Getting up in the morning is painful at the best of times, let alone deciding what you're going to wear. The key to a successful approach to workwear is to have a capsule of smart, but comfortable, pieces that are simple enough to be mixed and matched and restyled in lots of different ways. You want to focus on ease, too—shirts that won’t need to go to the dry cleaners each time you wear them and loose tailoring that looks put together, but not too restrictive.
Below, we have listed 10 items that will make getting dressed for the office a little easier, from a beautifully tailored blazer to a belted wrap coat to wide-leg trousers with a loose fit. It’s also important to pay close attention to the accessories. You’ll want a smart handbag big enough to carry your laptop (they look so much better than a scruffy tote bag), a trusty pair of loafers, an elegant belt and perhaps some subtle jewellery to finish off any outfit.
Keep scrolling to see the 10 items that will make getting dressed for the office so much easier.
1. Wide-Leg Trousers
Style Notes: Wide-leg styles have become a modern classic thanks to their elegant silhouette and easy styling. Copy Emily's chic look by tucking in a cotton shirt and pushing up the sleeves, or pair these trousers with a blazer.
Shop Wide-Leg Trousers:
These are a best-seller for a reason.
These always receive ample praise from editors and content creators. They're a timeless silhouette, too.
2. Practical Tote
Style Notes: If, like us, you have plenty of essentials to carry on your commute, finding a beautiful bag should be high on your list. It fits everything you need and holds it together in style.
Shop Tote Bags:
The brown suede will be a hit this autumn and winter. It's such a perfect neutral.
You can never go wrong with black. However, I also adore this bag in the light green hue. It feels fresh!
3. Refined Jewellery
Style Notes: A simple trousers-and-tee look can go from mid to major with the addition of refined jewellery. Select a few pieces to stack and experiment with, whether you prefer warm golds or cool silvers.
Shop Jewellery:
This simple (but beautiful) pair will work with any office outfit you put together.
A gorgeous set that does the layering for you.
4. Bouclé Jacket
Style Notes: Along with their classic nature, bouclé jackets add a contrasting texture that feels so elevated, no matter the pairing.
Shop Boucle Jackets:
The cropped proportions of this jacket would look great with high-waisted trousers.
A truly timeless jacket that's perfect layered under a wool coat.
5. Simple Blazer
Style Notes: A simple blazer is a key part of our uniform that instantly adds polish to even the most casual outfit. Create a monochrome look, find matching trousers or style them with dark blue jeans for a more casual office environment.
Shop Blazers:
Autumn is calling with this chocolate colour. Replicate Marilyn's look above by adding matching trousers.
Navy is a nice alternative to your usual black blazer.
6. Maxi Dress
Style Notes: We'll never stop celebrating dresses for creating an instant outfit. Simply add boots and grab your tote and you're on your way.
Shop Maxi Dresses:
The belt is such a nice touch. It adds a hint of shine and pulls the look together without you needing to add extra accessories.
Stripes give the any outfit with a neutral colour palette a little more interest.
7. Leather Belt
Style Notes: Investing in a leather belt will add a refined touch to your looks, along with being a useful accessory.
Shop Leather Belts:
The unique buckle makes this stand out from the rest.
This belt offers you two colour options in one. A true, hard-working staple.
8. Sleek Trench
Style Notes: An elegant trench or coat is the easiest way to instantly upgrade an outfit. As we move into autumn, look for shower-resistant materials and wool versions as the weather cools, which you'll rely on for years to come.
Shop Trenches and Coats:
It doesn't get more classic than a wool camel coat. This will never feel dated.
If you're looking for something outside of the iconic beige trench, this khaki colour nails the brief.
9. White Shirt
Style Notes: Is there anything more versatile than the classic white shirt? Wear under knits, tanks and dresses or tucked into trousers, skirts and jeans. The possibilities are endless.
Shop White Shirts:
With Nothing Underneath creates beautiful shirts that get rave reviews.
Okay, it's not exactly white, but the barely-there blue tinge to this Khaite shirt made it worthy of adding to my cart.
10. Loafers
Style Notes: All hail the simple loafer, the comfortable (and cool) flat shoe that looks just as dressy as a heel. Wear with cropped trousers and oversized shirts in summer and with socks, jeans and a cosy knit in winter.
Shop Loafers:
The shine on these loafers makes them feel extra polished. Perfect for the workplace.
An iconic pair we'd love to own. We've heard over and over that they're worth the investment.
This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
-
This Simple Fashion Person–Approved Layering Technique Changed the Way I Wear My BasicsEffortlessly cool.
-
Don't Pack Up Your Sweaters Just Yet—Cool Fashion People Are Repurposing Them in the Chicest Way for SummerAll the outfit inspiration is inside.
-
Goodbye, Boring Basics—This Is the Elegant Trend New Yorkers Are Wearing With Tank Tops This SummerObsessed.
-
3 Aesthetic Pairings to Try If Your Wardrobe's Starting to Feel StaleFoolproof solutions.
-
I Can't Stand It When People Follow These Fashion Rules to a TIt's time to break the rules.
-
10 Style Tips That Will Make You Look Rich This SummerNumber four is already trending.
-
Brand Layering: The Art of Knowing Which Labels to Pair With Each OtherThe ultimate styling hack.
-
The Simple Styling Trick That Turns Pencil Skirts From Corporate to Chic in 5 Seconds or LessIt's completely free and ready to copy.
