5 Classic Work Outfits That Make Dressing for the Office Totally Effortless (2024)

One of fashion's biggest conundrums is the topic of workwear and it's no wonder why. With the exception of power suit-donning women in the likes of Working Girl and Babyboom, circa '1980, workwear doesn't usually inspire creative lead styling. In times past workwear had one face — often lacklustre, geared towards practicality and often in the shadow of menswear, but we've come a long way from repetitive two-pieces that resembled school uniform. There's been an evolution of sorts. Retailers have heard the pleas of women far and wide and are producing elevated clothing to bridge the gap between formal and informal. Women are becoming imaginative with their pairings and inspiring others, and some office dress codes are becoming relaxed and in doing so enabling employees to broaden the criteria beyond tailored trousers and shirt combinations. Many offices call for an element of formality that requires shirts or modest styling, but beyond that, there is plenty of room to play with—whether that's incorporating smart denim into a look, tailoring you can integrate into off-duty looks, weaving natural fabrications in amongst your midst (particularly as we transition into spring) or experimenting with directional and bold earrings. If you're looking for officewear inspiration, look no further. Keep scrolling for five inspiring looks you can wear to the office and beyond, courtesy of some of our favourite online creators.

1. T-Shirt + Full Shirt + Mules

Style Notes: Slowly make the transition to spring by introducing natural fabrications into your wardrobe. What a better way to do it than with a tonal ensemble, as demonstrated by Abi.

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2. Slouched Blazer + White Jeans + Ballet Flats

Style Notes: Make like Taffy and layer your outfits whilst the forecast is still perplexed. The caramel-toned blazer and bright denim speaks to the upcoming spring season, whilst incorporating knitwear will ensure you remain warm.

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3. Blue Shirt + Black Maxi Skirt + Open-toe Mules

Style Notes: Tastemaker Monikh 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 shirts with column maxi skirts (which there are plenty of this season) instead of trousers and prop the look up with open toe mules.

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4. Grey Suit + Mesh Shoes

Style Notes: There's no more classic outfit pairing than the matching suit look. To make it more contemporary, opt for cool tones and a slouched fit you can achieve by opting for a more generous style. Pair this timeless look with this season's celebrated mesh shoe, given your office dress code allows for open footwear. If not, style it with pointed boots.

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5. Silk Shirt + Grey Skorts + Slingback Heels

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

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