Trend forecaster WGSN has underscored the practical elements of the commuter’s wardrobe as well as the stylish ones, with comfort colliding with office dress codes.

“Quilted layers (especially long-line puffa jackets) cocoon the wearer, while track and shell top layers are worn under or over jacket, shirt and tie. True hybrid pieces are created, with suiting checks printed onto techy jackets and suits adorned with sporty panels,” it said in a report.

It highlighted the graphic combinations of black, white and grey which are augmented with hits of vibrant sporty brights, such as purple, red, and lemon yellow.

“Monochrome layers dominate alongside Prince of Wales checks with a fine line highlighted in a fashion color. White is especially key for picking out seams in piping or tape and for trims,” it added.

The WGSN noted that checks provide the principle pattern interest, with Prince of Wales and graphic grid checks creating the “workwear backbone”, which is decorated with sporty elements.

“Branded elements at Peacebird add verve to more serious pieces, while the Gore-Tex branding at Off-White is exploded to brag about its performance qualities. Abstract camo and monochrome snakeskin also appear,” it said.

The report further said technology garnered from performance outerwear is transposed into wool jackets, with heat-sealed zippers, taped details, functional pockets, and elaborate clip or zipper fastenings making for interesting focal points on classic items.

“If the suits and coats in this story have one foot in tradition and one in modernism, then the accessories go full-on futuristic. Briefcases that can be worn as backpacks, branded tapes, cross-body bags and plenty of strap details all lend a strong performance accent to the story,” it said.

WGSN said footwear is either about smart trainers that look great with a suit, or purely practical boots that can handle a wintry commute.