Even for the most ardent lover of clothes, dressing for work can truly take the wind out of your sails. Whether you’re adhering to a professional dress code, smart/casual rules or simply trying to find something that feels polished but comfortable for working from home, work outfits can be a frustrating thing to assemble.
Many working lives have changed beyond recognition since the pandemic, with many of us now adopting hybrid models of work, moving between an office and home. In turn, our approach to workwear has shifted, so it’s no surprise that more people than ever are feeling less than inspired when it comes to what to wear. Of course, there are also roles which haven’t changed much at all since Covid, requiring appropriate work outfits every single day.
Isabel Spearman wearing her favourite Cefinn dress
Where to start? Isabel Spearman, founder of the Daily Dress Edit and an ambassador for Smart Works, knows a thing or two about the brands getting workwear right. If you’re in need of very smart options, she says: ‘We are so lucky in the UK to have some brilliant brands dedicated to this category. The Fold is a favourite, Libby and Jane Atelier are also great options. I am a firm believer of buying two colours in a dress style that really suits me, especially if it is for work. There is one Cefinn dress I have had for nearly five years that is always my go to.’
If your work dress code is more relaxed, however, Spearman suggests ‘You simply can’t go wrong with ME + EM or Cefinn but there are also plenty of high street brands that have really come on in their tailoring categories such as Jigsaw, Massimo Dutti or Reiss. I find blazers are important components for that perfect smart/casual work outfit as they pull a look together when you are wearing a more casual dress.’
Thandi Maq
Thandi Maqubela, a legal director whose personal style has attracted over 16,000 followers on Instagram, is also a pro when it comes to workwear – and she insists you shouldn’t have to sacrifice your personal style in order to dress professionally. ‘I don’t think there’s any one formula as such,’ she says. ‘I say rather ‘if something makes you feel good, then wear that!’ So often I hear about women shying away from fully embracing and expressing their personal style in the workplace for fear of not being taken seriously. I’d argue that it’s in fact quite the opposite – if someone is confident in their professional sartorial choices they’re more likely going to exude that in other areas which lends itself to great gravitas in a professional context.’
To give you a helping hand, here are some truly excellent (if I do say so myself) ideas for work outfits for any dress code, style and budget, plus everything you need to recreate them.
Style A Shift Dress
The great thing about a shift dress is that, not only do they never go out of style, you can also wear them all year-round. In the winter, layer over shirts and polo necks but, now it’s spring, try on its own with. a light jacket over the top or a long sleeved, sheer blouse underneath.
Jane Atelier is, essentially, the last word in shift dresses; you’ll struggle to find a selection as chic and well-made as this. This glorious style, with its flattering 3/4 sleeves, is available in five different colours. Pale blue feels particularly pertinent for the advent of spring – just add ballet flats.
Ideal for layering, this cherry red shift will look great with an oversized black blazer. It comes in two different lengths – regular and long – so you can find your perfect fit. It also happens to be on sale, so be quick.
Available in white or dark blue tweed, this belted dress is the perfect work outfit with semi-sheer black tights, a boxy jacket and patent pumps.
Match Your Knits
A smart take on knitwear, a matching cardigan and sweater is one of the most easy peasy work outfits that is just as comfy as it looks. Wear with tailored trousers and smart shoes (opt for a monk strap or loafer) and you’re good to go.
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Try this with the almost-matching cardigan, wide leg trousers and loafers for a chic new take on your workwear.
This cardigan will also look great thrown over midi dresses or even jeans at the weekend, making it a versatile and handy buy.
Whatever your day has in store, these trousers will always make you feel ready for work. Whether you wear them with a great white shirt or the above knits, they’re the sort of piece you can rely on.
A classic pair of penny loafers will go with everything from tailoring to midi dresses, making them the hardest working shoes in your wardrobe. Nobody does them quite like Tod’s – you’ll wear this timeless pair forever.
Wear A Waistcoat
Perhaps once a slightly daunting prospect, waistcoats have been enjoying something of a renaissance for a while now. Worn with matching trousers and a blazer, they’re a stylish twist on stuffy suits but, as Caroline Issa proves, you don’t have to stick to traditional tailoring. Wear under oversized jackets with skirts or even layer over midi dresses to give them more structure.
Caroline Issa
If you’re brave enough, wear with matching trousers and jacket for a sumptuous take on suiting. Just try and avoid spillages at all costs.
This piece has been so popular that it sold out and had to be restocked. It’s perfect if you don’t like the more cropped styles of waistcoat – try over a shirt with wide leg trousers. And don’t think you have to save it for work, as it also looks excellent with denim.
Naturally, black will go with everything so makes for a versatile choice. Wear over a fine knit roll neck or a silky blouse while it’s colder. In the summer, wear on its own under a linen blazer.
Opt For An Oversized Blazer
Whether you have to wear a full suit or simply want to smarten up a dress or even jeans, an oversized blazer will make any outfit ready for work. Pick versatile colours that will go with everything and look a bit smarter – you obviously can’t go wrong with black but grey, camel and navy are strong options, too.
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Zara’s blazer with contrast stitching would look great with plain black trousers, or wear over a white shirt and a pleated midi for an edgier silhouette.
Wear this with grey trousers to create a contemporary take on the classic suit. It would also add elegance to a long shirt dress.
If you like the idea of an oversized shape but need to keep things relatively formal, ME + EM’s boyfriend fit is ideal. Pair with tailored trousers for an easy office outfit and then, at weekends, sharpen up your favourite jeans.
Try A Knitted Dress
Behold the power of a jumper dress, which can offer a chic and comfortable way to dress for work. Opt for loose fitting maxi lengths that will look smart but require minimal effort when getting ready in a rush. Wear with leather flats and gold jewellery to finish everything off.
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The shape of this midi keeps it feeling polished, even though it’s so comfortable you’d be forgiven for thinking it’s loungewear. Essentially, then, it’s the perfect work dress.
If your workplace enforces a much smarter dress code, Cefinn’s knitted dress is a way to wear this style without looking too casual. Available in three different colours, this is one to take you from breakfast meetings to dinner with friends.
A relaxed silhouette without being oversized or baggy, you’ll find that Hush’s dress will work for countless meetings and work events without you having to spend time thinking about it. Try with knee-high boots on more casual days and swap for court shoes when you need to be smarter.
You really can’t go wrong with classic black ballet pumps – and this pair is less than £45.
Lend an edge to any work outfit with a chunky gold chain necklace. This one from Missoma is subtle enough to wear every day, whatever your dress code.
A Roll Neck + Pleated Skirt
A pleated skirt will always give you a smart silhouette, particularly when worn with a tucked-in polo neck. When it’s colder, add knee-high boots or tights with block heels, then switch for ballet flats and a short-sleeved blouse during summer months.
Few brands do knitwear that’s of a high quality and affordable price like M&S. This soft roll neck is available in six different shades, but the ivory style will give your work outfit quiet luxury vibes.
A more contemporary take on an office outfit, pair this skirt with a chunky knit or crisp shirt for a polished look that doesn’t require too much thought.
Reiss’s striped pleats would make for a striking choice. For work, team with a white shirt or tee and a blazer, then try with an oversized jumper at weekends.
These boots really will last you a lifetime. Under midi skirts and dresses, they’ll always look smart – and you’ll be warm in the winter, too.
Consider Smart Double Denim
If your office is denim friendly, then lean into it. Double denim is an easy win when time is tight in the morning – switch out your usual jeans for a denim maxi skirt and denim shirt combo to keep things looking smart.
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A slightly more refined take on the classic denim shirt, Jigsaw’s polished style will look great tucked into a denim skirt or even jeans if your workplace allows for them.
Indigo denim always looks smart and I love this neat midi skirt from Aligne which can easily be dressed up or down.
The easiest way to dress your denim for work is with a pair of shoes that will instantly make you feel more together. If you do like wearing heels, this pair from Mango manages to feel jazzy but not too over-the-top. If you have a big meeting or presentation, they might be the thing to make you feel ready for anything.
If you want to stick to flats, avoid trainers and pick a dressier pair of pumps like this pretty pink style from Manolo.
Wear Head-To-Toe Black
It might be a cliché but wearing head-to-toe black really is a shortcut to looking polished. Just ask influencer Ellie Delphine, who wore Toteme’s brilliant blanket coat with capri trousers in Paris, adding a fabulous pair of pointed flats to complete the chic outfit.
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Toteme’s sell-out blanket coat with contrast stitching is now available in black but, given how popular it’s been, you’ll need to be quick. It’s certainly an investment but, considering it goes with anything and would be appropriate for any work-related scenario, it’s one which will pay off.
Most office wardrobes contain a hard-working pair of black trousers that will instantly make whatever you’re wearing on your top half look smarter and sharper.
Work shoes needn’t be boring – opt for Mary Janes with pretty bow details like this pair from Charles & Keith. They’ll soften the all-black ensemble and won’t feel too corporate.
What colour is best for workwear?
There isn’t a hard and fast rule, here. Traditionally, muted colours like black, beige, grey, navy and brown have been considered more appropriate in a professional context but, with the landscape of work changing immeasurably over the last few years, dress codes have become more flexible and, in some cases, more relaxed.
Thandi Maqubela wearing a green Emilia Wickstead dress
Maqubela is a great example of how to incorporate colour into your working wardrobe while still looking – and feeling – smart. She says that the best item of workwear she ever bought was a white Roksanda dress, while she has also styled more vibrant pieces for work such as a green Emilia Wickstead midi, striped Rosie Assoulin skirt and a pink Aligne suit. She says: ‘I find myself turning to Raey, COS, Arket, Jigsaw, Rejina Pyo and Aligne for my go-to every day pieces with a twist because I like my personality to shine through.’
If you’re still unsure of how to wear colour for work, try incorporating it in your accessories at first. Try a bright bag or even a belt with darker shades of tailoring. Or, pick a dress in a block colour and add a muted blazer over the top so you don’t feel too garish.
What is smart/casual workwear?
Most offices and workplaces (excluding those with a uniform, of course) will expect you to dress in a smart/casual way unless there is a stricter, more formal dress code (i.e formal suits). This technically makes life easier because there’s more choice but, as I’m sure we all know, more choice can lead to greater confusion and indecision generally. So, I’d suggest amassing a collection of key pieces you love, which you can wear on rotation and which can add up to a variety of different outfits.
As Spearman suggests, if you find styles you love, buy them in different colours if available. Dresses are always a good option if you’re facing a smart/casual dress code – you can throw a blazer over the top and you’re instantly ready for work. In terms of finding the best, Spearman has some tips: ‘Dresses for work need to be the hardest-working styles in your wardrobe, they need to survive a commute and still look good at 5pm. I always start with fabrics and tend to choose ones that crease the least. I love Cefinn’s tech-voile fabric that is bombproof and gets me from the 7am train to a work dinner feeling smart. Comfort is also a real factor, you need to focus on work rather than what you’re wearing so consider this carefully when choosing.’
Of course, smart/causal can also be interpreted as just a great pair of trousers with a shirt, or even a midi skirt with a tucked-in top that’s work-appropriate.
Are jeans ok for smart/casual?
If in doubt, double check with your employer to see if jeans are acceptable. If they are, there are ways to make them look smarter. Try pairing them with a boxy, Chanel-esque jacket to make them feel polished rather than casual. If you’re working from home but want to feel more pulled-together, try with an oversized shirt and some gold jewellery to give you extra pizazz.
If you’re stuck with which shoes to wear for work, go for the classics. Loafers, brogues, pumps, kitten heels and block heels all make for comfortable choices – and a great pair of boots is always a winner. As Spearman says: ‘I love a sharp white kitten heel for warmer weather, but I would always advice investing in a good quality pair of smart black boots for winter.’
M&S is great for boots on the high street, while Charles & Keith has a wealth of options including lots of lovely Mary Janes and sturdier styles, too. If you’re looking to invest, Tod’s loafers are timeless, while a pair of Manolo Blahnik’s slingback pumps are a dream.
Hannah Banks-Walker is Grazia’s head of fashion commerce. She has previously written for the likes of Harper’s Bazaar, The Financial Times, Glamour, Stylist, The Telegraph, Red, i-D and The Pool on everything from fashion to curly hair (hi!) to the patriarchy. Not necessarily in that order. Find her on Instagram and Twitter. But please don’t look for her MySpace profile, which until now was the last time she wrote about herself in the third person.
