One of fashion’s biggest conundrums is the topic of workwear and it’s no wonder why. With the exception of power suit-donning women in the likes of Working Girl and Babyboom, circa ‘1980, workwear doesn’t usually inspire creative lead styling. In times past workwear had one face — often lacklustre, geared towards practicality and often in the shadow of menswear, but we’ve come a long way from repetitive two-pieces that resembled school uniform. There’s been an evolution of sorts. Retailers have heard the pleas of women far and wide and are producing elevated clothing to bridge the gap between formal and informal. Women are becoming imaginative with their pairings and inspiring others, and some office dress codes are becoming relaxed and in doing so enabling employees to broaden the criteria beyond tailored trousers and shirt combinations. Many offices call for an element of formality that requires shirts or modest styling, but beyond that, there is plenty of room to play with—whether that’s incorporating smart denim into a look, tailoring you can integrate into off-duty looks, weaving natural fabrications in amongst your midst (particularly as we transition into spring) or experimenting with directional and bold earrings. If you’re looking for officewear inspiration, look no further. Keep scrolling for five inspiring looks you can wear to the office and beyond, courtesy of some of our favourite online creators.
1. T-Shirt + Full Shirt + Mules
Style Notes: Slowly make the transition to spring by introducing natural fabrications into your wardrobe. What a better way to do it than with a tonal ensemble, as demonstrated by Abi.
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& Other Stories
Ribbed Cropped T-Shirt
A unique hue that pairs wonderfully with cocoa tones.
FAITHFULL THE BRAND
Heba Linen Maxi Skirt
Style this with a fitted t-shirt or a crisp poplin shirt.
Nanushka
Double-Breasted Cropped Trench Jacket
Nanushka’s new season collection features some timeless pieces, including this sleek cropped trench coat.
MANOLO BLAHNIK
Maysale 50 Buckled Suede Mules
These Manolo Blahnik mules have been on my wishlist for far too long…
Anisa Sojka
Chunky Ridge Earrings
Thankfully, ’80s style power studs have made a comeback.
2. Slouched Blazer + White Jeans + Ballet Flats
Style Notes: Make like Taffy and layer your outfits whilst the forecast is still perplexed. The caramel-toned blazer and bright denim speaks to the upcoming spring season, whilst incorporating knitwear will ensure you remain warm.
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There’s something so chic about a crew neckline styled underneath a knit.
Navy Grey is a knitwear investment you’ll be pleased about for years to come.
Arket
Cloud Low Loose Jeans
Lucky for lovers of relaxed fits, the puddle pant trend is still going strong.
Gold Aurora Beaded Chain Pearl Necklace
The pearl necklace gives a slight nod to summer.
Arket
Leather Ballet Flats
Arket offer a slightly more androgynous take on the classic ballet flat, thanks to the squared tip.
Jigsaw
Organic Loop Earrings
Continue to pile accessories high, especially in the office.
Arket
Oversized Wool Hopsack Blazer
Every fashion editor I know either owns or covets this high street blazer.
Hobo style bags have made a resurgence ahead of spring.
3. Blue Shirt + Black Maxi Skirt + Open-toe Mules
Style Notes: Tastemaker Monikh knows a thing or two about refined dressing and although she doesn’t wear her outfits to the office they boast smartened elements that will translate well to an office environment. Pair your shirts with column maxi skirts (which there are plenty of this season) instead of trousers and prop the look up with open toe mules.
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COS
Oversized Tailored Shirt
A crisp blue brings a fresh element to office wear.
COS
Double-Faced Wool Column Maxi Skirt
This skirt makes my highstreet top 10 of 2024, thus far.
It’s almost time for open toe mules.
4. Grey Suit + Mesh Shoes
Style Notes: There’s no more classic outfit pairing than the matching suit look. To make it more contemporary, opt for cool tones and a slouched fit you can achieve by opting for a more generous style. Pair this timeless look with this season’s celebrated mesh shoe, given your office dress code allows for open footwear. If not, style it with pointed boots.
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THE FRANKIE SHOP
Gelso Oversized Tencel™ Lyocell-Blend Blazer
Frankie Shop’s Gelso range comes highly recommended.
THE FRANKIE SHOP
Gelso Pleated Tencel-Blend Straight-Leg Pants
Opt for the matching trousers.
JIMMY CHOO
Elisa 45 Mesh and Patent-Leather Mary Jane Pumps
Alaïa spearheaded the mesh shoe trend but this heeled version by Jimmy Choo is every bit as special.
NEOUS
Phoenix Baguette Leather Shoulder Bag
A retro inspired silhouette, courtesy of Neous.
5. Silk Shirt + Grey Skorts + Slingback Heels
Style Notes: Sylvie expertly demonstrates how to mix textures. Grey melange was once uninspiring, whereas now it’s a fresh tone to disrupt the usual black and white colourways when it comes to office dressing.
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With Nothing Underneath
The Boyfriend
Swap cotton fabrications for silken textures.
TOTEME
Glossed-Leather Belt
I felt indifferent about belts until I came across Toteme’s wraparound style.
Do you want to breathe life into your trouser wardrobe? A tailored short is bound to inspire!
Arket
Slingback Leather Pumps
A classic silhouette with a nod to French style.