How to: Layer for the office

It’s a new week at the office, and a new chance to channel the workwear trends for 2024. We know you work hard, so we’ve put together a guide on the best office outfits for women so your workwear wardrobe doesn’t have to.

Layering is an office wear trend that will never go out of fashion, and when mastered it perfects the effortlessly smart office dress code. This blog gives the lowdown on how to lock-down the layered look, from shirt dresses and co-ords to women’s trousers and coats.

 

No weekday wardrobe is complete without an office black dress. Our Harrie Suiting Midi Dress can transport you from desk to dinner, with its versatility to be worn alone or layered with tops and women’s shirts. You can never go wrong with a crisp white shirt, and when worn with a black dress its sophistication is elevated with professional yet feminine flair.

If you’re looking for a new work dress, a shirt dress is a staple piece. Whilst colours and prints add personality to a shirt dress, a classic collar and button-through fastenings keep them refined from 9-5. These styles look great by themselves, but if you’re looking to channel understated layering then we recommend unbuttoning the top buttons for a glimpse at a casual t-shirt beneath. Animal print is set to take SS24 by storm, so our Seine Eco Delphine Midi Dress is our top pick to add a wild side to your week.

The big trend of the season, the co-ord, can make for some of the best clothes for office work. Matching colours and prints do all the wardrobe work for you, resulting in effortless ensembles that look well put-together. Our Effie Boucle Jacket and Skort takes you from commute to catwalk, and our Effie Boucle Blazer and Mini Skirt will cue compliments from every colleague. Wear with a casual women’s top and accessories for a look worthy of promotion.

 

Women’s suiting is here to stay for the season, and we can’t get enough of it. The traditional women’s suit has been revamped over the past seasons, from bold colourways to stand-out detailing, offering fashionable updates to the smart tailoring. Our Everly Suiting Trousers mean business in the most flattering wide leg fit and matching belt, whilst our matching Blazer will capture the boardroom’s attention from every angle with a row of buttons upon the back for a modern touch on tradition. This suit ticks every box with its soft shade tapping into the quiet luxury trend, whereas our Harrie Suiting collection offers both classic black colourways and sun-seeking pastels.

Where do we start with women’s workwear trousers? Or rather, where do we stop? Tailored trousers are the obvious style for smart work clothes, but we also have more contemporary styles to suit the office. Cargo pants are forecast to be a summer hit, and whilst they’re more on the casual side,  our Chloetta Recycled Cargo Trousers are elevated by their satin finish and seamlessly compliment a smart shirt. We’re also big fans of incorporating printed trousers into our women’s office outfits, from our colourful checked Carmen Recycled Crepe Trousers to our animal print Seine Atena Twill Trousers.

We love adding a touch of playful femininity to our office work outfits, and a skirt for work is a no-brainer. Slip skirts are the ‘in’ style right now, and the flattering midi and maxi lengths are ideal for the office dress code. The styling possibilities for a slip skirt are endless, whether worn as workwear, on weekends or for special occasions, which is why we own one in every colour. Our Ennis Eco Satin Midaxi Slip Skirt comes in both a neutral tone and vibrant hue, both ideal for wearing with smart women’s shirts, or layering with soft knit cardigans.

Knitwear is a necessity for every season. It’s also layering’s best friend, from wearing collared shirts beneath jumpers for a smart-casual look to cosy cardigans to complete an outfit, we’re knitwear’s biggest fan. Consider our Moma Vest Mix Shirt your new best women’s work shirt. This style brings layering to you, with the smart shirt sleeves partnered with a knitted stripe vest for an all-in-one workwear wonder.

When you think of smart workwear, we bet you’re thinking of a crisp white shirt, are we right? Whilst the white shirt is a timeless choice, the latest office trends see bold colourways, contemporary stylings and classic prints taking over women’s shirting. Our popover shirts offer relaxed-meets-refined silhouettes, and although still a white shirt true to heart, the back of our Rhodes Anglaise Popover Shirt gives it a divine uplift for spring and summer. We also adore our Cecile Crepe Shirt, from its flared self-tie cuffs to its mood-boosting shades, a women’s work shirt has never looked so stylish.

All this talk of spring and summer, it’s easy to get lost in the thought of blue skies and sunny days and forget the April showers and windy forecasts facing us too. We’ve got your daily commutes covered with our women’s coats and jackets collection. Textures and prints are the talk of women’s outerwear for 2024, and we have everything from the rebellious leather jacket and casual denim jacket to faux fur trims and trench coats. Our Dandy Check Coat is an office favourite, starring in a chic check print with a sophisticated collar and matching belt, whilst our Akiro Raincoat is a silver lining to your drizzly day journeys, sure to have you showered with compliments.

 

With women’s workwear like this, those 9-5s don’t look so bad after all.

Looking for editor's picks or what's trending? Read more over on our blog.