Elevate Your Office Outfits With These 8 Items
From tailored suits and blazers to comfortable trousers and blouses, create a polished and interchangeable work wardrobe with these office outfit staples.
Whether you’re starting a new job or want to update your Autumn work outfits, now is the perfect time to be inspired by our workwear guide. From tailored suits and blazers to comfortable trousers and blouses, we’ve curated eight of the most versatile workwear pieces for the essential working wardrobe. Balancing contemporary style with timeless appeal to bring you seamlessly from days in the office to post-work drinks, finding what to wear to work has never been easier.
1.An oversized blazer
An oversized blazer is key to creating a polished and interchangeable work wardrobe and, with the right investment, will be just as hard-working as you are. A timeless design in black or camel can elevate even the simplest office outfit – worn with a T-shirt and structured jeans or layered over slip skirts or midi dresses for warmer days. Try a boxy, ‘borrowed-from-the-boys’ silhouette styled with wide-leg trousers or over dresses. Add punch to a workwear wardrobe of black, white and neutral-tones with a statement blazer in a colour-blocked print. For a more subtle introduction to print, stripes and check are a great option.
2.A suit
Tailoring is always a smart workwear investment, and a suit is essential for assembling work outfit ideas. This season’s suiting has an air of powerful femininity – think strong, sharp shoulders, nipped-in waists, modern cuts and luxe finishes. Choose a double-breasted blazer and wide-leg trousers in linen or twill for every-day suiting. Take inspiration from every fashion editor’s wish list and consider a sharp-shouldered blazer and straight-leg trousers in leather or suede for a flattering twist on the menswear tux. For a relaxed look, style with a simple white T-shirt and clean white low-top trainers or keep it classic with a crisp cotton shirt. Out of office? Underpin a blazer with a silk camisole and cinch the waist with a wide leather belt.
3.A button-down shirt
A workwear essential, the button-down shirt is a capsule wardrobe staple. A crisp white or striped design boasts both ease and versatility and can be worn buttoned up with trousers or undone and layered over a vest top. For warmer days, choose one of our Ralph Lauren work shirts styled over a sleeveless midi dress worn with classic loafers. For an elevated look to take you from the office to a post-work dinner with ease, choose a satin style in a rich jewel-tone or with ruffled cuffs for classic with a twist. For a simple elegance, style with pared-back pieces such as wide-leg trousers and loafers.
4.Polished flats
An essential addition to the workwear wardrobe is at least one pair of polished flats. Seek out styles with interesting detail for an easy transition from day to evening. Go classic with a vintage-inspired logo-topped loafer or for a luxe take on tradition, pair crocodile-embossed calfskin ballet flats with a midi dress. For cooler Autumnal days, elevate your look with cosy or sparkly socks.
5.A structured tote bag
The past few seasons have seen a shift towards classic bags with forever appeal. The ideal complement to modern workwear, these new icons are defined by structured shapes, clean lines, impeccable craftsmanship and minimal branding. For practicality and style, opt for a structured calfskin tote. Crafted from smooth leather with a saddle silhouette, this equestrian-inspired large leather tote has a structured and spacious interior that will hold a laptop, notebooks and all your work-day essentials.
6.Wide-leg trousers
Ultra-versatile and effortlessly chic, wide-leg trousers are a wardrobe essential for work or weekend. Smart for the office, elegant for evening, wear with a crisp T-shirt to upgrade your look or pair with an oversized button-down shirt for effortless and comfortable style. For endless office outfit ideas, invest in a linen or wool-blend style or play with texture with a leg-lengthening satin design.
7.Versatile knitwear
Knitwear is one of the key elements of a workwear wardrobe – from sleek cashmere and chunky cable-knit cardigans to off-the-shoulder designs that can be dressed up for evening. Pairing equally well with tailoring and denim, a cable-knit crewneck has timeless appeal and is an essential staple for work and leisure. For transitional weather, we love a sleeveless vest paired with leather trousers and polished loafers. Alternatively, if you’re craving a bright statement, choose a colourful knit to brighten up even the most corporate work outfit, switching out ballet flats for strappy heels for impromptu evenings out.
8.A tailored coat
A tailored coat is an essential addition to professional work outfits. While a classic style in navy, black or cream is always a smart choice, consider options with unique details that speak to your personal style. A checked or houndstooth design can be the focal point of any outfit, perfect layered over chunky knitwear and tailored trousers. For casual confidence with minimal effort, try an oversized jacket with double-breasted buttons and a boxy fit, styled with a turtleneck jumper and hoop earrings.
