Pulling off chic work outfits is many things. Unfortunately, easy isnโt one of them. Can we change that? Short answer: Yes! Long answer: ABSOLUTELY YES!
We have all been there. After three hours of nonstop dressing and undressing in front of the mirror, you think it might be time to give up. It has nothing to do with body type or the ability to make a decision. Maybe you just want to nail that job interview. And once you do, the circle takes you back to the very beginning โ you have nothing to wear, and you donโt want to attend another meeting that could have been an email.
Itโs a struggle to understand the nitty-gritty of office dress codes and establish a love-hate relationship similar to the one you already have with The Bachelor. Simply because WFH has given us a brand-new definition of comfort, and 9-to-5 at the office seems unlikely.
However, there are some things we canโt do in front of the screen (no, Iโm not referring to the afternoon coffee with your work bestie!), and the silk PJs you got for Christmas are not an option for such occasions.
Donโt worry, you donโt have to Google casual work outfits or transitional work outfits as Iโve rounded up some amazing versatile outfits you will want to copy-paste.
Each of the 13 work outfit ideas below exudes main character energy and promises to give YOU the best business look.
What is formal business attire?
You have a particular sense of fashion. The office implies formal business attire. Whether you like it or not, this is meeting-with-the-parents-kind of ready. Stick to two-piece suits, long dresses, minimal makeup, a simple hairstyle, and a bearable amount of accessories. Skip megawatt colors, screaming patterns, and overwhelming jewelry.
What is business casual attire?
The casual dress code can be tricky โ itโs when the formal and the carefree try to meet in the middle. Sure, there are plenty of options, but you still need to keep in mind itโs more business and less casual. As I said, itโs tricky. Think of styling smarter pieces like midi skirts, blazers, and shirts with more effortless ones such as sweaters, cardigans, and closed comfortable shoes. Forget leggings, shorts, jeans, graphic tees, open-toed shoes, mini skirts, sneakers, and PJs. You know, unless the office is your bedroom.
How do you dress chic and classy at work?
Figuring out the office formula is not easy. You want to make the right impression. You also want to feel comfortable. And you have to respect the work environment. Even tho, you feel the urge to enter the office like Kris Jenner every now and then. The truth? You need a few basic pieces to look well put together. Scroll down for my work wardrobe essentials checklist.
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Chic Work Wardrobe Essentials List:
Tailored Pants
A pair of wide-leg trousers will make you presentable ASAP. They are the secret hack for pulling off thousands of different looks. Black pants are great, just forget the asymmetrical shapes and dramatic silhouettes.
Timeless Blazer
I have no idea what you are doing with your life if you donโt own a classic blazer. Opt for black, gray, white, or brown. Itโs the perfect layering piece when you welcome Happy hour on the officeโs balcony, and it feels a bit chilly.
Structured Jacket
Fashion experts have no two opinions about it. Structured jackets are a must! Consider them a good idea for the workwear wardrobe as they tend to elevate total looks right away. Iโm talking tweed, (vegan) leather jacket with shoulder pads, or trench coat.
Elegant Blouse
An elegant blouse is not a statement blouse. Itโs a classic, neutral one, maybe a silk blouse. While many brands like Versace bring escapist fashion to everyday life, we are all about the versatility and timelessness at Saint Laurent.
Smart Skirt
Chic pleated midi skirts can go a long way. In case you want to be both stylish and comfortable, the slip skirt is another option. There is just one simple rule. If Bella Hadid would put it on for a Friday night out, itโs not OK.
Comfortable Dressy Shoes
Itโs a bit harsh since sneakers are the best but look towards dressy shoes. DO wear loafers, mules, ankle boots, and closed-toe flats. DONโT wear sandals, open-toed shoes, and sky-high platforms ready to take you to cloud nine.
13 Chic Work Outfits To Copy Instantly:
1. Tonal Dressing
get the look:
Tonal dressing = playing with shades in the same color family. The classic shirt will go hand in hand with the dark gray wide-leg trousers, the lighter gray blazer, and your favorite white sneakers. Mix in different textures and add some accessories to spice things up.
2. Stripe Top + White Pants
get the look:
You donโt need to be a fancy fashion editor running around Champs-รlysรฉes to know this summer work outfit captures the seasonโs mood in a sleek way. The stripe top is a classic wardrobe staple, so the combination with white pants just makes sense. Donโt forget the black loafers and dark sunglasses for a hint of espionage.
3. Beige Pants + Stripes
get the look:
Looking for an elegant yet casual look with minimal effort on your side? Look no further. Simply switch the white pants for beige, and your office outfit is ready. Yes, Iโm absolutely having my Savina-in-Paris moment here.
4. All Black Everything
get the look:
Thanks to everything we have seen on the runway lately, an all-black look is now a mystery and controversy at the same time. However, itโs a simple yet sophisticated work decision. Black dresses, black high heels, a black line skirt, a black oversized blazer. You canโt go wrong with that, especially in the colder months.
5. Invest in Classics
get the look:
The structured blazer is a great way to elevate the casual environment. Investing in something you will wear for the rest of (or the majority of) your life is absolutely worth it. Finish the look with black wide-leg pants and ballet flats.
6. Yes To Layers!
get the look:
Layering is a specific aesthetic as it provides the perfect balance between formal and casual attire. Irina Shayk has worn a leather jacket over a trench coat around NYFW, so you can 100% put a chunky knit on top of your relaxed fit suit. The tote bag gives extra styling points.
7. The Staple Trench Coat
get the look:
When it comes to trendy work clothes or trendy clothes in general, the trench coat is always on top of the list. Everyone wants a standout look without dropping thousands of $$, right? Plus, it allows you to mix and match pretty much every single item in your closet.
8. The Structured Jacket
get the look:
You wouldnโt wear a structured jacket on a daily basis, but when you do, it will take you one step closer to the perfect outfit. Pick your favorite, then combine it with a floor-length skirt (or a versatile pant) and boots in the same color. Total game-changer!
9. Effortless Tailoring
get the look:
Whether you like it or not, the neutral palette fits both your personal style and your need for spring work outfits. Going for cool tailored blazers and classic pants is the best decision you can make once warmer days roll around. Play with lengths, unbutton a few buttons, and donโt forget the big bag.
10. Tweed Jacket
get the look:
Chanel has proven that the tweed jacket is a stylish work of art. Incorporate it in your office attire and get ready to become part-time whatever you are, and a full-time fashion icon. Since the fit is usually overwhelming enough, leave the statement earrings and bright colors at home.
11. Denim & Classics
get the look:
ICYMI, denim is bigger than ever! The good news is that skinny jeans are now officially old-fashioned (ask the guys on TikTok), and wide-fit blue jeans are ready to take on the supremacy. No business casual #OOTD is complete without a classic blazer, a classic pair of dark sunnies, and classic loafers. I believe you get the idea.
12. The Black Suit
get the look:
The casual style and casual outfits are undoubtedly great. Don’t shy away if you have the chance to play dress up, though. The two-piece black suit is a part of all work outfit formulas. Feel free to add a bag in emerald green for a pop of color.
13. Yes to Waistcoats!
get the look:
A late New Year resolution: say โyesโ to waistcoats. Once you put a blazer with long sleeves over it, it will become the perfect addition to your work wardrobe. I would suggest wearing a beige piece with dark dress pants and vice versa. Of course, donโt forget your favorite shoes.
Donโt get me wrong. Midi dresses in polka dots, cargo pants, tank tops, and a slip dress with fun prints โ they are amazing options for summer outfits when exploring the best places downtown.
And while the office style asks you to tame your wild side, itโs actually a great lesson in why investment pieces are worth it. Wearing something only once or twice will never be chic. I donโt know if I need to refresh your memory, but that was the whole point.
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There you have it, our guide to nailing chic work clothes that scream ‘boss lady’ louder than your morning espresso. Be it the flatteringly tailored chic work tops, the versatile chic work backpack that seamlessly transitions from day to night. These chic work outfit ideas will leave a lasting impression.
From professional work outfits for that important client meeting to snug yet stylish winter work outfits that keep the chill at bay, youโre covered. Letโs make trendy clothes for young professionals a reality rather than a dream.
Stylish work clothes for ladies are more than just fabric and thread, they are a powerful tool for personal expression. Show me how youโre making your mark on socials through your wardrobe. Tag me @Savina Official.
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