8 Spring Trends Practically Made for the Office
While there are a handful of spring trends that we’ll probably not be attempting at the office this spring and summer (read: hot pants, high slits, bra tops, and corsets—we’ll leave these to the weekends), there are certainly plenty of of-the-moment styles and silhouettes that are perfect for a work environment. We’d even go as far as to say some are practically made for the office. We’re talking sleek suiting, tailored separates, the return of pinstripes, chic blazers paired with wide collars, and sophisticated puff-sleeve blouses—all trends that were seen in abundance on the S/S 20 runways, and all easy ways to add a trend-forward touch to your work uniform this season. Scroll below to shop the trends that’ll take you from the boardroom to the bar in style.
Suiting and Tailored Separates
Suiting is one of spring 2020’s biggest trends—with everything from three-piece suits, shorts suits, and tailored separates reigning supreme on the runway and on the street style set. Opt for relaxed-fitting silhouettes for a modern look.
Waistcoats
Continuing with the suiting trend, comes the resurgence of the dapper vest or waistcoat. Whether worn as part of a three-piece suit, mismatched with a jacket or simply thrown over a white blouse and jeans, fashion girls have been all over the office-approved trend.
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Pinstripes
Pinstripes have often been associated with conservative business attire and bank uniforms, but this season, designers have given the print a contemporary fashion-girl touch, with blazers cinched at the waist with belts, along with relaxed tailoring and loose silhouettes, exuding an effortless vibe (that still means business).
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Puff-Sleeve Blouses
Whether you opt for subtle puff sleeves or a more exaggerated billowy sleeve (depending on your office environment), the trend exudes a romantic, feminine and super-empowering aesthetic that works well paired with tailored trousers, skirts, and jeans alike.
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Leather
Leather continues to reign supreme as one of spring 2020’s biggest trends and is here to stay for the rest of the year, from what we observed on the F/W 2020 runways. With so many sophisticated and chic new styles, silhouettes, and colors, leather has become altogether office-appropriate. Try a shirtdress, a leather blazer, or sleek leather skirt for a fashion-forward yet professional look.
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Heeled Loafers
Can you think of a more perfect shoe style for work, meetings, and professional settings? Heeled loafers were all over the S/S 20 runways and fashion girls have been quick to take on the classic and sophisticated trend. This season’s iterations feature intriguing sartorial twists, such as slingback styles, buckles, textured fabrics, and mule silhouettes—all of which give the classic shoes a modern touch.
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Wide, Pointed Collars Over Blazers
One ’70s trend we couldn’t keep our eyes off on the runways were large pointed collars laid over blazers (seen at Louis Vuitton, Victoria Beckham, and Paco Rabanne to name a few). It’s a cool boardroom-to-bar look that you can wear with suit pants, jeans, or matching suit trousers.
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Long Shorts
While shorts may have once been frowned upon at the office, this season’s iterations are simply a must-try—particularly if you work in more creative office environments. Long trouser shorts that fall just past the knee are trending hard right now. Keep the look polished by pairing them with a blazer and long boots or mules.
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Wide-Leg Pants
It’s time to welcome wide-leg pants to your work wardrobe. The chic trousers create a sophisticated, elongated silhouette that looks elegant and professional. Wear a high-waisted pair with a minimalist sweater, pretty blouse, or blazer for a boardroom-ready look.
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Up next, the world’s best shoppers share what we should buy for spring.
Judith Jones is the senior fashion market editor at Who What Wear who specializes in shopping content and trend stories with high-affiliate impact. She shares the coolest, most desirable fashion market finds and brands for every budget. Previous to working in fashion, Judith worked as a TV host on the PBS travel show Globe Trekker (airing on Netflix and Amazon Prime) sharing her passion for travel and culture.