Never Be Stuck for Office Outfit Ideas Again—Just Use These 30
Having enough office outfit ideas when you don't have to adhere to a uniform is about as tricky as a dress code gets. How smart is too smart? How casual is too casual? Are jeans okay for every day of the week, or are they really still for casual Fridays only? So. Many. Questions. So. Little. Time. Even in the most progressive of workplaces, it can still be frowned upon to turn up looking like a complete scruff. But when you do have the freedom to choose, it's hard to know where to turn. Especially when you've slept through your alarm and your closet is artfully strewn on the floor. Our 30 office outfit ideas (and adjoining handy tips) should do the trick.
Carmen, the founder of Chronicles of Her, knows exactly how to do the high-low mix: A neat vintage blazer and quilted bag are good friends with a motif tee and crystal earrings.
Grece's strict color palette and dramatic wide-leg trousers do all the talking, so essentially this look is quite simple to pull together.
Ada throws out the rulebook in this mix 'n' match suit that we can't wait to copy.
If you work somewhere with a relatively relaxed dress code, we'd love to suggest this mini, maxi shirt, and pointed mules trio created by Marta Cygan of Life of Boheme. Your shoes don't have to be Balenciaga, but it helps.
Annabel Rosendahl got the brown memo—did you? These chic tonal, textural pieces all add up to create a really head-turning look without being loud. You can get started with just a tan bag in the mix.
Beatrice has found a very good way to dress up light-wash denim: with a sculptural blazer, smart ankle boots, and a turtleneck. Also, she's carrying that new Jaquemus bag we all want—it's called the Praia and it's $725.
Wrap shirts and midi skirts—the perfect outfit for a workday when the weather starts to improve. Freddie bought her lovely navy blouse from Finery, and there's a similar style available now called Cotman ($115).
Gala's pastel spring coat from Mansur Gavriel is the optimum choice when you're raring to rid yourself of bulky, dark winter layers. The cherry bag from Susan Alexandra is beyond cute, but perhaps not every office would "get" it.
Maja Wyh makes the case for minimalism—her loose navy and black layers are cinched at the waist and complemented by slouchy boots. We love this simple-but-effective combination.
Desperate to wear your summer dress but don't want pneumonia? We hear you. That's why we're offering up this turtleneck and 10-denier tights solution from Irina Lakicevic.
You're looking at the chicest way to wear separates ever (courtesy of Evangelie from Style Heroine), as well as seeing the Céline clutch everyone's suddenly after.
Tamu's classic trench coat and windowpane checked trousers have been taken to the next level with her expert layering techniques.
Marie's culottes receive a 2018 update in the form of a cardigan and white boots. Note the purposefully mismatched combination here; it makes a work-appropriate look more relaxed.
Even the smallest details—like contrast top-stitching—can make simple, tailored pieces look far more directional than you'd imagine. Maria Alia's H&M shirt is the perfect example.
If you're ever unsure as to whether jeans can look smart enough for the office, reference this pic. Aria's retro blouse and indigo flares definitely look the part.
Who says you have to have a suit that matches? Combine different prints and texture like Darja here with her Hofman jacket and Baum Und Pferdgarten trousers, then pair with simple accessories to allow you to get out of the house on time.
Sara Crampton of Harper and Harley also believes in the power of the wrap shirt, only this time she proves just how good they look with a pair of wide-leg trousers.
Julia's eschewing the more popular trouser suit formula in favor of this bookish skirt suit—it may not be the easy go-to for everyone, but it will start conversations.
Leather trousers can be suitable for work, just ask Roberta Benteler here—with a tucked-in sweater and sleek mules, she looks ready for action. And, even better, those trousers are from Mango and cost $300.
Wear your new pastel suit with fun accessories, and no one will mistake you as the office bore.
Talking of making a suit interesting, why not pair yours with a tourist tee? They're having an unexpected moment right now—see Ellie for reference here.
Erica Davies always inspires us to crack out a printed midi dress—this frilly & Other Stories is sold out, but there's plenty of other pretty dresses from the brand that are still available.
The solution to everything: checked blazers and earrings. Tine Andrea knows it. You know it.
Maria Bernad has almost repurposed a school uniform idea here with her checked shirt, sweater, and beret. It's the boots and grown-up handbag that really ramp it up.
Alexis of Style Memos always wears the kind of pared-back pieces you can use day-in, day-out and never get bored of—take this trench with a subtle knotted sleeve, for example.
Another wrap skirt and demure shirt pairing that we think you'll appreciate, this time styled with mini sunnies and ankle boots for a little extra oomph.
Printed chiffon blouses, midi skirts, and dresses really can work for the office—just ground them in black accessories.
A frilled skirt can always be tempered by an oversize knit—Em of A Style Album has the right idea with this monochromatic look.
Get more use out of a thigh-baring party dress by layering it over jeans like Eni here.
If you want to give your existing work trousers a casual twist, follow Monica Ainley's lead and pair with a denim jacket.
Hannah Almassi is the Editor in Chief of Who What Wear UK. Hannah has been part of the the Who What Wear brand since 2015, when she was headhunted to launch the UK sister site and social channels, implement a localised content strategy and build out the editorial team. She joined following a seven-year tenure at Grazia magazine, where she led front-of-book news, fashion features and shopping specials as fashion news and features editor. With experience in both print and digital across fashion and beauty, Hannah has over 16 years in the field as a journalist, editor, content strategist and brand consultant. Hannah has interviewed industry heavyweights such as designers including Marc Jacobs and Jonathan Anderson through to arbiters of taste including Katie Grand and Anna Dello Russo. A skilled moderator and lecturer specialising in the shift to digital media and e-commerce, Hannah’s opinion and work has been sought by the likes of CNBC, BBC, The Sunday Times Style, The Times, The Telegraph and MatchesFashion.com, among many others. Hannah is often called upon for her take on trends, becoming known as a person with their finger of the pulse of what’s happening in the fashion space for stylish Brits. Hannah currently resides in Eastbourne with her photographer husband, incredibly busy son and highly Instagrammable cat.
-
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
-
I'm in My 20s—Here Are 6 Style Lessons I Learned to Look More Polished and Grown-Up
Sophisticated styling 101.
By Nikki Chwatt
-
8 Copenhagen Street Style Trends I Plan to Replicate in New York
Pared back yet never boring.
By Nikki Chwatt
-
This SHEIN SXY x STAS Collection Is Full of Fresh Spring and Summer Looks
Sponsor Content Created With SHEIN
By Who What Wear
-
I'm a Fashion Editor—I Reach For These 2 Pieces When I Don't Know What to Wear
Ready in 10 minutes or less.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
The Only 9 Jackets You Need for Spring, According to Fashion People
There's something for everyone.
By Remy Farrell
-
And Now, 5 Elevated Ways to Wear Your Jeans in 2024
Denim devotees, unite.
By Grace O'Connell Joshua
-
After 5 Days in Aspen, I'm Officially Hooked on Western Pieces—5 I'm Loving RN
From cowboy hats to fringe accents.
By Grace O'Connell Joshua