How to Wear Oliver Brown's New Workwear-Inspired Pieces
Oliver Brown, the go-to clothier for the informed urban man, returns with a new collection. Here are three work-inspired looks to add to your rotation.
Words: Benedict Browne
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‘Workwear’ in the no-tool-box-needed sense, is a confusingly nuanced genre of clothing. What does it mean? And what does it look like? After all, we all do different things, work in different industries and even environments, and thus must dress in different ways.
One practical approach to understanding it is by delineating a line; it's safe to assert that below this line are items like Jesus sandals and vests emblazoned with Heineken logos. Once you venture beyond this pivotal boundary, it becomes simpler than you might imagine. Whether you're obligated to adopt a formal, smart, or smart-casual dress code in the workplace, all that's required is a respect for tradition and societal norms.
Catering to this is Oliver Brown, which has served the working world for the last 25 years with clothing that respects the aforementioned traditions. With its quintessential British take on style, it has positioned itself as the go-to clothier for the informed urban man for his office wear, occasion wear and everything in between. The entire range, from outerwear to knitwear and shirting, is made using the finest fabrics and yarns available, most of which are from UK suppliers, and garments are designed with a leaning towards the conservative, guaranteeing you’ll stand out for the right reasons.
Regarding its FW23 collection, the design team has conceived a line of interchangeable and versatile garments, facilitating the creation of a well-thought-out and extensive wardrobe with effortless ease – especially suitable for your Monday to Friday routine.
Here are three workwear outfits for inspiration:
Classic Workwear
Avoid imitating Gordon Gekko, and keep it simple with a cream shirt and a woven silk tie in a dark colour. Cream doesn’t create as stark a contrast as white and, therefore, is less formal. Come the evening, simply swap in a Merino wool roll neck in ink green for a chic look that will take you to dinner and then the theatre.
Smart
It’s been said time and time and before, but the single-breasted navy suit is without question the cornerstone of a man's wardrobe due to its timeless qualities and limitless styling potential. It can be worn at work or to a significant life event, and even at the pub without hesitation, and whilst tradition states that it should be worn with a shirt and tie, today the rule book is considerably more relaxed.
Whilst one of Oliver Brown’s City shirts will never go amiss when paired with a printed silk tie, the substitution in favour of a Merino wool long-sleeve polo shirt is much more considered and even confident. It downplays the jacket’s formality, presenting it in a different light, and it will take you from the office and then beyond. It’s a look that would seamlessly work in both the finance industry and the art world.
Smart Casual
Smart casual can make some men shudder with anxiety as it's a classification bandied around so much it's lost its definition. Furthermore, if you're more inclined to dress formally than your peers, your interpretation of it will be very different. The good news is that knitwear – and the correct type of knitwear – has recently entered the conversation and can be considered smart casual enough to enter the workplace.
The button-down cardigan is a new design from Oliver Brown, hitting the sweet spot of smart casual style. It’s made from soft Merino wool, and you can just as easily wear a shirt and tie beneath, however a thin crewneck jumper will create a more relaxed look. And, if you need protection from the elements, throw on a reversible raincoat. It’s simple but effective styling.
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