My Style: Tips and Advice from Polly McMaster of The Fold

By Lucy Cleland

3 years ago

From statement suits to jewel-toned occasionwear


Now we’re heading back to the office, Polly McMaster offers up some serious style advice…

Trending: 70s Cord For Autumn

Autumn Style: Tips and Advice from Polly McMaster of The Fold

Polly McMaster Headshot 1

Polly McMaster

What was the inspiration behind the AW21 collection?

This is the big back-to-the-office moment for many of our customers. We wanted to empower her to head back into the workplace with confidence. We’ve missed dressing up and so has she. In our recent survey, over 4k of responders expressed a desire to get back to dressing up and having fun with fashion with over half the women saying they missed ‘The opportunity to get ‘dressed up’ for work’, closely followed by, ‘I’ve missed looking professional’. Autumn is about embracing indulgence, love-forever quality and unique designs you won’t find elsewhere.

We understand her working week has become more flexible and we’ve broadened our offering to reflect that, bringing in more knitwear, trousers, statement tops and accessories. Statement suits are a big trend, I think as they’ve been neglected for so long during the pandemic – we’ve got some knockout co-ords, such as the Kingston and Astwood.

Kingston Co-Ord, The Fold

Kingston Sculpted Jacket Camel & Check Luxury Wool and Kingston Trousers Black & Ivory Check Luxury Wool

My favourite pieces from the collection are….

I love separates and live in our silk blouses with smart tailored trousers or smart denim. I am wearing the new Knightsbridge blouse on repeat with our indigo denim culottes and a boot. On Zoom I’m definitely dressing in statement tops, the Knightsbridge is great as it has a sweeping cape shoulder detail, otherwise I try and choose something bright or patterned. It’s a great way to bring your personality to life.

Looking ahead to Spring/Summer 2022…

It’s all about energy, optimism and re-embracing occasionwear. There’s so much colour and print and it’s a total joy to behold!

Almeida Jacket Caramel Satin

Almeida Jacket Caramel Satin, thefoldlondon.com

What I’ve rediscovered in my wardrobe…

Heels – pretty shoes! I’ve loved having the chance to dress up from head to toe again! It’s mostly been nice to have some variety in clothing!

The Fold’s muse…

It’s definitely the customer. We base a lot of our collections on direct customer feedback and really have a close relationship with the women who wear our clothes. We really consider her needs and how she wants to feel, what’s missing from her wardrobe… It’s such a joy to hear that our customer has worn a piece of The Fold in a pivotal moment in her career and life.

The Fold, November Campaign Imagery

Sutri Jumpsuit Deep Crimson Velvet, thefoldlondon.com

My love of fashion…

It really hit fever pitch in the nineties, I was obsessed with Vogue – my style muse was (and still is) Caroline Bessette-Kennedy. Her look was effortless, chic and timeless.

Three items that would really pick me up if they were delivered to my door…

Fresh flowers! A divine scented candle – I love Neom’s uplifting and energising scents. Pasta Evangelists – their quick and easy dishes are a delicious treat on a busy afternoon.

For me exercise is…

A quick run on my Peloton or pre-work yoga in my Sweaty Betty leggings.

The Fold, November Campaign Imagery

Arundel Top Black Stretch Wool Crepe And Taffeta, thefoldlondon.com

My next holiday is to…

Majorca for sun, delicious fresh food and boutique shopping.

I always pack…

My Fold silk Balerno palazzo trousers (space saving and super luxurious!) and my favourite holiday dress from Iris and Clarins self-tan drops!

For my next party…

I will be wearing head to toe silk! My Knightsbridge blouse and Balerno trousers with the velvet Firenze heels – they are divine and oh-so comfortable.

The Fold, November Campaign Imagery

Edenvale Blouse Print Crinkled Georgette, thefoldlondon.com

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Shop this season’s trends at thefoldlondon.com

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