shiny new pair from luxury jewellery and accessories brand Tateossian? There’s plenty of choice but the hand-painted Star Weave design, inspired by Armenian architecture, will certainly be a conversation starter in the boardroom. Star Weave cufflinks with blue enamel, £189, available at Tateossian at The Royal Exchange