Thought you couldn't wear denim to work? These new smart options may make you think again

Isabel Spearman is a brand and image consultant who previously worked as special adviser to Samantha Cameron at Downing Street. Each week , she offers a helping hand dissecting workwear dress codes and offering a modern take on power dressing.

To ask Isabel Spearman your workwear questions, email [email protected] or follow her on instagram @isabelspearman

This week, she advises on denim that's appropriate for the office... 

Q. I’ve never worn denim to the office- but as many of my colleagues do, and still look smart, I’m keen to give it a try. Where can I find office-appropriate versions?

A. Denim has always been given short shrift in the workplace, seen as something to save for casual Friday or the weekend. But there’s been a shift change, with the SS18 catwalk shows championing smart denim - and not just jeans. When Tom Ford’s catwalk filters down to the high street you know you’re onto a good thing.

LK Bennett has produced a great capsule collection of denim workwear pieces. I love the trouser suit and, as denim doesn’t crease, it’s an incredibly smart option for the workplace. Keep it utilitarian with a crisp white shirt or soften with a pretty blouse.

Denim blazer, ￡275, LK Bennett; Booker shirt, ￡185, MiH Jeans; Indigo denim skirt, ￡25, Very 

As a general rule, look for tailored styles with washes on the darker side, like Next’s denim pencil skirt. I’ve worn a dark denim shirtdress non-stop all month, to both corporate meetings and creative brand brainstorms, and accrued many compliments along the way.

A.P.C denim shirtdress, ￡265, Matches Fashion; Rochas denim skirt, ￡558, Matches Fashion; Elizabeth & James denim coat, ￡580, Net-a-Porter

One of the many charms of denim is that it goes with any colour so it’s very easy to wear, and a denim shirt looks great with a printed skirt. While you can get away with chambray for casual wear, it can look too scruffy for the office as it creases easily. Look for cotton denim for shirting, as it’s slightly heavier and will look smarter, and go for elegant shapes - like MiH’s pussy bow blouse - to avoid any cowgirl references.