Photos: Claire Pepper

After Working From Home for 15 months, I’ve finally managed to break out of the spare room. And I’m not the only one enjoying a newfound sense of freedom. According to my sources, Bill Nighy has been spotted walking around his Mayfair neighbourhood once more (looking dapper in his trademark Savile Row suit); a sure sign that life is returning to normal.

Wanting to connect my at-home lifestyle with the post-vaccine world of work requires an outfit that’s relaxed, comfortable and just smart enough. Bring on the Pull-on-and-go Dress.

Perfect for a socially-distanced press launch or business coffee. Quite a few women I’ve spoken to recently have said that coming out of lockdown has compelled them to buy a new dress. Makes sense. Many of us haven’t purchased clothes over the last year and a simple dress in a decent fabric is a quick and easy way to feel more pulled-together and chic.

This is not a flimsy, holiday dress or a flighty picnic frock. This is a sturdy, wardrobe workhorse guaranteed to hold its own throughout the day. Personally, I prefer a maxi or midi in a plain, natural fabric (this comes in quite a hefty cotton) – though a reliable, knee-length shirt dress or Esme Young-style tunic would also do the trick.

The Pull-on-and-go Dress in the photos is from Me+Em and I like its sporty vibe: the zip front and drawstring waist allow me to go big and voluminous or cinched-in. These photos were taken a few weeks ago when it was bloody freezing and I’ve now ditched the 1980s-inspired track pants and Breton top underneath.

The Pull-on-and-go Dress is at it’s most effective with Birkenstocks. Motivated and ready to go places, now all I need to do is book a pedicure…

Style Notes: The Jersey Trim Drawstring Dress was a gift from Me + Em. The Breton top is an old one from Jigsaw. Track pants are old Baukjen.

Converse All Stars are from a partnership last year with John Lewis.

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