Shoppers are looking for new was to style work wear.
Sales of tailored trousers have increased by 63% in the past six months, while woven tops, including waistcoats are up 163% according to John Lewis.
Sales of smart shoes, including loafers, Mary Janes and ballet pumps, have doubled over the last year, the firm added.
In particular, its £59 Mary Jane – a buckled flat shoe – has been very popular, with the retailer saying it had sold enough of them to line the 1.2 mile length of London’s Oxford Street three times over.
A John Lewis spokesperson said: “While trainers are still our most popular shoes, there’s no doubt our customers are looking to up their office fashion game with sales of smart flats having nearly doubled over the last year.
“People aren’t necessarily suited and booted in the same way they were pre-pandemic, and instead, are looking for new ways to hold on to casual comfort without compromising on style.”
Around 44% of British workers worked remotely at at some time in 2023, according to the Office of National Statistics.
People doing flexible working, where they are in the office sometimes but not five days a week, is believed to be having an impact on fashion trends.
Employees are looking to make more of an effort on the days they go into their workplace.
Stylist Lisa Talbot told The Mirror: “Workwear for the office has seen a dramatic change since the pandemic with more offices accepting a more casual look for their employees.
But many women, who spent time at home in either jeans, leisurewear and slippers have preferred to embrace the more formal look for their office days.
“Women are creating a formal look for work which can easily be achieved with the current trends and allowing them to demonstrate knowledge, professionalism and trust through their clothing.”
