Your out-of-office might be on, but a workwear overhaul is what's coming up. As the summer winds down, the start of a new season means new collections and style inspiration - exactly what’s needed when there’s a week’s worth of office outfits to curate. More often than not, buying a whole new wardrobe isn’t necessary (although tempting), as a few well-chosen staples will reinvigorate your nine-to-five looks with ease.
Having scoured our latest edit of new-in pieces, we’ve put together a rundown of 10 office outfit ideas for women who want to look great without sacrificing their morning lie-in. So hit the snooze button, and start scrolling.
What is smart office wear for women?
The dress-down code once reserved for casual Fridays has found its way into our closet for much of the working week, but there will always be business occasions which call for something more elegant. Smart women’s workwear can cover everything from jeans and blouses to shirts and pencil skirts, which can spark a closet meltdown if you’re unprepared. But with a rotation of fool-proof outfit formulas, that daily panic of ‘What do I wear?’ is relieved from your morning routine for good.
10 office outfit ideas for women
1. A Pinafore Dress
Forget the girlish smocks of times past; our Harry Suiting Midi Dress is all grown up. Playful yet powerful, smart and sophisticated, the pinafore is the perfect statement dress for office days, whether spent behind a desk or out with clients. Its tailored cut and sharp lines give a nod to power dressing without resorting to the tired cliches of business attire for women. Layer over a collared shirt - plain or patterned, your choice - or wear solo after work hours.
2. A Neutral Shirt
As our obsession with quiet luxury, aka this year’s ‘it’ trend, knows no bounds, we're introducing it to every section of our closet. Unsurprisingly, the understated elegance of such an aesthetic is perfect inspiration for smart work clothes with cool-girl flair. Our bestseller Rhodes Poplin Popover shirt has become a favourite for summer-meets-corporate attire thanks to its fluted sleeves, breezy cut, and refined details. Pick from an array of shades, but we guarantee this neutral tone never misses.
3. Tailored Trousers
Being a foundational piece, suit trousers are easily misunderstood as a women’s workwear basic that can’t go wrong, but this is an item worth investing in. From fabric to drape, cut to colour, the smallest details can take your outfit from minor leagues to maximum impact. Our Harry Suiting Trousers embody every day tailoring and pair perfectly with relaxed shirting, simple knitwear, or a statement top.
4. A Power Co-Ord
Dopamine dressing, but make it boss-worthy. The tailored co-ord epitomises the smart workwear dress code, and our Echo Crepe Cropped Blazer and matching Culotte Trousers reimagine it in vibrant teal for a tantalising take on a classic. Mixing in-style credentials with boardroom approval, this is a power play for best-dressed behind a desk. Office women’s workwear need never be dull again.
5. A Shirt Dress
A style that combines the finesse of a tailored shirt and the fun femininity of a dress is an inevitable favourite in our weekday repertoire. Going for bold, the Bailee Eco Delphine Midi Dress is defined by its classic, tailored silhouette that starts with a collared neckline and ends at a form-flattering midi hem. Pair a breezy shirt dress with glowing gold jewellery and a trend-led bag, and you’re staying chic on even the longest commute.
6. A Fun Midi Skirt
A silhouette which plays just as well with heels as it does sneakers, the midi skirt is a staple when it comes to office wear for women seeking practicality and poise. Our Arie Pleated Midi Skirt in mandarin red features a voluminous A-line silhouette, complimented by its dynamic tiered structure and pleats. If you opt for a brighter tone, pair with a blouse that amplifies these accents, like our Avery Burnout Top in colourful floral print.
7. A Little Black Dress
The LBD is a go-to choice of the working woman owing to its refined colourway and pared-back design. As a one-and-done outfit, you simply need to accentuate a little black dress like the Echo Crepe Mock Neck Dress with elevating jewellery details and a laptop-friendly tote. But, particularly as the seasons change, you can add some extra drama with an edgy coat or jacket, such as our Crolenda PU Lace-Up Blazer.
8. An Office-Appropriate Mini
As far as office clothes for women go, the mini dress is rarely considered a must-have piece. While often overlooked in favour of more modest midi styles, we’re here to prove the mini deserves a spot in your working wardrobe with this Tweed High Neck Dress. Fabric choice is paramount in this instance. By taking time-honoured tweed and combining with a preppy hem, the resulting look is not only glam, but office appropriate too.
9. A Knitted Pullover
A woollen vest is the knitwear hero of trans-seasonal dressing, making it the ideal choice for office wear when the weather is less than predictable. Plus, its layering qualities are the perfect solution for those workplace fall-outs over the thermostat, as it effortlessly slots into your outfit. Wear your Lily Mozart Knit Vest with a crisp shirt or on its own with palazzo trousers and brogues to complete the look.
8. A Polished Tee
For busy days that require a tried-and-tested combination, resort to elevated basics like a practical but stylish tee with suit trousers. The Pearl Box Pleat Top might be easy to pull off, but its clean lines and centre detailing will win you points in the fashion stakes. If some extra styling feels warranted, add a chunky gold jewellery like a chain necklace for a contemporary finish.
Finally - the finishing touch to any office outfit - it all comes down to the right accessories to make your ensemble go from ready-to-work to working-it.
Looking for editor's picks or what's trending? Be inspired and read more over on our blog. Or, for more smart work clothes for women, head to our latest workwear edit.
