With the return to office life in full swing, the question is no longer “suit or no suit?”, it’s “how do I look sharp, feel comfortable and dress with purpose?” Charles Tyrwhitt’s Design Director, Spencer Riley, has been quietly rewriting the rulebook, one smart staple at a time. Below, we decode his take on the season ahead and how Charles Tyrwhitt’s AW25 collection is built to match.
Trend One: The Shirt Is Still the Anchor
“The shirt is the lynchpin… whether the occasion calls for a suit or something more smart casual.” Workwear may have evolved, but a sharp shirt still anchors any look.
For AW25, Charles Tyrwhitt leans into the Shirt of The Season – the Non-Iron Stretch Burlington Weave Shirt (£74.95) – crisp, breathable and reliably polished, it’s ideal for days that shift from boardroom to pub. Try pairing with the Performance Chinos (£99.95) for a refined smart casual base that stays sharp from 9am to late night drinks.
Trend Two: Layer Once, Layer Well
“Layering means a layer and not loads. Just pick the right one.” Functional and stylish, layering is about strategic simplicity. The Merino Quarter Zip (£79.95) continues its reign as the go-to knit for Autumn, breathable, machine washable, and polished enough to stand in for a blazer. For unpredictable commutes, the 3 in 1 Rain Mac with Detachable Gilet (£249) is weatherproof, and layers up or down with a detachable quilted gilet.
Trend Three: Performance That Works
“Our performance range focuses on stretch and breathability enhanced by performance fibres – looks like classic CT, but with superpowers.” From stretch-enhanced suits to the performance chinos, CT’s Performance collection is built for modern working life. Try the Ultimate Performance Suit (£279), paired with the Leather Trainers (£119) both ideal for formal days, but breathable and flexible enough for long-haul meetings or travel.
Trend Four: Go-To Formula
“My formula for office-to-dinner? A smart shirt with texture and detail and no need to accessorise. And it’s about balance. Feeling confident, but not too ‘done’. Structured, but soft. That’s how modern professionals want to dress – and that’s what we design for.”
For days when you’re heading straight from work to after-hours plans, Spencer recommends the Non-Iron Stretch Texture Shirt (£79.95). It’s detailed enough to hold its own after dark, with added colour and texture that dials down the formality without losing any impact.
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