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Blame it on the algorithm — although, please, can we stop talking about the algorithm yet? — but it seems that everyone around us intends for 2025 to be their most abundant and accomplished yet. If your New Year reflections and affirmations are also bigger than ever, a wardrobe refresh could be just the thing to get you mentally on the right track. From power-dressing blazers to sophisticated trans-seasonal styles, Rebecca Tay discovers five pieces to level up your new year workwear wardrobe. 

Contemporaine blazer, $175, and pants, $125 at Simons, simons.ca. Handout/

SIMONS CONTEMPORAINE STRETCH BLAZER AND ANKLE PANTS

If one of your New Year’s fashion resolutions was to incorporate more colour into your wardrobe, this two-piece dusky pink suit could be an easy ticket in to achieving your goals. Professional but with a softer edge, both the minimalist, one-button blazer and ankle-length pant also look great as separates — team the blazer with jeans, or the pants with a silk blouse for three completely different looks. 

Simons, simons.ca | Blazer, $176, and pants, $125

Hourglass blazer in black, $99.95 at Dynamite, dynamiteclothing.com. Handout/

DYNAMITE HOURGLASS BLAZER

For mornings when you sleepily look at your schedule for the day and realize in a panic that you completely forgot about an important meeting, there’s this Hourglass blazer. Effortless and chic, it needs very little — just a good pair of heels and a clean skirt, trousers or dark jeans. Its modest neckline and streamlined shape mean you don’t even need to find a wrinkle-free shirt to throw on underneath. 

Dynamite, dynamiteclothing.com | $99.95

Michael Michael Kors wool short-sleeve sweater, $250 at Michael Kors, michaelkors.com. Handout/

MICHAEL MICHAEL KORS WOOL SHORT SLEEVE SWEATER

A fuss-free, comfortable sweater that looks great with just about anything is the best way to move seamlessly from meetings to after-hours. This version comes in three colours — pearl grey, black and café — all of which are versatile and look equally great with a blazer and a pencil skirt or jeans and sharp heels. 

Michael Michael Kors, michaelkors.com | $250

Love & Lore Heather North-South tote, $39.99 at Indigo, indigo.ca. Handout/

INDIGO LOVE & LORE HEATHER NORTH-SOUTH TOTE

New computer, new notebook, new pens, new tote bag? Indeed, if you’ve been toting your work things around in a free canvas tote bag, it might be time for an upgrade. This north-south Heather tote by Love And Lore is affordable but professional, has elegant gold detailing, and is the perfect size for a clipboard, laptop and charger, plus a few extras. 

Indigo, indigo.ca | $39.99

Striped wool blend midi skirt, $248 at Club Monaco, clubmonaco.com. Handout/ (single use)

CLUB MONACO STRIPED WOOL BLEND MIDI SKIRT

Never underestimate the power of a long and lean skirt to elevate any ensemble — all you need is a crisp white shirt to appear ready for anything. This version, with its graphic black and white stripes, is an extra bold take on the look. Finish with a pair of razor-sharp, black patent heels, sculptural silver earrings and red lipstick for a look that makes even more of a statement. 

Club Monaco, clubmonaco.com | $248