The 2009 Travelodge discarded clothing catalogue has revealed that British workers are taking their fashion advice from Quentin Tarantino and are power-dressing in black and white like the sharp suited stars from ‘Reservoir Dogs’ - in order to be seen as leaders in the workplace.

The hotel chain’s annual clothing inventory report has revealed that 60 per cent of the 14,786 shirts left behind at Travelodge hotels were white.

While 80 per cent of the 1,005 discarded business suits and 40 per cent of the 3,105 forgotten ties were black. In addition 50 per cent of the 69,986 socks left behind by customers were also black.

To further investigate into the trend of monochrome (black and white) business attire being left behind at its hotels - Travelodge surveyed 5,000 British workers to obtain their views on business wear.

Key findings revealed seven out of ten British workers turn to a smart black suit and a crisp white shirt when they need to ‘dress to impress’ within the work and business environment.

Leading UK psychologist, Corrine Sweet said: “Due to the economic climate, 2009 has been one of the toughest years in decades within the work and business environment. Rivalry among workers has never been so fierce, therefore in a bid to stand out amongst co-workers, British workers have opted for ‘power dressing’ by wearing black and white.”

“Monochrome colours are solid powerful colours. By dressing in black and white an individual can visually display their; authority, seriousness of purpose, professionalism and allow their personality to shine through.”