While your daily wardrobe may have become more casual over the course of this unusual year, you still want to look presentable during virtual meetings and feel the part no matter where you are working.
New York-based womenswear brand Of Mercer can elevate your work-from-home style while also helping you invest in a wardrobe that will take you back to the office and last through each of your future promotions.
Not only do their dresses and separates fit a busy lifestyle with their wrinkle-free and washable fabrics (goodbye dry-cleaning bills), they also make you stylish AF while you kill that Zoom presentation – hopefully impressing not only your boss but also that prospective client. Of Mercer also caters to sizes 00 to 22W with petite, tall, and maternity styles, so there’s something for almost every woman.
No harsh silhouettes, super-tailored or constrictive pieces, Of Mercer is about comfort and longevity – timeless pieces that will last in your wardrobe for years to come.
Curating a core office-appropriate wardrobe allows you to mix-and-match and never worry about what to wear to present your most professional and polished self. These ten pieces from Of Mercer can create 31 different outfits, building a perfect work wardrobe. The key to creating the perfect capsule wardrobe is to invest in clothing with a coordinated colour scheme made from similar materials which you can mix and match time again. This allows you to spend your money on more important things – like ordering in from your favourite restaurant.
What you will need to build your perfect capsule wardrobe
Choose two dresses that can cover a wide range of scenarios: a sleek sheath that can transition from boardrooms to formal dinners and a casual one for more relaxed workdays.
Carlise dress, available in azalea, midnight teal, black and navy, $285 CAD at ofrmercer.com.
Of Mercer took the structured sheath and added asymmetrical details to give it a whole new flair. The angled neckline frames the collarbone while the diagonal seam along the skirt creates a flattering, elongating effect.
Milton dress, available in peacock and raisin, $270 CAD at ofrmercer.com.
We reach for this piece that does it all on our busiest days – an effortlessly flattering A-line dress. Crafted from a smooth Italian knit fabric, this dress moves with you throughout your day.
Amsterdam Cardigan, available in peony, marigold, burgundy, granite grey, black, and cream, $140 CAD at ofmercer.com.
It’s essential to have an easy knit for layering on chillier days when you don’t need to be in a formal blazer. This soft cardigan easily folds over shoulders, office chairs, and into your favourite handbag. In a simple black shade, it can be thrown over any outfit and still look totally chic and put together.
You need to have a power suit on deck to wow for any interview, board meeting, or presentation (Hello, Clarkson/Beekman combo!). However, we recommend also having a slightly lighter blazer that can be worn with any outfit to instantly elevate it to business professional.
Clarkson Blazer, available in chocolate, azalea, graphite, black, midnight teal, poppy, and burgundy, $330 CAD at ofmercer.com.
Slouchy but sleek, the Clarkson blazer comes in Japanese stretch suiting that’s drape-y and doesn’t wrinkle, ideal for frequent fliers and I-run-this-place vibes. It is equal parts polished and modern thanks to the inverted lapel and relaxed fit.
Lenox Blazer V2, available in grey plaid, black, and navy, $285 CAD, at ofmercer.com.
This architectural layer has a cool, relaxed fit that instantly elevates any outfit. Made in Of Mercer’s machine-washable, wrinkle-free material, it is Of Mercer’s easiest blazer to carry with you through long days (and still look cool even in the most conservative environments).
For tops, we recommend choosing versatile shells that can go with any outfit – one in a light colour and one in a dark colour. What we love about Of Mercer’s tops is that they are designed to be the perfect length to be worn tucked or untucked.
Elizabeth top, available in topaz, black, and white, $140 CAD at ofmercer.com.
This classic shell top goes with literally any outfit. Made from a machine-washable, smooth knit fabric, it can be worn again and again.
Malcolm Top, available in celadon, spruce, cream, $170 CAD at ofmercer.com.
There’s a quiet glamour to this perfect, easy little top. It’s simple enough to go with everything, but the notch at the neckline adds just the right amount of elegant detail.
For pants, we recommend choosing two different silhouettes to allow for a wide range of silhouettes in your work wardrobe. We personally love selecting a pair with a pop of colour.
Beekman Pants, available in azalea, chocolate, graphite, black, midnight teal, burgundy, $255 CAD, at ofmercer.com.
We love this slouchy, tapered trouser that slips on with ease, thanks to an elastic waistband. When worn with their Clarkson Blazer, it is the ultimate power outfit.
Hanover Pants, available in navy, army green, and black, $270 CAD, at ofmercer.com.
With a slightly cropped length and a flattering, slim, but not too tight fit, these beauties are sure to be on repeat in your outfit rotation. We especially love the invisible zipper at the center back that allows for a clean, flat front.
We like to throw in one skirt into our rotation to add a little variety to our work wardrobe.
Delancey Skirt, available in forest green and black, $210 CAD, at ofmercer.com.
This skirt skims the body without ever being clingy and moves with you for a fit that’s both flattering and comfortable.
Of Mercer is designed in-house and manufactured in New York City; pieces retail from $135 to $350 CAD and ships across Canada. Shop online at ofmercer.com.