Look the business

Layer up with lightweight fine knits, as seen here on the Gucci catwalk, where a back-to-school style cardigan rocks the preppy chic office look. Mix knits with a crisp shirt and tie and you can look smart even without a heavy suit jacket ... Photograph: Olycom SPA/Rex Features

Work the Gucci look for less with this cardigan fit for a school boy - part of French Connection's new basics range. Grey cardigan by French Connection £50 Photograph: French Connection

Layers and knitwear are sartorial saviours. The bold blue pullover will also add a pop of colour on the greyest of summer days. V-neck jumper by Burton £30 Photograph: Burton

Blazers tap into the trend towards smarter dressing, as well as keeping you warm when temperatures drop. Maroon blazer by French Connection £150 Photograph: French Connection

Jaeger's pinstripe knit slots neatly into most working wardrobes while tapping into the micro trend for stripes. Navy striped V-neck jumper by Jaeger £120 Photograph: Jaeger

There are more stripes over at Ted Baker where this fresh red and white number will be available from August. Striped shirt by Ted Baker £80 Photograph: Ted Baker

And it doesn't get much more preppy than a striped blazer. Navy striped blazer by Topman £90 Photograph: nice images/Topman