If you’re working in the office at least part of the time, attend conferences or you just like to look smart, you’ll need a selection of classy business outfits that will make you look great and feel confident to take on the world.
What is business attire?
So what constitutes business attire? That really depends on where you work. What works in a legal environment, for example, will be totally different to what you will want to wear in a more creative workplace. Wherever you work, you’ll want a capsule that gives you flexibility and takes you from formal to semi-casual.
A classy business outfits capsule
When you have lots on your mind, you don’t want to be spending too much time thinking about what you will wear each day. But you do want to look stylish! The easiest way to achieve this is to put together a capsule so you know everything goes with everything else in your business capsule. This will give you many classy business outfits and it will be easy to mix and match.
Below are some things to consider when putting together your classy business outfits capsule:
You can make an investment
As much of your business capsule will be timeless, you can afford to invest in it as you’ll be able to wear it for many years.
Jess @elegantlydressedandstylish above (read her style interview here) opts for a classic white suit that she could also easily wear as separates to create more outfit options.
Check out this similar top, blazer (another option here), trousers, sandals, handbag (another option here), earrings, sunglasses.
What is the general dress code in your office?
Do you have dress down Fridays, for example. Are there certain days you tend to have meetings? Think about the mix of smarter and more casual days so you can plan your outfits.
classy business outfits
Now, let’s move onto some specific clothes, shoes and accessories you could choose for your 9 to 5 (or whatever days and times you usually work).
tops
Think about a mix of classic shirts, tunic tops and t-shirts that you can wear with your pants, skirts or jeans.
Open Edit Oversize Linen Blend Blazer – Karen Kane Side Drape T-Shirt – Open Edit Relaxed Fit Linen Blend Pants – Franco Sarto Balica Flat – Tory Burch Robinson Leather Tote – Karine Sultan Multilayer Necklace with Cultured Pearls
Sheree @shesheshow above chooses a silky black shirt that is perfect for work, or for heading out to dinner.
Recreate her outfit with this similar blouse, jeans, sandals, belt, necklace and earrings.
Vince Slim Silk Blouse – HUGO BOSS Banora Abstract Floral Silk Blouse – Karen Kane Side Drape T-Shirt – Karen Kane Asymmetrical Crepe Top
Jackets and coats
Depending on whether you commute, whether you need to wear a blazer to elevate your everyday style, you like to cover your arms or you want to add a bit of warmth, you will want to add some outerwear to your business wardrobe.
A blazer is a classic choice for work. If you opt for neutrals you can wear your blazer over all of your work outfits.
Urban CoCo Open Front Blazer – BOSS Ellira Mock Neck Midi Dress – Sam Edelman Rika Pump – CLUCI Leather Work Bag – Karine Sultan Multilayer Necklace with Cultured Pearls – BOSS Praise Mesh Strap Watch, 43mm
Natalia @odin.stylish.me above chooses an on-trend crop blazer.
Recreate her outfit with this similar tee, blazer, skirt, mules, tote and necklace.
Urban CoCo Open Front Blazer – Theory Lindrayia B Good Wool Suit Jacket – Open Edit Oversize Linen Blend Blazer – Court & Rowe Classic Stretch Cotton Trench Coat
pants and jeans
Do you prefer to wear pants or skirts for work? Greetje @no_fear_of_fashion above (read her style interview here) chooses a black blazer that would go with everything in her close.
Steal her look with this similar blazer, pants (another option here), flats and handbag.
A pair of black pants will be a hardworking addition to your closet that go with everything. You could also think about a print and a colorful pair of pants, but you may want to keep the rest of your outfit neutral. If you’re able to wear jeans to work, I would choose a darker colored pair as these tend to look smarter and more professional.
If you do like to wear jeans to work, you’ll find more ideas in this article on how to wear jeans to work and still look professional.
Wit & Wisdom ‘Ab’Solution Itty Bitty Bootcut Jeans – Theory Treeca 2 Good Wool Crop Suit Pants – Open Edit Relaxed Fit Linen Blend Pants – Karen Millen Compact Stretch Button Detail Flare Trousers
dresses and skirts
You may also want the option of a skirt or dress in your work closet. You could look at ruched styles, midi dresses and pencil skirts.
HUGO BOSS Elayna Stripe Slit Midi Dress – Tory Burch Robinson Leather Tote – – Karine Sultan Hammered Circle Stud Earrings – Gucci Blondie Interlocking G Block Heel Bootie
Eileen @eileenternullo above opts for a peplum top and pencil skirt.
Recreate her outfit with this similar peplum top, pencil skirt, pumps and necklace.
BOSS Ellira Mock Neck Midi Dress – HUGO BOSS Elayna Stripe Slit Midi Dress – BOSS C Feli Pointelle Fit & Flare Sweater Dress – Court & Rowe Front Slit Crepe Pencil Skirt
shoes to wear to work and complement your classy business outfits
You could think about classic pumps, flat loafers or ballet flats and ankle boots or knee-length styles. If you’re able to, you could also think about a pair of smart sneakers that you could use to mix the casual and formal elements of your outfit up a little.
Fonda @savvysouthernchic above opts for a pair of shoes which closely match her skintone, and would go with everything else in her closet.
Get her look with this similar printed top, blazer, pants and flats.
Ted Baker London Baylay Bow Ballet Flat – Franco Sarto Balica Flat – Sam Edelman Rika Pump – Gucci Blondie Interlocking G Block Heel Bootie
accessories for your classy business outfits
When thinking about your work accessories, you may want a bag to fit your laptop in, if you are carrying your computer to and from work. You’ll find more laptop bag recommendations here.
Plus, adding a statement necklace or scarf can really give your outfit oomph. You may also want to add a signature accessory that you wear all the time, such as a watch or pair of earrings.
BOSS Small Kirsten Leather Hobo – Karine Sultan Multilayer Necklace with Cultured Pearls – Open Edit Enamel Cube Collar Necklace – Karine Sultan Hammered Circle Stud Earrings – BOSS Praise Mesh Strap Watch, 43mm
Nancy @nancysstyle above (read her style interview here) chooses gold accessories with her blazer and sweater dress.
Steal her look with this similar ribbed dress, blazer, necklace, earrings and bracelet.
BOSS Small Kirsten Leather Hobo – CLUCI Leather Work Bag – Tory Burch Robinson Leather Tote – Burberry London England Logo Spiral Square Silk Scarf – Karine Sultan Multilayer Necklace with Cultured Pearls – Open Edit Enamel Cube Collar Necklace – Karine Sultan Hammered Circle Stud Earrings – BOSS Praise Mesh Strap Watch, 43mm
Your business outfits capsule together in one place
Below, you can see the items featured above together in a capsule so you can easily picture how you could put the outfits together.
You can mix and match everything to create lots of different looks. For example, you could team the jeans with the black t-shirt and white blazer, you could tuck the white shirt into the print pants or you could wear the print blazer with the red pants.
shop featured classy business outfits above here:
What do usually wear when you go into work? I’d love to hear about your favorite classy business outfits
Continue reading:
- Work Outfits For Summer To Keep You Stylish And Cool
- The Best Laptop Bags For Women To Stylishly Carry All Your Work Essentials
- How To Wear Jeans To Work And Still Look Professional
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Feature image by Greetje @no_fear_of_fashion
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