Successful men often find a uniform and stick to it. They also live on a diet of liquid meal replacements and wake up to train at 4am every morning, but only one of these practices we actually endorse.

By removing the need to choose a completely new outfit each morning, your mind is freed up to focus on other, more pressing issues. Sounds a little mundane, sure, but it’s easy to see the argument for choosing one key piece – a pair of grey trousers, for example – to base your weekly wardrobe around.

“Grey trousers are a staple for good reason,” says William Counsell from independent tailoring brand Cad and the Dandy. “They can be dressed up with smart separates or down with T-shirts.”

So make like Dr Dre, Mark Zuckerberg and Barack Obama by learning how to make a single pair of grey trousers work from Monday to Friday right through to Sunday without breaking a sweat with these six looks.

Monday

A Lazy Start

The start of the working week is mostly spent replying to emails and avoiding as much human contact as possible, but that doesn’t mean dressing like you’ve already given up. Smart (or at least, smart-casual) attire will distract colleagues from your slightly bleary eyes.

A white grandad shirt is an excellent piece of Monday morning subterfuge. When cut slim from soft cotton poplin, it can look just as smart as its collared brethren while feeling much less restrictive.

On cooler days, layer your shirt underneath a crew neck jumper that will accentuate the collarless design. Navy or black are both solid choices, but something in a less common moss green or one with a graphic design can help inject some much-welcomed life into your look. To bookend this outfit, keep things smart with a well-polished Derby shoe.

Tuesday

Down To Business

Now that the sins of the weekend have been washed away with copious amounts of coffee, it’s time to put your best foot forward and show you mean business.