Smart-Casual Retro Workwear once an oxymoron is now a rising fashion movement in the UK. With office dress codes trending more relaxed (only 7% of UK workers still wear formal suits, versus 34% who opt for “smart casual” attire ), women are embracing vintage-inspired style in their everyday professional wardrobes. Smart-casual is all about balance: you want an outfit polished enough for client meetings yet comfortable and creative enough to express personal style. In practical terms, that might mean pairing a classic pencil skirt or tailored trousers with a playful retro print blouse and a relaxed blazer. The result? A look that’s office-appropriate but never boring equally suited for the 9 a.m. meeting and a 7 p.m. dinner.
This trend has paved the way for brands that blend timeless elegance with modern ease, giving a nostalgic nod to the past without veering into costume territory. The following seven British brands (including Timeless London, as promised) are leading the charge. They offer vintage silhouettes reimagined for today’s workplace, think ’40s-inspired blazers with laptop-friendly pockets, ’50s swing skirts in breathable fabrics, and ’70s print dresses made inclusive for all sizes. Each brand brings its own take on tailoring, retro prints, modern dress-code adaptability, and size inclusivity. And as you’ll see, these labels don’t just make clothes, many provide style guides, fit tips, and even quotes from their design teams on how to rock retro workwear with confidence.
Let’s meet the trailblazers turning British offices into chic, nostalgic runways, one smart-casual outfit at a time.
1. Timeless London: Vintage Silhouettes Made Work-Friendly
Timeless London’s Aarna blazer and Mika skirt set channels a 1960s vibe with a tailored modern fit, exemplifying the brand’s retro-meets-workwear ethos. If one brand embodies the term “smart-casual retro workwear,” it’s Timeless London. Founded in 2021 as a family-run label, Timeless London was “born out of a love for all things vintage”, especially the iconic styles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and 70s. From day one, their mission has been to infuse those classic silhouettes with a modern twist, using exclusive prints and sustainable fabrics. The result is clothing that truly lives up to the brand’s name: “pieces are truly 'timeless,' designed to be cherished for years to come”, the founders affirm.
What sets Timeless London apart is how deliberately they tailor vintage timeless winter style for contemporary working women. Each design undergoes a rigorous fitting process “to fit you like a glove, accentuating all the right places”. The brand’s pattern-makers study real female forms to ensure even casual day dresses are flattering and comfortable, whether you’re sitting at a desk or presenting in a boardroom. Crucially, Timeless offers sizes XS through 4XL a remarkably inclusive range so women of every shape can enjoy vintage-inspired outfits without size barriers. This commitment to comfort, inclusivity and ethical practices lies at “the heart of vintage-inspired women's clothing UK” that Timeless London champions.
How does Timeless make retro look office-ready? Through clever design tweaks and high-quality fabric choices. For example, a traditional tartan pinafore dress often seen as weekend wear is “reimagined with heritage patterns and crisp, modern lines” so that it’s “as approachable as a knit and as put-together as tailoring”, easily moving from casual coffee runs to Monday meetings. In Timeless’s fall collection, wool-rich tartan jumpers and swing skirts are styled in outfits that balance vintage charm with professional polish. One blog guide notes that tartan communicates “polish with personality,” especially in neutral-toned checks that read as refined as pinstripes “ideal for autumn” and perfectly acceptable in a smart-casual office. It’s this “quiet statement” approach that makes Timeless pieces shine at work: they catch the eye with nostalgic patterns but never feel over-the-top in a modern workplace.
Take Timeless London’s Aarna Chocolate Wool Blazer and Mini Mika Skirt, a co-ord that has earned rave reviews from customers for its versatility. The set nails a “rich, 60s-inspired silhouette that moves from day to after-dark without missing a beat”, as the brand’s stylist notes. The blazer is cut slim at the waist for an hourglass line, fully lined and made from a soft wool blend that’s substantial enough to wear as light outerwear in fall. The matching skirt hits above the knee youthful but still modest with opaque tights and is designed “perfect for thick tights and loafers by day, or heeled boots after hours”, giving you seamless desk-to-dinner potential. Both pieces are “designed in London and made with consideration for longevity and comfort”, meaning you’ll be investing in quality. In fact, Timeless often highlights the performance of its fabrics: their blogs explain how wool’s natural insulation and breathability keep you comfortable “from commuting to the conference room”, avoiding the dreaded overheated-in-wool scenario by using fine Merino blends that regulate temperature and resist odors.
Another signature workwear item is the Sophie midi swing skirt, which Timeless releases in various plaids and solids. Cut in a 1950s circle skirt shape, it “embodies seasonal magic” and is surprisingly easy to style with modern tops. Customers frequently mention the Sophie skirt’s practicality “the skirt feels such good quality… and has pockets!!” one reviewer wrote, noting how it’s warm for winter and pairs well with many tops. Pockets are a recurring theme in Timeless designs, showing the brand understands modern needs (phone, ID badge, keys) within vintage aesthetics.
Timeless London also actively educates wearers on styling vintage pieces in current ways. Their blog posts read like mini office-style guides, covering everything from layering skirts and blazers for winter commutes to choosing the right silhouette for your body type. One guide suggests five “Autumn Layering Formulas That Actually Work,” such as “Tartan pinafore + black rollneck + opaque tights + penny loafers” for a meeting-ready minimalist look. Another recommends pairing a bold check skirt with a neutral blazer for a head-to-toe coordinated set that remains “striking, yet cohesive”. By providing these how-tos, Timeless empowers customers to integrate retro pieces into a modern wardrobe effortlessly.
Finally, size inclusivity is a cornerstone of Timeless’s revolution. The brand proudly dresses women worldwide from UK 6 up to 24 (4XL), and they design many styles with plus figures in mind. A recent blog highlighted “the plus-size midi skirt that flatters every body shape”, explaining how a swing skirt skims rather than clings, and advising on contoured waistbands and proper fabric weight for the most flattering drape. In Timeless’s eyes, vintage fashion is for everybody and everybody, and they walk the talk by using plus models and soliciting feedback from customers of all sizes. As one content piece summed up: Timeless London’s collections “celebrate femininity, grace, and structure of bygone eras, while ensuring comfort, inclusivity, and ethical practices”.
For all these reasons, Timeless London is a linchpin of the UK’s retro workwear revival. They prove that you can wear a “vintage silhouette” be it a Dior-inspired New Look dress or a mod mini to the office and not only fit in, but stand out for all the right reasons. By combining heritage style with modern fit and function, Timeless has indeed made the old new again in British workplaces.
2. Collectif Pin-Up Heritage with Modern Tailoring and Inclusivity
If you’ve dabbled in vintage-inspired fashion, you’ve likely heard of Collectif. Established in London in 2000, Collectif has decades of experience in blending retro flair with contemporary trends. “Welcome to Collectif!” their site cheerfully proclaims “Established in 2000, we are specialist retailers of all things vintage inspired with a modern twist”. From its Camden Market origins to a worldwide customer base, Collectif has become a go-to for women seeking clothing that can be rockabilly-fun one day and office chic the next. Their design philosophy centers on originality and versatility: “by combining the latest fashion trends with classic retro flair we provide bespoke timeless styles… our collections are perfect for someone looking for something different”. In other words, Collectif aims to inject uniqueness into your wardrobe without sacrificing wearability.
Collectif’s workwear revolution lies in its “timeless tailoring” and breadth of offerings. Not only do they create the swing dresses and wiggle skirts you’d expect from a pin-up inspired label, but they also have an entire range dedicated to smart separates and suits. In fact, they have a curated “Timeless Tailoring” collection designed “for those who appreciate the sophistication of mid-20th-century fashion”, offering pieces that “seamlessly blend vintage charm with modern comfort”. These garments are explicitly pitched as suitable whether “you’re dressing for the office or a weekend getaway,” delivering both style and ease for any setting. In this range you’ll find tailored high-waisted trousers, pencil skirts, fitted blouses, and smart blazers essentially a retro capsule work wardrobe. For example, the Professor series features pinstripe waistcoats and matching trousers (in playful colors like pink corduroy or rainbow stripes) that nod to 1940s menswear but can be mixed with modern tops. A customer could pair the Professor Rainbow Pinstripe waistcoat and trousers with a simple white shirt for a quirky yet office-appropriate ensemble, a perfect conversation starter at work that still reads “professional.” There’s also the Caterina swing dress (one of their iconic shirtwaist dress styles) which comes in many solid colours and prints; with its notched collar, buttons, and A-line skirt, it easily passes as a vintage-inspired take on a business-casual day dress.
One reason Collectif has earned a devoted following is their inclusive sizing and accessibility. They recognize that vintage fashion should not be limited to a certain body type. Many of their items run UK 6 to 22 as standard, and they’ve expanded further with an “Extended Sizing” range that goes up to size 26 in select styles. “Celebrate your curves with Collectif's Extended Sizing collection, where vintage inspired fashion meets inclusive sizing”, the brand announces the pieces are “designed to flatter and fit” curvy figures. Importantly, Collectif doesn’t segregate the styles; their extended-size offerings are often the same chic dresses, trousers and tops also offered in core sizes, so plus-size customers get the exact same fashion experience. This inclusivity has been part of Collectif’s ethos for years. As one reviewer noted, “This is also a very size-inclusive brand offering 8-22 in all their styles” and now even beyond that. It’s not uncommon to see Collectif’s social media showing models of diverse sizes in the same outfit to help customers visualize fit.
Retro prints are another area where Collectif shines in a workwear context. They offer plenty of novelty prints (everything from polka dots and florals to seasonal motifs like cherries or Halloween cats), but also classic patterns that integrate well into office attire think houndstooth checks, muted plaids, and subtle gingham. For instance, their “Alexa” and “Jasmine” skirts come in tasteful check patterns that you could pair with a blazer or cardigan for a meeting. And if you do want to be bolder, Collectif encourages it in a fun way. A tartan women's skirt in red or a leopard print blouse might be statement pieces, but when styled with neutral basics, they give that pop of personality to your work outfit. In fact, the brand often styles their lookbooks with mixed influences: a leopard blouse might be shown tucked into a solid black swing skirt, or a novelty print cardigan layered over a collared shirt demonstrating how to tone down the playfulness for a more professional vibe. As British GQ noted in a business casual explainer, contemporary workwear is about mixing something modern and casual with something classic, and Collectif’s range is literally built for that formula. You can take a conservative office basic you already own (like a plain pencil skirt) and liven it up with a Collectif peter-pan collar blouse in a retro print, or vice versa, wear their high-waisted wide-leg trousers in navy with a simple white blouse for a subtle vintage silhouette that doesn’t feel costume-like.
Collectif also directly addresses modern workplace needs in their product designs. Many of their dresses and skirts with pockets (a practical godsend), and they use comfortable fabrics: cotton blends with stretch, soft knits, breathable viscose so that you’re not sweltering at your desk in unyielding polyester. Their Outerwear deserves mention too: they make elegant wool-blend coats and jackets with 1950s lines (like fit-and-flare coatdresses or swing coats) that can accommodate layering over suits. While a dramatic swing coat is more of an outdoor piece, arriving at the office in one certainly makes a vintage-chic statement! For in-office layering, they have classic cardigans (the “Polly” and “Jean” cardigans are popular) which come in every hue handy for throwing over sleeveless dresses to meet a business casual dress code.
Beyond clothes, Collectif fosters a vintage community and know-how through things like their blog and events. They share tips on hairstyling and makeup to complete the look (victory rolls with your pantsuit, anyone?), and sponsor events like retro-themed socials and fashion shows. All of this helps customers gain confidence in wearing retro looks in daily life. It’s one thing to sell a 1950s-style suit; it’s another to show your customer how she might style her hair, shoes, and accessories so that she feels like “herself” and not an extra in a period film when she wears it. Collectif excels at bridging that gap.
In summary, Collectif has been revolutionizing British retro workwear by making it mainstream and inclusive. They take the drama and charm of pin-up and mid-century fashion and distill it into pieces that any office worker can mix and match into her wardrobe. As their own team puts it, the brand offers women a chance to appreciate “classic silhouettes with contemporary craftsmanship” and get “vintage inspired fashion with a modern twist” that fits today’s lifestyle. Whether you’re a longtime vintage enthusiast or new to the style, Collectif’s range from “Dolores” swing dresses to sharp 1940s-style suits proves that dressing for work can be a daily act of creativity and self-expression.
3. Joanie Clothing Nostalgic Prints and Inclusive Sizing for Modern Gals
For those who adore a touch of nostalgia in their everyday outfits, Joanie Clothing is a dream come true. Founded online in 2016, Joanie is a relatively young brand, but it has quickly carved out a niche with its quirky retro-inspired prints, cheeky slogan jumpers, and an unwavering commitment to inclusivity. Joanie’s mantra is “feel-good clothing with a nod to nostalgia, making everyday dressing a little more fun!”. This perfectly sums up their vibe: they want you to smile when you open your wardrobe in the morning, and maybe reminisce a bit whether it’s a ’60s mod-style shift or a ’70s ditsy floral midi as you pull together an outfit that’s both cute and suitable for work.
Joanie’s aesthetic draws heavily from past decades, yet the pieces are unmistakably designed for the “modern, everyday wardrobe,” not a costume party. As the brand explains, they love “the timeless silhouettes, the retro prints and the unique designs that define each decade,” and they “take the best bits of vintage clothing and reimagine them” for today. This might mean, for example, taking a classic 1940s tea dress shape but rendering it in a machine-washable fabric with a fun unicorn print, or creating a 1970s-style pussy-bow blouse but in a modern length that tucks neatly into jeans or an A-line skirt. The result is clothing that feels delightfully nostalgic but not old-fashioned.
In a workwear context, Joanie offers plenty of pieces that can enliven a smart-casual office wardrobe. Think of printed shirt-dresses, knitwear, and blouses that can be paired with your everyday trousers and blazers. A great example is their slogan sweaters and cardigans, which have garnered a sort of cult following. These often feature one-word retro fonts (like “Ciao” or “Feminist” or seasonal sayings) worn over a collared shirt or paired with a pencil skirt, they bring personality to a casual Friday look. Joanie is also known for cute collars and novelty details. A simple black jumper might come with a contrast Peter Pan collar embroidered with little stars or books (they had one collaboration for book lovers), instantly making a basic office outfit a conversation piece in the break room. Importantly, the silhouettes themselves are usually quite classic and work-friendly: crew necks, semi-fitted cardigans, knee-length dresses, etc. It’s the prints and details of vintage florals, polka dots, stripes, or the occasional quirky motif like foxes or record players that add the retro flair.
One could easily style a Joanie dress for the office: for instance, their shirt dresses (inspired by Laura Ashley archives and other mid-century patterns) often feature A-line skirts and sleeves. Add a belt, and you have a flattering yet professional look. In cooler months, Joanie’s knitwear shines: a fair isle patterned sweater or a cherry-adorned cardigan can be layered over a collared blouse and paired with tailored trousers for a playful take on business casual. Joanie themselves often showcase “Understated Vintage” edits on their site, indicating how to incorporate vintage style subtly. Their “Parisian style” edit, for example, might show a Breton stripe top with high-waisted trousers, a look that reads vintage (a bit Audrey Hepburn) but is also a classic work outfit formula.
Size inclusivity is a big part of Joanie’s revolution in the retro scene. The brand is proudly size-inclusive, with most of their range available in UK 8 through 22, and many styles now extending up to 26. In fact, Joanie recently became a Certified B-Corp and emphasizes ethics and inclusivity at every turn. On Instagram, they often highlight that “Joanie are size inclusive…they stock U.K. size 8-26!” and show diverse models because, as one post put it, “it’s why we can't stop…” loving them. This inclusivity isn’t just lip service; Joanie truly designs with all bodies in mind. They even collaborated with actress Christina Hendricks (famous for Mad Men and an icon of curvy vintage style) on a collection that “marries vintage inspiration with inclusive sizing” (US sizes 4-24, roughly UK 8-28). This collection featured pieces like fit-and-flare dresses and elegant blouses that work for the office or after-hours, demonstrating that hourglass figures and plus sizes can rock retro tailoring just as well, something the vintage community has historically struggled with due to limited sizing from many brands. Joanie’s partnership with Laura Ashley for a nostalgia-infused line also came in sizes 8-26, showing their commitment to “no rules” in style applies to size as well: “our full collection is available in an inclusive size range”.
Beyond size, Joanie is about accessibility in style. Their pricing is mid-range and they frequently run sales, making vintage-inspired fashion attainable for younger customers or those on a budget. They also emphasize easy care and comfort one of their mottos is that finding a Joanie piece is like 43
“discovering a real gem that fits you perfectly, is easy to care for and will be treasured for years”. Machine washable dresses with pockets that look adorable? Yes, please. Many Joanie items use stretch fabrics or relaxed fits (e.g., elasticated waistbands on some skirts) to ensure you’re not sacrificing comfort for style that is non-negotiable for workwear.
Joanie’s community-driven approach further sets it apart. They affectionately call their customers “Joanie Gals” and feature them in campaigns. In one campaign, they did a ‘Spotlight On You’ photoshoot with eight customers of different ages, sizes, and professions modeling Joanie outfits. Seeing a diverse range of women styled in Joanie’s vintage-inspired pieces really drives home how adaptable the clothes are to individual personalities and lifestyles. A teacher, a new mom, a corporate professional each could find something in Joanie’s range that expresses her unique style while still being practical for her day. As Joanie puts it, “we design clothes for you… as a female-fronted brand, our goal has always been to champion women with their own individual style”. They explicitly reject rigid style rules and instead encourage women to dress in what makes them happy and confident, exactly the mindset needed to integrate retro pieces into one’s work attire without fear.
From a workwear perspective, imagine adding one Joanie piece to your outfit as the focal point: perhaps it’s a vintage-style midi skirt in a wallpaper floral print paired with a navy blazer, or a cardigan with an embroidered collar over an otherwise plain dress. These touches can transform your look from generic to charmingly individual. Joanie even has a “Cool Mom Club” edit and “Museum Enthusiasts” edit, showing how their clothes fit various lifestyles and we all know many offices are just as full of cool mums and museum-lovers as they are of fashionistas. For someone in a creative industry or an academic setting, Joanie outfits can be a great ice-breaker (students love a good dinosaur print dress on their lecturer!). For someone in a more formal field, a Joanie blouse under a suit can quietly showcase personality once the suit jacket comes off.
In summary, Joanie Clothing is revolutionizing the retro workwear game by making it fun, relatable, and available to everyone. They prove that vintage inspirations aren’t just for niche subcultures or special occasions; they can be part of your everyday work style, injecting joy into the mundane. With Joanie’s clothes, Monday morning can bring a smile, as you button up a blouse covered in typewriter motifs or slide on a cardigan the colour of lemon sherbet. And you can do so knowing the brand cares about you, your comfort, your size, your style voice. As Joanie proudly states, “attention to detail is our thing…our pieces feel great, flatter you and fit well”, and there are “no style ‘rules’” here only possibilities. That is exactly the kind of positive, liberating attitude that’s redefining office wear in the UK.
4. Love Ur Look: Empowering Prints and Vintage Flair for All Shapes
Bold, bright, and unabashedly retro, Love Ur Look (often stylized as Love Your Look) is a London-based brand proving that office wear doesn’t have to be dull. Founded by designer Ronke Fashola, Love Ur Look began as a stall of vintage finds and blossomed into a label creating its own vintage-inspired designs, many featuring conversation-starting prints and inclusive sizing. This brand’s philosophy is rooted in empowerment and diversity: “Love Your Look has developed a strong point of view and unashamedly embraces female empowerment and inclusiveness,” the team declares. It shows in everything they do “It expresses empowerment through colourful and often provocative printed fabric. It expresses inclusiveness through use of diverse models in all photography.” In short, Love Ur Look doesn’t just sell clothes; it sells confidence, vibrancy, and a celebration of individuality.
From a style perspective, Love Ur Look offers some truly unique pieces that can spice up a work wardrobe, especially in creative or semi-casual workplaces. Their hallmark is eye-catching prints. We're talking novelty and conversational prints that you rarely see elsewhere. Examples from recent collections include prints of dancing couples, village landscapes, lobsters, cocktails, even a whimsical “community” print showing people of different cultures. It’s easy to imagine one of their signature shirt dresses or wrap dresses in such a print being the focal point of an outfit. The key to making these work for the office is to let them shine against simpler accessories. For instance, the “Village Sunrise” shirt dress (a midi dress featuring a scenic print of houses and sunrise motifs) could be paired with a neutral cardigan or blazer to tone it down just enough for a casual Friday or a client lunch meeting. You still get to express personality and joy through your clothing, while a solid layer on top keeps it professional. In a more relaxed office environment (say, a tech company or a design studio), you might not even need to tone it down; a quirky print can be a trademark of your personal brand.
Aside from dresses, Love Ur Look also produces separates and suits that nod to vintage eras. They have released items like a fitted jacket with embroidery (for example, the Red Boating Embroidery Jacket) and matching skirts or trousers. These have a distinctive retro cut nipped waist, maybe a peplum or a dramatic collar but are made in comfortable fabrics for daily wear. Imagine pairing one of their embroidered jackets with a simple black pencil skirt; the ensemble would instantly go from standard to standout, yet still composed. The brand also often features mid-century details such as big buttons, cinch waists with belts, full circle skirts, and Peter Pan or notched collars. Such details add a vintage touch to silhouettes that, fundamentally, work in an office (A-line skirts, collared dresses, etc.).
One of the wonderful aspects of Love Ur Look is their focus on body-positive cuts and features. Ronke has famously ensured many of her dress designs include pockets (practicality matters!) and are cut to enhance and embrace the female form. “Each product is made to enhance and embrace the female body,” the brand states, with “fabulous attention to detail” in every design. For example, many of their dresses have slightly extended cap sleeves to flatter the arms, strategic pleats or gathers to accommodate curves, and adjustable tie belts to customize fit at the waist. They often use cotton fabrics with a bit of stretch or smocking at the back to allow flexibility crucial for sitting at a desk all day. The silhouettes tend to be forgiving and comfortable (e.g., swing dresses that skim the hips, wrap dresses that adjust to your shape). So while the prints might be bold, the fit feels easy and confidence-boosting. A customer can go about her workday not feeling constrained, yet still looking put-together and unique.
Love Ur Look is also quite inclusive in sizing, offering roughly UK 8 up to 20 (and in some styles, up to 24). They label their sizes in a simplified way (S/M, L/XL, 2XL/3XL, etc.), which cover ranges for instance, 2XL/3XL might span 16-20. This approach acknowledges that one cut can fit multiple sizes due to elastic or wrap styling. By not pigeonholing customers into a single number size and by showing diverse body types modeling the clothes, Love Ur Look invites more women to try a bold vintage style. On their social media and site, you’ll see models of different ethnicities, shapes, and ages, a deliberate choice that aligns with their inclusivity mission. For someone browsing and imagining “Can I pull off this 1950s-style dress with bright prints?”, seeing it on a model that looks like her can be the deciding factor to give it a go for that next work event or day at the office.
Now, how to integrate Love Ur Look pieces into a workwear rotation? One strategy is to use them as the “hero” item in an outfit. For example:
Printed Midi Dress: Take one of their knee-to-midi length dresses in a vibrant print. For a more formal office, layer a neutral blazer (navy, black, or cream) on top this will cover some of the print and present a structured outline, letting just the pop of pattern show on your skirt and perhaps at the collar/cuffs. Finish with simple pumps. The blazer tones down the whimsy just enough, but you still feel you inside that boardroom. Remove the blazer after hours, and you’re ready for an art gallery opening or dinner, still in that fun dress.
Co-ord Set: Love Ur Look sometimes offers matching sets (e.g., a skirt and jacket in the same fabric). A teal green co-ord with embroidery or a plaid might seem bold as a full set, but break it up: wear the jacket over a plain dress or pair the skirt with a white blouse. Each Love Ur Look piece can be a statement on its own while the rest of your outfit plays a supporting role.
- Blouses & Shirts: They do have occasional blouses with retro patterns or details like a tie-neck. Tuck one into high-waisted trousers for a nod to Katharine Hepburn-style 1940s officewear. Even if the blouse has a funky print, grounding it with solid, tailored pants and perhaps a cardigan can balance fun and professionalism.
One might wonder if Love Ur Look’s dramatic style is too much for conservative offices. Certainly, in very strict corporate environments, a dress covered in lobster prints might raise an eyebrow. But even there, smaller touches can work, perhaps a Love Ur Look statement accessory (they often use leftover fabric to make headbands or bows) or wearing one of their bold skirts with a crisp shirt. In more casual or creative fields, however, these clothes can truly shine and even become your signature. There’s something very confident about a woman who wears color and print boldly at work; it exudes creativity and approachability. Love Ur Look’s garments send a message: fashion can be joyful and empowering, even in the workplace. As long as the cut is respectful of dress codes (and their vintage cuts generally are, with decent hemlines and not-too-revealing necklines), the prints shouldn’t hold you back.
Moreover, the brand’s sustainable practices (they use deadstock fabrics and have small production runs) and ethical stance can be a talking point in itself. In today’s offices, “where did you get that?” often leads to discussions about supporting independent designers or ethical shopping topics many young professionals care about. Wearing Love Ur Look is supporting a small business that stands for women’s empowerment (Ronke often shares how important it is for women of color to be represented in vintage fashion, and how she designs prints that reflect diverse cultures). Thus, your fashion choice can align with your values, which is another way our workwear is becoming more personal and statement-making than in past generations.
In summary, Love Ur Look is revolutionizing British retro workwear by proving that vintage-inspired fashion can be loud, proud, and empowering without sacrificing professionalism. Their pieces encourage women to “love your look” to enjoy what you wear and feel powerful in it. As their story attests, it’s about confidence through color and inclusiveness through design. For the woman who’s unafraid to mix a 1950s silhouette with a 2020s bold print and stride into the office, Love Ur Look is a treasure trove. And for those a bit shyer, even a small dose of a handbag, a skirt will inject fresh energy into your wardrobe. In the movement of smart-casual retro, this brand reminds us that having fun with fashion can go hand-in-hand with getting the job done.
5. The House of Foxy Authentic Vintage Tailoring, Now in Modern Sizes
For devotees of true vintage sartorial elegance, The House of Foxy is a revered name. This British brand prides itself on extreme authenticity: they take inspiration directly from the classic fashions of the 1920s1960s, often using or replicating original patterns, and they even manufacture much of their clothing in the UK (Yorkshire, to be exact) to ensure quality. The result is heritage craftsmanship with contemporary wearability. “The House of Foxy is a British brand of womenswear that takes influence from classic 20th Century fashions primarily 1925 through to 1964,” the company notes, “and we proudly produce the majority of our own range here at our onsite factory.” This means when you buy a House of Foxy piece, you’re getting something designed and made with the same care as a mid-century garment, but with modern fabrics and sizing.
In terms of the workwear revolution, House of Foxy brings high-tailored vintage style into the everyday office and has been breaking down the barriers that often kept such looks in the realm of costumes or special occasions. They specialize in tailoring and structured pieces that are actually perfect for formal work settings. Think of the 1940s: women wore smart skirt suits, elegant blouses, wide-leg trousers; those styles were essentially the office wear of their time! House of Foxy revives them: for example, their 1940s Swing Trousers are a staple, featuring a high waist, loose leg, and authentic detailing like front pleats. Pair those trousers with a crisp modern button-down or one of their reproduction 40s blouses (many have pussy bows or art deco prints) and you have an ensemble that wouldn’t be out of place in 2025 at an architecture firm or law office it’s classic, but also unique because hardly anyone else will have trousers cut quite like that. Likewise, their 1950s pencil skirts and “Wiggle” dresses make fantastic office dresses: they are typically knee-length, made in solid suiting fabrics or subdued prints, and cut to flatter. Add a short jacket and you’ve basically got a 1950s suit that radiates ladylike authority very much like Mad Men, but in the best way.
Where House of Foxy truly shines is in quality and details. Because they aim for a “true vintage” feel, they don’t cut corners. Dresses are often lined; skirts have proper facings and darts; jackets might have a bit of light shoulder pad to create that period-appropriate silhouette. This level of structure actually benefits a work wardrobe: these clothes hold their shape and look polished all day. A House of Foxy blazer, for instance, has a nip at the waist and slightly broader shoulder line (inspired by Dior’s New Look or 40s war-era suits) which gives an instant impression of formality and poise. You could throw that blazer over a modern sheath dress or combine it with pants, and it upgrades the outfit with vintage chic. The brand also pays attention to fabrics; they use a lot of wool blends, crepe, and even custom prints that mimic vintage textiles. So if you want that authentic 1940s secretary look or 1960s mod dress, you’re getting the right texture and drape as well, which adds to the garment looking high-end and appropriate for professional settings.
Inclusivity and fit updates have been a recent focus for House of Foxy, which is noteworthy. Traditional vintage repro brands sometimes neglected plus sizes, but House of Foxy listened to customer feedback. “In 2020, we started the process of expanding our size range to include sizes 20 to 24,” the brand announced, adding that new products would extend the range and even include size 6 on the small end. Now many House of Foxy pieces go up to UK 24, which is fantastic for a vintage tailoring brand (since well-fitted tailoring in larger sizes can be hard to find). They “proudly manufacture the majority of [their] range” in-house, which means they can control the sizing and cuts carefully. Plus, with on-site production, they can make tweaks and improvements quickly in response to customer fit notes. The brand’s Inclusivity & Diversity policy also assures that they use diverse models and aim to represent their wide customer base in marketing so you might see a size 18 model in a 50s dress on their site, which helps normalize that anyone can look fabulous in a tailored vintage look. This commitment is crucial because it brings those classic styles to a broader audience. For instance, a curvy woman who needs a sharp suit for work can find a 1940s-inspired suit from House of Foxy in her size, complete with all the cinch and drape that make it glamorous. Where actual vintage in larger sizes is scarce, House of Foxy fills the gap with modern reproductions that empower more women to dress in retro styles professionally.
Another selling point: House of Foxy’s clothing is timeless in fashion terms; these are investment pieces. A tailored herringbone tweed suit they make, or a navy crepe knee-length dress, is not tied to a fleeting trend. It will be as elegant in five or ten years as it is today, which suits the needs of a professional wardrobe (many of us aim to buy quality clothes and wear them for many seasons). The brand’s tagline could very well be longevity. They even have guides on their site for things like how to style for Goodwood Revival or swing dances, but also style guides by era effectively educating customers on how to fully embrace the look. But you can parse that info for everyday use too (e.g., their notes on 1930s “country lady” style might inspire an autumn office outfit with tweed trousers and a cardigan).
To put a specific example forward: The “1930s Tailored Jacket & Skirt” combination from House of Foxy could become a power suit alternative in a modern office. The jacket might have a slightly shorter, fitted cut with art deco style buttons, and the skirt could be an A-line or slightly bias-cut below-knee number. In a neutral tone like camel or grey, this set would look ultra-refined at a meeting and while it stands out from the sea of modern fast-fashion suits, it doesn’t look inappropriate; it just looks luxuriously classic. Colleagues might notice “That’s a beautiful suit, where did you get it?” and it opens a conversation about vintage style, but they’ll also recognize the professionalism it conveys.
For less formal offices, House of Foxy also has lovely blouses and knitwear that can blend into business casual outfits. A “40s blouse” with a geometric print tucked into high-waisted trousers, or one of their fair aisle jumpers or cardigans paired with a pencil skirt, gives you a subtle retro touch. The blouses often have distinctive collars or sleeves (like puffed shoulders or bishop sleeves) which again give a bit of vintage drama, but are easy to wear. Imagine a cream House of Foxy blouse with a tie-neck under a navy blazer just a hint of flair in an otherwise typical outfit.
In sum, The House of Foxy revolutionizes smart-casual (and even formal) workwear by bringing vintage haute style into the office with impeccable tailoring and expanded accessibility. They’ve shown that the phrase “they don’t make them like they used to” no longer applies because House of Foxy does make them like they used to, and in sizes and fabrics that work for today’s women. Their pieces allow one to channel the poise of a 1940s career woman or the chic of a 1960s London mod, all while feeling confident and appropriate in a 21st-century workplace. As one customer review captured well, “Everything is very well made and made to last” and when your clothes last and continue to earn compliments year after year, that’s a win for sustainable style in the office too. House of Foxy ensures that the elegance of yesteryear’s working wardrobes can be a part of our present and future, for any woman who desires that dash of timeless class.
6. Palava Playful Prints and Sustainable Flair, Perfect for Creative Offices
Bringing together storybook charm, sustainability, and vintage silhouettes, Palava is a UK brand that has been making waves with its colourful garments. Formerly known as “Poppy England,” Palava creates clothes that feature hand-illustrated prints by their founder, Bryony, often inspired by nature, folklore, and nostalgia. Every piece is ethically made in the UK or Europe from natural fabrics (like organic cotton, linen, and Tencel). The result is clothing that feels like wearable art yet cut in classic shapes that lend themselves to both play and work. For women who love a whimsical retro vibe but also care about eco-friendly production, Palava is a beacon. And interestingly, their designs can transition beautifully into a smart-casual work setting, especially in fields where creativity and individuality are welcomed.
Palava’s style DNA is undeniably vintage-inspired. They produce 1950s-style fit-and-flare dresses, 1940s-esque shirt dresses, high-waisted skirts, and even knitwear that has a retro slant (think cropped cardigans, sweater tops, etc.). Many of their dresses come with extra details like matching fabric covered belts, full linings, and of course the famous Palava pockets (yes, even in dresses!). What distinguishes Palava at first glance are the prints: each season they release thematic prints, often with scenes or motifs that tell a story. For example, a collection might include a dress showing a whimsical farm scene with tractors and fields, or an autumn print with pheasants and leaves (indeed, one print called “Feather Boa” was inspired by Scottish wildlife wild pheasants ). While these prints are playful, the colour palettes are usually rich and the artwork sophisticated, so the pieces don’t look cartoonish, they look artisanal. This nuance is what makes them suitable for adult wear in professional contexts. A navy dress covered in hand-drawn swans or an ivory blouse with sketch-style florals can appear, from a few steps back, simply as an elegant print garment; up close, the quirky details emerge as a conversation piece.
In a British smart-casual workplace, you might style a Palava piece like so: take their “Ada” skirt (a knee-length pleated skirt) in one of the check or illustrated prints, and pair it with a simple sweater or button-up shirt. The silhouette of the skirt is classic, similar to something you’d find at Boden or M&S so it’s inherently office-friendly. But the print will set it apart. One could imagine a Palava skirt with a quaint village scene worn at a community center office or a publishing house colleagues might compliment it, and it subtly shows your creative side without breaking the dress code. Palava’s dresses (like the sleeveless “Grace” dress or sleeved “Emmie” shirt dress) can stand alone as a statement work dress, especially on days when you want an easy one-and-done outfit. Throw a neutral blazer or cardigan over it to tone down the print if needed. Because the prints often incorporate multiple colours, it’s usually easy to match one of those colours with a solid topper. For instance, their popular “Pineapple” print dress in green and yellow could be worn with a mustard cardigan and brown leather belt to create a retro-office ensemble that feels cohesive and not too loud.
Palava also weaves sustainability and slow fashion into their narrative, which aligns with many modern workplaces’ values (and can be a talking point if someone asks about your outfit). Everything is made in small batches; they use organic fibers and even plastic-free packaging. Wearing Palava might quietly signal to coworkers that you support ethical fashion. In an era where people notice if you carry a reusable water bottle or compost your lunch scraps, wearing a sustainable brand is another way personal values come through at work. Plus, Palava’s quality means these clothes hold up; you can wash and repeat them for years, which is practical for a work wardrobe.
Inclusivity: Palava’s sizing runs roughly UK 8 to 20 (with some items potentially up to 22). While their range isn’t as broad as some on this list, they do ensure their cuts accommodate various body shapes (many dresses have adjustable belts or fuller skirts that are forgiving on hips, etc.). There’s also a lovely familial aspect to Palava: they make matching children’s dresses and even menswear ties in the same prints. So a working mum could, say, have a “Mummy and me” matching day (perhaps not at the office, but it speaks to the brand’s ethos of community and fun). They’ve also started a pre-loved program and repairs service, which again underlines longevity. You won’t be discarding that Palava dress next season; you’ll be repairing and cherishing it. In a work context, having a signature piece that you wear over many years actually can become part of your personal brand at work (like, “Oh, she’s the manager with those fabulous printed dresses!”).
Palava’s knitwear and separates also deserve mention. They have heritage items like tweed cropped jackets, cardigans with embroidery, and even waxed cotton trench coats in their lineup. A Houndstooth check cropped jacket from Palava, for example, could be an excellent piece to wear over a plain dress to add retro flair. Or their bright knitted jumpers (often in cotton, so they’re breathable in an office) can liven up tailored pants. Because Palava’s colours are usually drawn from nature's deep teals, berry reds, and mustard yellows you can often integrate them into a fall/winter office capsule easily. A forest green Palava cardigan on a cream blouse, with grey trousers, would just read as a nice vintage-inspired touch without anyone even focusing on the fact it might have little acorn buttons or such.
One can’t ignore the “joy factor” Palava brings. Offices can be stressful, and sometimes a fun print or a pop of colour in your outfit can lift not just your mood but also colleagues’. Palava dresses, with their almost storybook prints, often invite friendly comments. “That dress is lovely, what's on it?” can spark a pleasant coffee-break chat. It humanizes the workplace a bit, reminding people of hobbies and life outside the boardroom (maybe the dress print of vegetables leads to discovering a coworker also gardens, etc.). These small social connections can be valuable. So in a sense, wearing Palava can subtly enhance workplace camaraderie, quite a different way of “revolutionising” workwear, by using fashion as a connector.
In conclusion, Palava revolutionises British retro workwear by infusing it with artistic prints, ethical craftsmanship, and a sense of playfulness that still fits within many office environments. The brand shows that “vintage smart casual” can be as simple as a well-cut dress in a creative print professional in form, imaginative in content. Palava’s commitment to sustainable, locally made clothing also adds depth to their revolution: in an industry often dominated by fast fashion, they hark back to an era when clothes were treasured (very much in line with vintage philosophy), and they do so in a thoroughly modern, eco-conscious way. For the working woman who wants her attire to reflect creativity, joy, and values, Palava is a perfect match. You can be the one in the meeting with the quirky print skirt and the one whose outfit has a meaningful backstory all while looking perfectly put together.
7. Lady V London: Vintage Dress Heaven, from Desk to Dinner (Size 8 to 32!)
Rounding out our list is a brand that has likely saved many a retro-loving woman’s wallet and wardrobe: Lady V London (formerly Lady Vintage). This independent British brand, founded in 2011, specializes in 1950s-style dresses that are not only affordable and flattering but also incredibly inclusive in sizing. Lady V has become famous for its “Made in London” dresses available in sizes 8 through 30/32 a range that few fashion brands, let alone vintage-inspired ones, can boast. For a working woman, Lady V offers the opportunity to channel her inner Grace Kelly or Dita Von Teese at the office without breaking the bank or feeling restricted by size availability.
Signature styles of Lady V London include the tea dress, swing dress, and wiggle dress. One of their most popular is the “Lyra Dress,” a knee-length faux-wrap dress with sleeves, a V-neck crossover bodice, and a flared skirt. It’s made of a comfy stretch jersey and often comes in delightful prints or solids. The Lyra is basically a retro-infused take on a DVF wrap dress meaning it absolutely works for the office. In fact, Lady V often notes how versatile the Lyra is: “perfect for all your holiday party needs…even office holiday functions” and even nursing-friendly. A solid black or navy Lyra dress could easily be worn in a conservative office with pumps and a blazer; a more vibrant print Lyra (say polka dots or florals) might be great for a casual Friday or a client lunch. Because it's a jersey, it’s comfortable for sitting at a desk and packing for business trips (no wrinkles!). And with that tie waist and swingy skirt, it’s universally flattering when you want to feel confident giving a presentation or running a meeting. As a bonus, many Lady V dresses including the Lyra have pockets and machine-washable fabric, making them as practical as they are pretty.
Another staple is the “Estella” pencil dress and the “Vanessa” swing dress, which have more structure (often in cotton sateen fabric) and vintage prints. These are more tailored and give a sharper retro look. A polka dot Estella wiggle dress with a little bolero could be a fantastic office outfit for someone whose workplace encourages bold dressing (fashion, media, etc.). On the flip side, Lady V’s tea dresses (with cap sleeves, full skirts, and prints like ditsy florals or butterflies) can be toned down for work with a cardigan and low heels, giving a sweet but professional daytime look.
The biggest impact Lady V London has on revolutionizing retro workwear is accessibility. With their wide size range, “sizes 8-30/32 available” proudly stated on their website, they ensure that plus-size women can enjoy vintage-inspired fashion as readily as anyone else. No longer is the cute 50s dress only for the size 10 pin-up Lady V makes sure there’s stock for the size 24 office manager who loves a swing skirt. They even launched a dedicated plus line “Lady Voluptuous” in collaboration with blogger Georgina Horne a few years back, which introduced designs specifically with fuller figures in mind (like the Lyra wrap dress, which was part of that and has become their star product). The success of that line influenced them to integrate plus sizes into all their offerings. Their Instagram bio notes: “Making vintage inspired dresses in London since 2011! Sizes 8-32!” it’s front and center in their branding. This level of inclusivity is so important in the retro scene, where historically options above a UK 18 were scarce. Now a group of coworkers can all potentially wear Lady V, from the petite to the plus, each rocking a different print of the same dress even. It normalizes seeing all body types in these feminine silhouettes, which in turn encourages more women to try the style. (We all know that when a colleague who looks like you, whether plus, tall, etc. wears something fabulous, you’re more inclined to think, hey I could pull that off too!)
Lady V also stands out by being budget-friendly yet made in the UK. Their dresses typically range from £50-£75 full price, and they often have sales. Considering these are produced in London with decent fabrics, that’s remarkable. For a young professional wanting to build a work wardrobe, Lady V offers a lot of bang for your buck. You can get a couple of dresses in different prints, style them variously with jackets/cardigans, and you’re set for multiple outfit rotations. Because the styles are vintage-inspired classics, they don’t really go out of style, either. A black-and-white polka dot swing dress is as chic in 2025 as it would have been a decade ago or a decade from now it’s beyond trend. So Lady V’s pieces can serve as staple foundation garments in one’s work closet, around which you can play with more trendy accessories if desired.
Let’s not forget, Lady V’s dresses can also transition from desk to dinner with ease. Many of their customers buy dresses for events like weddings or parties, but the more demure prints and styles absolutely double as office attire. For instance, wear a Lady V floral tea dress with a cardigan at work, then lose the cardi and add some sparkly earrings for a dinner date; the dress itself is versatile enough for both contexts. In a work travel scenario, packing a couple of these dresses means you’re equipped for daytime meetings and any evening outings without needing entirely separate outfits. The brand even notes when describing a dress that it’s good for both “cocktail parties…or even office holiday 64 functions”, emphasizing that multi-purpose nature.
Styling Lady V for the office might involve a few tweaks to full-on 50s glamour: opting for simpler accessories to avoid looking too costumed. For example, with a Lady V swing dress, you might skip the fluffy petticoat you’d wear to a swing dance, and just let it fall naturally for a cleaner line. You might choose a solid colour way or a subtle print for more formal days, and save the novelty prints (they have some fun ones like seasonal or quirky motifs) for Fridays or office parties. Also, pairing a vintage-style dress with modern pieces can tone it down like a contemporary blazer or very minimal jewelry. But honestly, many Lady V prints roses, polka dots, gingham are pretty timeless for spring/summer office wear, especially in Britain where florals are practically a neutral.
An often underappreciated part of embracing retro at work is confidence, and that’s something Lady V London helps foster. Their dresses are designed to flatter curves (wrap styles, A-lines, stretchy panels) so women feel good in them. Many reviews mention how confidence-boosting the fit is: “fits like a dream,” “flattering on my figure,” etc. When you feel comfortable and attractive in your clothes, it shows in your work you might stand a bit taller, speak up more. A well-fitting dress that makes you happy can genuinely impact your workday mood. Lady V’s accessible pricing means you can have a small collection of such feel-good dresses to choose from each morning, without guilt. And if you spill coffee on it, it’s machine washable and not the end of the world. These are practical garments made for real life, not just pin-up photoshoots.
In summary, Lady V London is revolutionizing the retro workwear scene by democratizing it: making vintage-inspired style available to everyone in terms of size and cost, and doing so with an eye on real life functionality. They prove that you can step into an office in a 1950s-cut dress and not only look appropriate but also feel empowered. From a size 8 to a 32, from Monday meetings to Friday night cocktails, Lady V has a dress for that. And importantly, all their dresses are made with love in London, supporting local manufacturing something many Brits value. So whether you’re a retro enthusiast or just retro-curious, Lady V London likely has a piece that will work for your work, inviting you to twirl through the office with confidence and maybe inspire colleagues to add a little vintage swing to their step too.
Final Thoughts: The smart-casual retro workwear revolution in Britain is well underway, led by these seven dynamic brands. Each, in its own way, is erasing the old line between “costume” and “office attire” by proving that polka dots, swing skirts, tartan co-ords, and nostalgic prints can have a proud place in our professional lives. From Timeless London’s polished vintage suits to Lady V’s curve-loving dresses, these brands collectively offer a retro solution for every office dress code: whether you need subtle and sophisticated or bold and creative. They also share a commitment to inclusivity embracing a wide range of sizes (many up to UK 24 or beyond) and to helping women feel confident. As YouGov data confirms, “smart casual” has become the norm for 43% of women at work, and within that dress code lies a perfect opportunity to express personal style.
These brands provide the tools and inspiration: real style guides, blogs with outfit formulas, and brand philosophies that encourage mixing past and present. We’ve seen Timeless London teach us about layering tartan for the 9-to-5, Joanie celebrating individualistic dressing with no rules, and House of Foxy giving us the actual patterns of the past made new. The next step is ours to take these beautifully crafted pieces and wear them confidently into boardrooms and Zoom calls alike. Whether you incorporate just a hint (say, a vintage-print blouse) or fully commit to a head-to-toe retro ensemble, you’re participating in a fashion movement that makes the working world a little more colorful, a bit more “you.” And perhaps the true marker of this revolution’s success will be when dressing up for work feels not like a chore, but like an act of joy and empowerment, something these brands all deeply believe it can be.
So go ahead: try that Timeless London blazer & skirt outfit you’ve been eyeing, or slip into a Joanie dress with a funky collar. Add a swipe of red lipstick if you’re daring. You might just find that vintage smart-casual is the wardrobe upgrade your work life needs is timeless, yet utterly of the moment. As these brands demonstrate through their innovation and dedication, the elegance of the past and the demands of the present can indeed coexist, creating a work style that is, in a word, timeless.
