It’s the golden time of year for office fashion: cool enough to layer-up in luxe knitwear, but still mild enough that lightweight coats and boxy blazers are all you need to throw on over an outfit before leaving the house. With all the new-season wool, soft cashmere, and sumptuous silk found in Sloane Street’s boutiques, getting back to business never looked so chic.

Where to start? For womenswear, we think button-down shirts make for the smartest starting point. Sheer ones such as Dior’s tulle version and Valentino’s classic striped number push the boundaries of the classic garment and feel at once elegant and a little… louche.

The tuxedo inspiration behind Brunello Cucinelli’s cotton-poplin shirt is balanced by feminine silk sleeves and sparkly monili beads at the cuffs – perfect for making an entrance to the boardroom. For the creative office, pairing your shirt with this season’s much-loved midi-length skirt in denim or satin will make an ideal outfit, but if your workplace is a little more traditional, we recommend some beautifully tailored wide-leg trousers.

Another seasonal essential is a dependable blazer. This autumn, opt for styles in boxier silhouettes or bolder colours. Burnt orange and yellow are particular favourites – note Valentino’s double-breasted crepe couture jacket and The Fold’s beautifully tailored Knighton style. If you’re looking for an investment blazer to wear year after year, turn to tailored cuts from the likes of The Fold and Loro Piana.

And if it’s too mild for a blazer, why not try a waistcoat? They have been enjoying a renaissance this year, thanks to its wide adoption by in-the-know fashion editors. We like Rag & Bone’s Priya style. Take note of pinstripes, too – this season the perenially office-appropriate pattern is best worn in cropped silhouettes (see Saint Laurent’s jacket) for a contemporary feel.

For a more Parisian interpretation of power dressing, pair minimalist knitwear with a printed silk neck scarf. Look to French houses Dior and Saint Laurent for sweaters with beautiful craftsmanship and fine materials, and accessorise with patterned swathes of silk from Dior, Prada or Hermès, which is famous for its silken neck candy.

For men, Cadbury-purple is a thing this year, so switch out your regular blazer for Louis Vuitton’s hook-detailed cardigan, or try Hermès‘ hand-sewn silk tie. Traditionally it’s considered a tricky colour to wear, but once you crack the purple styling challenge (tip: try pale blue shirting and trousers in another shade of purple or navy) you’ll be getting compliments from colleagues and clients alike.

And if confectionary-coloured clothes don’t take your fancy, remember that classic tailoring never goes out of style. The soft cut and exquisite fabric of this suit jacket and trousers is instantly recognisable as Giorgio Armani’s handiwork, and the half-lining is perfect for mild autumn days. Finish with a sleek laptop bag from Smythson.

For more casual occasions, slip on Hackett’s merino wool overshirt, which strikes the balance between smart and casual. And for the dernier mot in tailoring, head to Kiton, Tom Ford or Brunello Cuccinelli (who all offer made-to-measure or bespoke services) for a suit that will last you until retirement.