In partnership with Charles & Keith
There once was a time when dressing for work meant dressing for one place: your desk. But as the RUSSH team knows well, these days, work tends to ask a little more of us. Working for a magazine means being prepared for virtually anything. Meetings, coffees, dinners, events, and a day that rarely ends at 5pm.
Naturally, our workwear wardrobe has had to adapt. For the RUSSH team, getting dressed for work is about finding the pieces that can maintain our pace. Sharp tailoring, coats, oversized shirting, worn-in vintage denim, that well-loved tee. The accessories, meanwhile, have to do more than simply complete the outfit – they need to work hard, too.
CHARLES & KEITH’s On the Go edit is one example of accessories that can keep up. Split across two moods — polished and pared-back Elevated Minimalist, and the preppy-inspired Fall Academy — the collection brings together structured bags and sleek shoes designed to slot effortlessly into the working wardrobe.
For Elyssa Kostopoulous, RUSSH Content Director, the right accessory does all the heavy lifting – from a bag that can withstand her commute, to shoes that make even the simplest look feel brand new.
“I don’t allow myself much time to get ready in the morning, so what I wear to the office has to fit into the no-fuss category. My go-to outfit is typically a great suit or two-piece look that I can elevate with the right accessories – across bags, footwear and jewellery,” she says.
“I have really been into contrast socks and stockings this season. I love playing with texture and colour by layering them with unconventional footwear – like these Charles & Keith Emelia Faux Suede Kitten Heels that I own in both brown and black. I also have a decent commute into the office, so am often carrying more than any sane person needs to get through the day. Time and time again, the Aislin Hobo Bag manages to fit it all, and the gold buckles and suede has been a really nice seasonal touch. The inbuilt pouch is also so handy for storing items that I am constantly using like my lip balm, headphones and portable charger and cords.”
Then there’s Alys Hale, RUSSH‘s music editor and creative producer, whose days are typically split between the desk and event coordination at a moment’s notice.
“Blessed with unconventional and creative tasks, I am often in and out of the office running from one venue to the next – as such, I love a kitten heel. They give you the perfect little lift while also being supremely comfortable: the Griselda Eel-Effect Slingback Pumps are often pounding the pavement with me. I also have their sister Loafers on my wish list. Whilst I am trying to travel lighter there are some things that I just cannot leave the house without, namely a notebook, pens, perfume and my headphones. The Ginevera Tote Bag (in a delicious pecan brown) has been my segue from a bag you could fit the kitchen sink into, to something a little lighter. It’s one of those pieces that goes with anything and you can fit in the legitimate essentials.”
For Kirsty Thatcher, RUSSH Senior Digital Editor, days in the office are long and unpredictable. “My early start means I really value pieces that take the guesswork out of getting ready. The Aislin Hobo Bag is sleek and sophisticated – plus, the black colourway goes with virtually everything in my wardrobe. Bonus points, there’s ample room for my Pilates socks, lunch, breakfast, laptop … the list goes on. But I never feel like I’m carrying an over-stuffed tote”
As for footwear, the Griselda Loafer takes the stress out of dashing from fashion shows to lunches to meetings and after work events – while also mastering every dress code. “I can pair them with my favourite suit trousers and trench coat during the day, then slip into sheer stockings and a mini skirt for an after dark cocktail party. No overthinking required.”
At the other end of the spectrum, RUSSH Fashion Assistant Koby Dulac spends most of his days on set, so being equipped for long shoots is paramount. “The Victoria Belted Tote Bag is everything and more,” he says. “It’s roomy, with a handy pocket and magnetic closure, so I never feel like anything will slip out. And the distressed coffee colourway not only looks seamless with my wardrobe, but means I don’t have to be overly precious with it either.
And for those days when one bag won’t cut it, Koby had made layering accessories into an art. His choice of pieces? The Large Ginevra Tote Bag in brown, and the Chance Turn-Lock Top Handle Bag in black. “Don’t be afraid to mix black and brown,” he says.
