5 Office Appropriate Outfit Inspirations for the Week
These days few offices have a truly corporate dress code unless they are in the law or finance. There is so much more choice about what to wear to work, and often people have no idea of what to wear.
Over time workplaces have become more casual, and these days are often returning to a slightly more formal dress code. So what can you wear to work to look professional but still approachable?
You will notice I’ve made all the outfits without resorting to black pants (or jackets or tops) once! Wear some colour and be remembered!
Monday
A straight skirt has the yang elements of straight vertical lines which gives you a more professional appearance. A blouse with a collar can be worn with or without a jacket. I liked this cardigan as it has a jacket feel, with the comfort of a cardigan.
Work Wear Tip:
Wear a blouse or button up shirt with a collar rather than a knit top if you don’t want to add a jacket, a collar makes you look more professional
Tuesday
The check top is very on trend and works well for the office as the pattern gives it some structure. The grey pants and white jacket say suit, without being a suit. The red accessories add interest to an otherwise neutral outfit. You could easily change this outfit up with other coloured scarves or accessories.
Work Wear Tip: Wearing neutrals to the office? Add a pop of colour with your accessories and become more memorable.
Wednesday
Rather than a knit top, this top has a more structured appearance which is great for work. The dress pant is elegant and neutral and can be worn with so many tops and colours. A stacked heel makes the loafer more feminine and walking friendly.
Work Wear Tip: Choose a woven rather than knit fabric to add structure to your workwear, it reads as more powerful and in control.
Thursday
Every element here is comfortable, they are all knits, but the shapes create a more structured and businesslike appearance.
Work Wear Tip: Like comfort but want to look professional? Choose garments with straight vertical lines to give the impression of a more formal outfit.
Casual Friday
Casual Friday can always be tricky to navigate. If denim is acceptable keep it dark and distressing free for the most professional look (remember you’re still at work) and add a button up shirt or blouse to dress them up so that you’re ready for anything. A blazer is great if the air conditioning in your office is cool or the weather requires one. A coloured blazer even in a ponte stretch knit will allow movement and comfort while you work. Don’t forget to accessorize with a belt, brooch and boots!
Work Wear Tip: “Business Casual doesn’t mean sloppy, remember and an element of “business” must still be in your attire. Add a blazer with your jeans to give you a professional appearance”.
Further reading:
What to Wear When You Work in a Corporate Environment But Prefer a Relaxed Dressing Style
What to Wear at Work in a Hot and Humid Conservative Environment
I love these outfits — very professional and appropriate. However! Would you consider doing a post for women who can no longer (or never could) wear heels? I find that flats just don’t look dressy — yet I can’t wear heels after breaking my ankle and developing arthritis. What’s a corporate woman to do?? It seems it’s the shoes that make the outfits! As I look around, I think women in flats look dumpy – yet I have no choice. Help me, please!!
Bette – have a read of these posts which may help https://insideoutstyleblog.com/2014/10/how-to-combine-comfortable-shoes-with-your-dressier-outfits.html https://insideoutstyleblog.com/2011/04/how-to-wear-flat-shoes.html
Thank you so much! I had to laugh — in the second post, you used the word “frumpy” and I used the word “dumpy.” Both apply, if we’re not careful.
But I really think you hit the nail on the head. Details — color, pattern, texture — seem to be key. I need to put a little more time and thought into my shoes.
Thank you!
And make sure that they aren’t heavy looking in comparison to the rest of your outfit – consider the level of refinement of the flat shoe
These Monday to Friday work options are all great – a very contemporary and modern look. Very inspirational thanks!
These are very smart and stylish looking outfits. Used to work in an office and I gravitate toward this style of clothing as naturally as bees do to a flowers. I would love to see a post on what to wear for a stay at home mum that’s practical, fashionable and comfortable. Would you do one of those?
I love this post! Tuesday & Friday are my favourites, but I’d like them all in my work wardrobe 🙂
Thanks High Flyer Style!
Beautiful outfits! I have a spring complexion, what is the best white shirt for me? Thank you for your response.
An off white or cream
Love this!! I would wear Thursday’s outfit right now if the clothes were in my wardrobe. Do you think you could make a weekly or monthly feature out of this article? I’m sure there are lots of readers who get stumped for workwear ideas and would love a bit of regular inspiration!
Sure can! Maybe monthly rather than weekly.
I can’t pick a favourite ! these are great choices Imogen.
Thanks Lorena – it’s good to have some inspiration particularly when you feel rushed in the morning and just can’t think