Styles that work as hard as you! City supremo Helena Morrissey lauds the label that does the job

Last week, I left the house one day at 7am and got back at 11pm. The morning consisted of back-to-back meetings and the afternoon several speaking engagements. 

It was exhausting but my wardrobe worked as hard — if not harder — than me. A smart coat had been required but nothing too warm as it wasn’t cold. I needed elegant shoes that wouldn’t bite and trousers that didn’t pinch at the waist.

Polly McMaster, founder of label The Fold and a mother of two, knows the importance of smart yet feminine outfits. She once showed me the secret of her comfortable yet elegant heels: padded insoles. She is conscious of her tummy, so often features draping.

Dress, £450, thefold london.com; shoes, £229, lkbennett. com; necklace, £70, talis chains.co.uk

Dress, £695, thefoldlondon. com; belt, stylist’s own; shoes, £229, lkbennett.com

Jacket, £395, blouse, £250, and trousers, £225, thefoldlondon. com; shoes, £229, lkbennett.com

Dress, £375, thefold london. com; shoes, £229, lkbennett.com

For its tenth anniversary, The Fold has launched a capsule of ten looks. I particularly like the cream jacket and cerulean blue dress — there’s also a tailored suit in the same shade. The power dress in plum reminds me of Roland Mouret and there are black, tailored trousers with a subtle elasticated waist. 

Top, £365, and trousers £335, thefoldlondon. com; shoes, £229, lkbennett .com

Polly believes women benefit from demonstrating style and substance in the workplace. On her first day in one job, of four women, all but one were wearing the same suit, underlining the lack of choice in workwear back then. She had spotted a gap in the market. 

It’s hard to find business basics — for example a top that doesn’t look too casual or too Margaret Thatcher — but the Fold’s burgundy silk blouse fits the bill. It is just one example of well-cut clothes for working women who want to look high-end without catwalk prices.