6 Classic Work Outfits That Make Dressing for the Office Totally Effortless

One of fashion's biggest conundrums is the topic of workwear, and it's no wonder why. With the exception of the power suits in the films Working Girl and Babyboom circa 1980, workwear doesn't usually inspire creative styling. Once upon a time dressing for the office meant lacklustre outfits geared towards practicality and often in the shadow of menswear, but we've come a long way from repetitive two-pieces that resembled school uniforms. There's been an evolution of sorts—retailers have heard the cries of women far and wide and are producing elevated clothing to bridge the gap between formal and informal.

We're becoming imaginative with our pairings and inspiring each other to mix things up. Meanwhile, it seems many office dress codes are becoming more relaxed, enabling employees to broaden the criteria beyond tailored trousers and button-downs. Your office may still call for an element of formality that requires shirting or modest styling, but there's plenty of room beyond that to play with fashion; whether that's incorporating smart denim, integrating tailoring into off-duty looks, weaving in natural fabrics or experimenting with directional and bold earrings.

So, if you're looking for officewear inspiration, look no further. Keep scrolling for six fresh looks you can wear to work and beyond, courtesy of some of our favourite fashion content creators.

Classic Office Looks to Copy This Winter:

1. T-Shirt + Full Skirt + Mules

Abi Marvel wears a full skirt and t-shirt

(Image credit: @abimarvel)

Style Notes: A full skirt is surprisingly versatile for winter—just pair it with a structured coat that cinches at the waist to keep the look polished. For the T-shirt, look to more thicker fabrics for that added warmth (but who are we kidding, office heaters are always working overtime). Why not try a tonal ensemble, as demonstrated by Abi Marvel.

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2. Slouchy Blazer + White Jeans + Ballet Flats

Taffy wears a blazer and white jeans

(Image credit: @taffymsipa)

Style Notes: Make like Taffy Msipa and layer your outfits during this particularly cold winter. Winter whites are forever chic, and this outfit proves it. Pair the slouchy blazer with a slim cashmere sweater tucked underneath for a cozy yet sleek finish. For white jeans, consider layering thermal leggings beneath if the temperatures drop. Ballet flats might not scream winter, but they work beautifully indoors—simply throw on a wool coat and a chunky knit hat for the commute.

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3. Blue Button-Down + Black Maxi Skirt + Open-Toe Mules

Monikh wears a blue shirt and black maxi skirt

(Image credit: @monikh)

Style Notes: Tastemaker Monikh Dale 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 button-downs with a knitted column maxi skirt (of which there are plenty this season) instead of trousers. Open-toe mules can still work—just opt for a pedicure in a deep, moody hue and a pair of sheer tights for a runway-inspired finish.

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4. Grey Suit + Mesh Shoes

Marilyn wears a blazer and trouser suit

(Image credit: @nlmarilyn)

Style Notes: There's no more classic outfit pairing than the matching suit look. To make it more contemporary, opt for cool tones in a relaxed fit as Marilyn has done here. Pair this timeless look with the celebrated mesh flats. Mesh shoes may feel unexpected for winter, but styling them with chic socks in a tonal or contrasting shade can turn them into a statement. If that still doesn't rock your boat, style the outfit with pointed boots.

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5. Silk Shirt + Grey Skirt + Slingback Heels

Sylvie Mus wears a grey skirt and silk shirt

(Image credit: @Sylviemus_)

Style Notes: Sylvie Mus expertly demonstrates how to mix textures here. Grey melange was once uninspiring, but now it's a fresh tone to disrupt the usual black and white when it comes to office dressing this winter.

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6. Black Dress + Oversized Blazer + Suede Pumps

camillecharriere

(Image credit: @camillecharriere)

Style Notes: A black dress is a wardrobe hero year-round, and here it's all about layering. Let the oversized blazer do the talking by cinching it with a statement belt for added structure. Keep the suede pumps as-is, but consider pairing them with luxe ribbed tights to give the look a tactile edge, perfect for a winter workwear outfit.

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This piece was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.

Freelance Fashion Editor

Avalon Afriyie is a freelance writer and storyteller based in London. She specialises in sustainable fashion, health and the narratives of marginalised communities. She has a background in fashion show production and styling, having previously worked on The Clothes Show and with the Lyst Group. Since graduating in 2013 with a BA (Hons) in English and contemporary media, she’s worked as a feature writer for an independent publication and a contributor for Quill’s creator network. She now marries her passion for words and style, writing for some of the most esteemed fashion and lifestyle publications, Who What Wear UK and Stylist. Avalon also provides copywriting services, creative consultancy, and visual media for independent businesses, including travel guides, interviews, press releases and blog posts. Her work has been featured on Lush, Contiki, Youswim and Ohne. She spends her days writing to her heart’s content for business and pleasure, shooting on film and dreaming of residing a stone’s throw away from the ocean with her love and a pup (clad in a sweeping frock, of course). She’s currently penning ideas for a book of personal essays and free verse poetry on love, life and the stages in between.

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