Knits for work: how to keep warm at the office this winter

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

In this week's column, she tackles keeping warm in the office...

Q. As it gets colder, my silk shirt is too cool for the office, but I don’t want to crumple my jackets by sitting at my desk in them. Is there a smart knitwear option?

A. As office air-conditioning always seems to hover around zero degrees, knitwear for work is essential. But it’s also an entirely different breed to cosy weekend jumpers. It needs to be lightweight so you don’t get all hot and sweaty, and slightly fitted to look good with separates. I tend to buy merino wool as it hangs nicely on the body, you can get a tailored jacket over the top if needed, and it keeps its shape and doesn’t bobble like pure wool and cashmere can.

Striped wool knit, ￡129, ME + EM; Merino wool coat, ￡179, Winser London

A couple of good knits can transform your working wardrobe as they really will go with anything - especially welcome when you find it hard to wake up on pitch black mornings. I love wearing A line skirts, and a shirt can sometimes feel too preppy and a blouse too formal, so a simple knit in a beautiful colour comes in very handy. I have to admit I learnt this from my ex-boss Sam Cam, who introduced me to the benefits of a having a few staple merino sweaters.

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Uniqlo is one of the best sources of simple block colour knitwear, and every season I buy a few new colours of their extra fine merino collection. They always have flattering v-necks, crews and polos (good for when it gets colder), so there is a shape and colour to suit everyone. I’ve been wearing the golden yellow v-neck with navy and it looks lovely.

Cardigan, ￡55, COS;  Extra fine v-neck sweater, ￡24.90, Uniqlo

For something a bit fancier, I love Uterque’s navy and white fine knit jumper with its flared cuffs. This would definitely spice up a classic navy trouser suit.

If you are a fan of cardigans, look for something with an unusual detail or colour contrast so it doesn’t look too prim and proper. Cos do fabulously quirky knitwear and this burgundy cardigan with yellow lined pockets is a nice modern spin. Or look at Winser London for a long ‘coatigan’ which is a great silhouette if you are on the tall side with a pencil skirt or slim trousers.

Otherwise, I never get bored of a Breton stripe: ME + EM’s khaki version is the perfect colours for now.