“It can be easy to fall victim to the casual nature of working from home, but to me, it is important to dress for the day to feel productive,” says Mr.Porter’s style director Olie Arnold.
For months already the ongoing pandemic has forced us all to completely re-think our wardrobes and how we think about fashion. Comfort has become key. But it has also made it more challenging to dress for our work-from-home careers. How do you look sharp on a Zoom call without looking too overdressed?
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“While men are still seeking out luxury, the definition of the term has evolved in a way to fit these times. It’s all about considered pieces, the investment in quality, the durability of craft, and how timeless products can transcend seasons and environments,” explains Arnold. “It’s a hybrid model of dress for our hybrid lives.”
His number one piece of styling advice is to keep it simple. Opt for a classic cashmere crew-neck or roll-neck sweater. He always keeps an unlined blazer close at hand for video and in-person meetings.
“That one layer can change one’s mindset, be worn comfortably and easily thrown on or off in-between video calls,” Arnold explains. T-shirts are also an essential part of his wardrobe as they are an easy addition to any outfit and they pair well with lightweight knitwear and blazers alike.
“While I know Zoom calls are mostly torso up, you don’t want to be caught on camera looking half-dressed. For comfort and style, I’d opt for a pair of drawstring trousers, which combine the smartness of suit trousers with the ease of sweatpants,” he adds.
Comfort has remained a leading factor, even when it comes to trends. According to Arnold, a new take on tailoring has emerged—one with more relaxed and functional offerings befit for these transitional times.
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“Fear of God’s collaboration with Ermenegildo Zegna, for example, is the perfect marriage of Alessandro Sartori’s impeccable Italian tailoring and Jerry Lorenzo’s relaxed contemporary aesthetic, with the resulting collection an exemplary transitional wardrobe,” he explains.
Mr. Porter’s customers have also expressed a renewed interest in fine jewelry, investing in pieces such as diamond bracelets, gold chains, and signet rings.
Just remember Arnold’s rule of thumb when it comes to jewelry: less is more.
Now without further ado, here are the pieces Mr.Porter’s style director will be investing in this winter.
Mr P. Nappa Leather Blouson Jacket
To buy: $3,350, mrporter.com
Brunello Cucinelli Double-Faced Cotton-Blend Jersey Zip-Up Hoodie & Tapered Cotton-Blend Jersey Sweatpants
To buy: $895, mrporter.com; $925, mrporter.com
Dries Van Noten Wool-Twill Drawstring Trousers
To buy: $660, mrporter.com
Mr P. Peter Leather Chelsea Boots
To buy: $785, mrporter.com
Luis Morais Gold-Tone Necklace
To buy: $2,850, mrporter.com
Kingsman Slim-Fit Striped-Trimmed Wool and Cashmere-Blend Rollneck Sweater
To buy: $445, mrporter.com
Tom Ford Slim-Fit Knitted Silk T-Shirt
To buy: $990, mrporter.com
Mr P. Unstructured Cashmere Blazer
To buy: $1,110, mrporter.com
Bottega Veneta Intrecciato Leather Leather AirPods Case with Lanyard
To buy: $470, mrporter.com
Massimo Alba Tapered Cotton-Corduroy Suit Trousers
To buy: $410, mrporter.com
