I Love Getting Dressed for Work: Here Are My Best 7 Office Outfits
I've got a secret, and something tells me it's not going to make me any friends: I love getting dressed for work. Okay, so technically I decide what to wear the night before (I'm only human), but I think this enjoyment comes from the fact that at heart, I'm just a little kid who loves to dress up, and luckily I work in an environment where experimenting with style is actively encouraged.
It also helps that my personal style veers towards smart, so I'll take any excuse to throw on a piece of tailoring, a flowy midi skirt or pair of heeled boots. While others can't wait to get to the weekend to throw on their tracksuits and comfiest knit, I've always relished the satisfaction that comes with feeling polished and put together—so sue me.
But despite the fact that I work in a fashion-loving workplace, there are still plenty of practical considerations, whether it's staying warm in a chilly office or looking presentable for a press dinner. I like to think that over the years, I've refined the art of speedily putting an outfit together—it all comes to down finding those winning combinations you can rely on.
Obviously there are no hard-and-fast rules for work dressing—every industry is different, and every office has its own guidelines. But as it's always good to have a little inspiration, I thought I'd share with you some styling wisdom I've gathered over the years. Keep scrolling for seven outfits I've worn to work over the last month or so.
Midi Dress, Jumper and Blazer
Style Notes: This ASOS is a real winner: I'll wear it by itself in summer with slip on mules and light trench, but for now, it looks great layered under a chunky jumper and blazer.
KEY BUYS:
Jumpsuit and Roll-Neck
Style Notes: I received so many complements about this Arket jumpsuit when I wore it last summer. Perfectly tailored, with a hint of safari chic, it lends itself perfectly to a wintery tonal look when layered over a white roll-neck.
KEY BUYS:
Chunky Knit, Kick Flares and Trench Coat
Style Notes: I bought this pink knit for £20 in Wales back in November, and it's been a godsend in Arctic temperatures. I try to balance out the oversized silhouette by styling with kick-flare jeans and pointed boots.
KEY BUYS:
Slip Skirt and Statement Jumper
Related: All I Have to Say About These High Street Dresses Is "Wow”
Style Notes: Topshop's cult slip skirt is the perfect workwear staple (half the office owns one), as its fabric looks stylish but the length makes it office-appropriate. I love to wear mine with knee-high boots and a statement black jumper.
KEY BUYS:
Midi Skirt and Ribbed Knit
Style Notes: Midi skirts and heeled boots are one of my favourite workwear pairings. This French Connection skirt is a great statement buy, thanks to its wrap style and asymmetric cut; its striped cotton fabric keeps it in smart territory.
KEY BUYS:
Pink Trousers and Breton Top
Style Notes: These vintage tailored trousers come in the prettiest shade of pink and offer a more interesting alternative to classic black. I've created a bit of a S/S 19 colour clash by pairing them with a red Breton stripe top.
KEY BUYS:
Jeans, White Shirt and Animal-Print Roll-Neck
Style Notes: I'm all about making my wardrobe staples work for all seasons: Case in point, this white shirt instantly becomes cold weather-friendly when layered over an animal-print roll-neck. To avoid looking too corporate, I've styled the shirt with wide-leg jeans and lace-up boots, but it would look just as good with tailored trousers or a slip skirt.
KEY BUYS:
Up Next: I Tried on 50 Pieces From Kate and Holly's Favourite High-Street Brands
-
I Asked My Fashion Friends What Tights They Wear in the Winter—They Sent Me These
It's tights season, baby.
By Nikki Chwatt
-
My Friends Want to Buy 5 New Items for Cooler Weather—I Sent Them This List
Top-tier fall and winter fashion finds ahead.
By Chichi Offor
-
I'm an Editor With Classic Style—These Are the Exact 6 Shoes I've Been Wearing Lately
They're all I need.
By Nicole Akhtarzad Eshaghpour
-
Law Roach's World: His New Book, Bag of Choice, and What He Grabs on a Target Run
"[Styling] has made my world so much bigger."
By Jasmine Fox-Suliaman
-
Trust Me—Buy These 26 Things
Hello, fall.
By Nicole Akhtarzad Eshaghpour
-
30 Incredibly Chic Finds I Regret Not Buying This Week From Nordstrom, H&M, and Zara
So many gems. So little time.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
I'm a Mom of Two Little Ones—30 Chic, Easy, and Reliable Fashion and Beauty Picks I Swear By
Little effort. High reward.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
NYC Editors Say This Is the Hottest Brand of the Year—Shop Their Fall Looks
Hello, dream wardrobe.
By Raina Mendonça