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. She joined in 2015 when she launched the UK sister site following a seven-year tenure at Grazia magazine as fashion news and features editor. With experience in print and digital across fashion and beauty, Hannah has over 18 years of experience as a journalist, editor and content strategist. Her opinion has been sought by the likes of CNBC, BBC, The Sunday Times Style, The Times, The Telegraph and MatchesFashion.com and she 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.
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