My Modern Working Wardrobe: The Editor

You’d be forgiven for assuming that every day in a fashion editors’ day is catwalk worthy. But for Jo Ellison, who serves as the editor of the Financial Times’ How To Spend It luxury magazine as well as the deputy editor of FT Weekend, there’s little pressure to look the part in the office. It does, however, come naturally. “Many of the FT editors and journalists are highly educated and intellectual but have zero interest in fashion or clothes,” she says. “Outside the office, of course, people expect something a bit special. But I would prefer to look classic and polished than outwardly fashionable.”

And so, since she can remember, Jo has gravitated towards menswear for her everyday uniform. “It's more comfortable and easier, and makes me feel put together and smart,” she explains. “It makes me feel professional and competent – whilst not being too distracting or fussy. It’s also very versatile. The benefit of menswear is that it’s designed for people who don’t want to think too much about what they’re wearing but need clothes that work for them in lots of contexts. A suit can take you almost anywhere from the office – to an awards dinner – and it always looks the part.”

“The working day in 2022 might start in the gym, circle around a lunch meeting, require lugging around a laptop and other office equipment and end up at a formal dinner – or it could mean going nowhere as you work all day at home,” she says. “On long days with tons of different appointments, I want to be able to move around quickly and comfortably while being ready for all weathers. If I’m at home I want to be even more comfortable, but still presentable enough for Zoom.”