How you can blur the lines of office and off-duty with the right knits and the right styling

I’m wearing:
Cashmere Jumper, Cashmere Biker Jacket & Cashmere Cardigan – Nuan Cashmere

It’s fascinating how we approach work-life balance of our wardrobes in completely different ways. My mother, for example, seldom buys anything unless it passes the test of ‘can I wear this to work?’ This makes perfect sense, of course, for someone who happily defines herself by her career. Whereas for yours truly, who believes off-duty days are when one can truly indulge in personal style, the polar opposite criterion of ‘can I wear this on the weekend’, applies. Whichever side of the fence between office and off-duty lies your allegiance, I’ve long realised that there doesn’t need to be some sacred boundary between your workday and weekend wardrobes. In fact, the blurring of office and off-duty pieces is a potent strategy for consolidating the perfect capsule wardrobe. Knitwear might often seem like a decidedly off-duty item, but with luxe pieces and shrewd styling, it can work wonderfully both ways. Here’s how.

The office look:
A perfect light weight cashmere sweater is the perfect base to create an office ready outfit. While it’s tempting to go for a fitted cut, don’t be afraid of a slouchy fit, which will prove its worth in versatility – tuck it into a pencil skirt, layer under a shift dress, or drape over fitted pants, as I’ve done in my workday outfit. The all-important finishing touch is to incorporate structure and tailoring. However, this doesn’t mean you have to be decked out in a three-piece suit. I love this ingenious cashmere biker’s jacket by Nuan Cashmere, which can be dressed up or down. And to instantly transform this outfit for off-duty, simply switch heels for a pair of sneakers, and structured bag for a slouchy shopping tote.

The off-duty look:
Opting for a slouchy sweater over a fitted one, this Nuan Cashmere jumper can seamlessly transition to off-duty. For cooler days, a luxe long cardigan is perfect to keep the look casual but elevated. Complete with jeans and a pair loafers for comfort and style, for running around town or meeting the girls for a (long) brunch. Again, this outfit can be made instantly office appropriate by changing to a pair of trousers and switching loafers for a pair of pumps.

Have I made you a knitwear convert? Check out the treasure trove of of luxe cashmere knitwear at Nuan Cashmere.

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