For a society that spends the majority of our life at work, it seems we can’t get enough of the office. In film and TV, we’ve been increasingly drawn to career-oriented entertainment, from Nicole Kidman’s workplace affair in Babygirl to Apple TV’s Severance and the enduring dark humour of Succession. The latter even went beyond its remit, influencing fashion’s ‘quiet-luxury’ trend and rewriting the rules for workwear as we know it.
The modern office wardrobe has shown unshapely dresses, belted peplum waistlines and synthetic suits the door, and in its place, welcomed in luxury pieces that can be styled just as easily for the office as they can outside of it. Think cashmere knits, wide-leg trousers, constructed leather tote bags and work-appropriate shoes that don’t conjure images of school classroom clogs.
Pencil skirts were abound at the autumn/winter 25 collections, seen at Saint Laurent, Carolina Herrera and Dior, and midi skirts are continuing to make a strong case for modest dressing at the spring/summer 26 shows. Slouchy suits also posited their return at Acne, Issey Miyake and Bottega Veneta for the season ahead, and in our view, there’s no shame in getting ahead of the trend game, so take some cues from the designer’s collections and let them influence your office outfits over the coming months.
Ahead, we’ve found the best desk-dressing inspiration for you to shop below and freshen up your winter workwear wardrobe.
1// Winter hues
Lean into the traditional palette of the season with luxe burgundies, inky blacks, slate greys and rich aubergines — all hues which, handily, translate to an elegant workwear wardrobe with ease. This look is simple and unfussy, yet the sleek silhouette and sharp, clean tailored lines make for a timeless look that can be repeated again and again this winter (and beyond).
Reiss Rene double-breasted wool-blend coat
Mango buckle leather belt
Tods T timeless leather knee-high boots
2// The midi skirt
Elegant, lady-like silhouettes were a prevailing trend for autumn/winter 25, and continue to show favour into spring/summer 26 via midi skirts and tailored coats; embrace the best of both with this sophisticated outfit, adding intrigue with accents of luxe, vivid hues such as this vibrant apple green midi skirt.
Rise & Fall V-neck jumper
Tess Lorenz wrap skirt
Now 20% Off
Cos double-faced wool coat
Now 30% Off
3// The classic
A white t-shirt and pair of tailored black trousers will be the hardest working combination in your workwear wardrobe, so if in doubt, start with this as your base. A smart look doesn’t need a plethora of detail to hit the brief, as proved by this outfit. The addition of a soft cream jacket will add a touch of tailoring while a prioritising comfort, and a pair of plain black loafers can’t be beaten for adding a touch of formality.
Frame Cropped cotton and wool jacket
Now 30% Off
Calvin Klein Collection Simone wool wide-leg trousers
4// Oversized suiting
Take it big for the boardroom and opt for an oversized suit. The runways have continued to prioritise a XL approach to suiting across the past few seasons, from Erdem to Ferrgamo, so you can rest assured that investing in larger proportions will see you through the year ahead in style. For inspiration, look to Hailey Bieber and her relaxed Saint Laurent suit with turned-up shirt cuffs. She added feminine touches via a pair of pointed heels, oval glasses and stacked gold jewellery.
The Frankie Shop Gelso oversized blazer
Saint Laurent striped tie
The Frankie Shop Ripley pleated grain de poudre wide-leg pants
Now 27% Off
Curtis Patent Pointed-Toe Kitten-Heel Slingback Pumps – Black Patent
5// New neutrals
Lighter, neutral tones can sometimes feel like an unnatural choice for the office, but let this outfit dissuade you from neglecting them in your workwear rotation. The oversized proportions of this white shirt balance the slender silhouette of the maxi skirt perfectly, while the slim black belt and slingback heels give the outfit a Nineties nod.
& Other Stories cotton shirt
Toteme Leather belt
Now 40% Off
Aligne Mysti fluted midaxi knitted skirt
Now 70% Off
Dolce & Gabbana Cardinale patent leather slingback pumps
Now 20% Off
6// Tied up
It’s time to brush up on your knot skills, because the tie is having a renaissance in womenswear. Whether juxtaposed with a feminine skirt suit or worn with oversized tailoring for a masculine take, the tie is a sleek addition to your workwear look that shows you mean business. If opting for a skirt, style with some chunky loafers or heeled Mary Janes for a grown-up twist on a preppy classic.
Whistles Olivia black velvet blazer
Now 50% Off
Cotton and silk blend twill tie
Arket velvet mini skirt
Now 48% Off
Nodaleto Bulla babies platform pumps
Now 15% Off
7// Working leathers
Don’t underestimate the versatility of a good pair of leather trousers; this typically Nineties style can deliver on sophistication at the office when paired with the right pieces. Neutral shades such as beige and sand work well to temper the leather sheen, while matching accessories, such as a bag and gloves, will help to create a polished look.
Vince essential turtleneck cotton top
Agolde 90’s pinch waist high-rise straight pants
Reiss double-breasted wool-blend coat
8// Refined casual
If your job allows for a more laissez-faire approach to dressing, a pair of jeans will open up a plethora of options. A straight-leg style is ideal, offering structure that feels more office-appropriate than a more relaxed fit. Pair with a sophisticated wrap jacket and leather loafers for a look that evokes ‘quiet luxury’.
Aligne George wrap coat
Now 24% Off
Khaite Danielle straight-leg jeans
Saint and Sofia Kara shopper bag
9// Bold browns
Tired of black and grey tailoring? It might be time to try brown. Not only has the chocolate hue been pinned as a trending colour for autumn/winter 2024, but it’s a rich neutral that will serve you well beyond one season. Turn to bolder colours in your accessories, or play with textures and finishes (i.e. patent leather) to break up your look. And for lenses? You can’t go wrong with Miu Miu’s highly sought-after tortoiseshell frame glasses.
Dissh Elle wide-leg trousers
Miu Miu tortoiseshell oval-framed glasses
Alaïa Le Teckel small leather shoulder bag
10// Top-to-toe tonal
That said, we’re here to prove that grey doesn’t equate to boring; this outfit mixes soft knits with structured tailoring for a sleek outfit that’s office-approved. If you’re at the mercy of strict no-shoulder-baring dress codes, a high-neck jumper or crew neck looks just as good. Our favourite part? Song’s styling of a statement cuff bracelet sat over the top of her jumper sleeve.
Tove Yoonmi brushed wool-blend coat
Arket pure cashmere roll-neck jumper
Blaze Milano wool trousers
Now 50% Off
