I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: I love dressing for work. I know, I know—permission to call me crazy. This is mainly due to the fact that I work in fashion, and there aren’t (too many) confines of a corporate dress code, which means dressing for the office is the perfect opportunity to flex my creative muscles and muster up chic outfits that feel polished yet trend-forward, something I relish in! Moreover, after wearing leggings daily while working from home for so long, the desire to put on a proper pair of trousers is rather thrilling.
I know, dressing for the office is not everyone’s cup of tea, and of course, your dress code can vary dramatically depending on where you work. But if you’re looking for a little business-casual workwear inspiration, I wanted to share some of the key items I’m wearing on repeat to the Who What Wear office this season.
These items strike the right sartorial note of smart, sophisticated yet easy, and effortless, meaning they feel fresh and altogether on-trend. Keep scrolling for nine key items I’m loving for work and shop my favorite picks if you’re looking for a workwear refresh.
This one is a no-brainer, but a blazer in relaxed, oversize silhouette continues to be a polished yet trend-forward piece I reach for time and again. It allows for endless layering opportunities with the cooler weather upon us.
Sweaters are back in my daily rotation, but it’s collared knits that I find particularly perfect for the office—adding a touch of preppy elegance to my work look.
If you haven’t already heard, maxi hemlines are having a major moment. This season, it’s all about skirts and dresses in sleek ’90s-inspired silhouettes. They’re a chic alternative to your tailored trousers if you want to add an of-the-moment touch to your work look.
Along with my crisp cotton oversize button-downs, I’m loving silky button-downs for work this season that easily transition from day to night in a pinch. There are a lot of chic colors on the market right now.
There’s nothing like a chic waistcoat to instantly elevate an outfit. It’s the perfect piece to wear under a blazer or over a tissue-thin turtleneck at the office this fall and winter.
Loose tailored trousers are still one of my favorite options for work. I belt them at the waist for a polished look.
When it comes to work shoes, ballet flats are making a welcome appearance back into my daily outfits. They remain timeless, classic, and chic yet are altogether on-trend this season. Pair them with a miniskirt, tailored trousers, or jeans while the temps still allow for them.
Anything that looks like it could have come off the Chanel runway is always a yes for me. We’ve seen chic and ladylike tweed jackets all over the fashion crowd lately, and they’re unquestionably perfect for the office, elevating your outfit in an instant.
You can’t get a better combination than a sophisticated knit dress paired with knee-high boots. Look for fashion-forward details such as a collared silhouette, a maxi hemline, or rib-knit fabric.
