Dress-down Fridays – the definition of a blessing and a curse when it comes to office dressing. On the one hand, yes, it’s a joy to leave the shirt and tie hanging in the wardrobe until Monday, but it’s also a pain having to actually think about what to put on in the morning (before an XL coffee, at least). So, let’s keep it simple: leave the building blocks in place (suit jacket, matching trousers) and swap out the rest for something a bit more relaxed. A long-sleeved Tee is your go-to stand-in for a button-down shirt, and a smart pair of trainers is a much cooler shoe option than your everyday loafers. Crisis averted.

To those on the 99th floor of a super-serious city firm, whose office dress codes are less open to interpretation, there are plenty of luxe formal suits to choose from. For everyone else, it’s time to try some new tailoring options that are guaranteed to showcase your fashion nous (if it wasn’t already clear to your colleagues, that is). This matching set from Homme Plissé Issey Miyake is unbelievably comfortable (the pleated fabric makes it nice and stretchy), as well as being a fresher-than-fresh take on the suit-and-trousers set. Pair with the new-season Balenciaga shopper tote and know for a fact that the water-cooler chat will be all about your supreme styling skills.

Grey, navy, and more grey: the times may have changed but the uninspiring office colour palette remains the same as ever. Throwing some print into the mix is a truly pain-free way to spice up your work wardrobe, and all without having to go too far from your comfort zone. Take this jacket from Richard James - the cut and shape is classic Savile Row slickness, but the geometric print makes it a whole lot more contemporary. For the print-shy among us, a bold shirt (think parrots at Paul Smith, or feathers at Alexander McQueen) worn underneath a buttoned plain blazer adds some interest to an otherwise nothing-to-see-here suit combo.

LThe print de rigueur for the hard-working city type, the pinstripe’s been going strong since the 19th century, so it’s about time we shook it up a bit. Unlike the Wall Street fellas, we’re pairing our finely striped jacket with a good-looking knit (ie: no bobbles) and dark jeans for a no-brainer take on smart-casual. Just remember the cardinal rule with pinstripes: make sure it fits like a dream to avoid any 80s throwback moments.