Oftentimes, being able to bring a chic and comfortable tone to office wear can be tough, especially when you want to put your own unique spin and style on what you can wear.
It can be done, however, and I will show you how to create a perfectly edited wardrobe capsule so you set the tone perfectly when it comes to what to wear for work.
To see our latest work capsule wardrobes, check out:
- The best summer work outfits
- Classy business outfits – a complete work capsule for women over 40
- The best work from home outfits
- The best laptop bags
Business attire for women
From the best type of material to the most office appropriate perfumes, we tackle all you need to know about how to bring your chic and unique style to the workplace.
Work styles have changed over the years. You will probably find that you have moved from more formal attire to a mix and match style of separates which look smart but modern.
Comfort = Confidence
Work appropriate clothing and accessories should never hurt your feet, constrict arm movements, or be in any way uncomfortable.
If you find yourself wiggling, smoothing, checking or straightening your outfit a handful of times before you even leave the house, please change. When your clothes cause worry you can’t exude confidence and when you aren’t confident you don’t look as polished or professional as you could.
There are some tried and true materials, styles, and shoes to stick to when you’re looking for a combination of both comfortable and chic looks. These include
- Pieces made of natural fibers like cotton, silk, linen, and wool
- Lined pants, dresses, skirts, blazers, and jackets, which will help keep fabrics from clinging to your body
- Sweaters or knit blazers and jackets that have a little give and are not as tight on the arms and shoulders
- Heels with heights of 2½ inches or less give you the perfect professionalism without making you sacrifice your back or knees in the process.
It can be particularly tricky to decide what to wear for work when the weather is warmer.
This outfit (below), as worn by @pgill2015 in Florida could provide a good option. The print mixing and statement jewelry add extra style, but the open toe shoes keep it cool.
Work clothes for women to make a statement
In order to create a cohesive look, begin with your focal point, or lead piece.
Teams, much like outfits, become unsuccessful when they have too many people vying for a leadership role. Pick one piece of clothing or accessory to steal the show, think of it as your team leader.
Then, choose the rest of your outfit to act as support for the piece in the leading role.
Anything can be your hero piece. You could opt for a bright dress, a print shirt or skirt, or a statement accessory like a print shoe or scarf.
Read our ultimate guide to creating a capsule wardrobe that works best for you.
Red Short Sleeve Pleated Pencil Dress – Ottilie Blouse – Leopard Print Shoes – Boden Pencil Skirt – Pendant necklace – Red Scarf
Womens workwear – Layers are Key
Most offices experience a variety of temperatures throughout the day, from chilly conference rooms to downright balmy offices.
You may find yourself in a condition where the air conditioning is either too cool for you, or not turned up high enough.
Plan accordingly. This does not mean that you should keep your favorite loungewear sweatshirt at your desk; rather, always try to have a neutral cardigan or jacket available.
You can also pop a scarf on over your outfit to stop the back of your neck getting chilly.
Keep the scent unobtrusive for your work outfits
Not all perfumes you love are workplace appropriate. The key to finishing out a chic look is adding a light scent that doesn’t leave everyone wondering who was last in the room.
A crisp, bright or sweet, floral scent that is light and unobtrusive is absolutely key to the perfect work wardrobe.
For more tips check out our article on how to wear perfume the right way.
Love Story Eau Sensualle Eau de Parfum – Cartier La Panthère Eau de Toilette – Tiffany Eau de Parfum – Hermes Eau de Merveilles – Prada ‘Les Infusions d’Iris’ Eau de Parfum – Lanvin Arpège ‘Éclat d’Arpège’ Eau de Parfum Spray
Build a chic collection of versatile work wear
Before you add a new piece to your wardrobe ask yourself, “What three other pieces does this match?”
You don’t want to build individual outfits that have no relation to other looks in your closet. Instead, build a work capsule wardrobe composed of pieces that are easily interchangeable with one another.
That way, you won’t have to put much thought into what you are going to wear each day when you are rushing out to work.
Business suit for women
It may once have been traditional to wear a matching business suit for the office. And, there will be some work settings which still require this.
However, most workplaces suit a wardrobe of capsules. I would choose a work suit with pants and a skirt that you can wear together, or separately.
The ideal 12-piece work wardrobe
Let’s begin with the neutral basics that will anchor the work wardrobe. Hero pieces are great, but these are the support pieces I talked about earlier.
While we went with black suit pieces for this capsule, you can also go with gray, blue, or a lighter camel/tan hue.
The anchoring basics
Black Blazer – Stretch Wool Pencil Skirt – Black Ankle Pants – Black Belt – Zip Back Sheath Dress – Black Pointy Toe Pump
Cotton Flannel Work Shirt – Black Leather Satchel – Pearl Necklace – Boxy Mesh Strap Watch – Cotton Camisole
Tops, Jackets, and Coats
Now comes the time to add the tops and outerwear to your capsule. Select 3-4 tops that are versatile (yet offer their own unique look).
Two additional blazers (with a variety of texture) will serve as great contrast pieces for creating new looks and a coat that can be worn across your wardrobe complete this portion of your capsule.
Ottilie Blouse – White One-Button Blazer – Patterned Long Sleeve Blouse
Red Blazer – Horse Coin Shirt – Drape Neck Top – Belted Wool Blend Coat
Work dresses, pants and skirts
A tailored dress in a pop of color that is flattering to your skin tone and body shape is the perfect addition to the capsule.
A third dress that is more artistic or unique (such as the shirtdress below) is also another brilliant option, as it allows you to bring a creative and unexpected look to the office that is not too off-step.
A second skirt with a pop of color and on-trend pants also help round out your collection.
Red Short Sleeve Pleated Pencil Dress – Horse Print Midi Dress – Wool Trousers – Check Stretch Cotton Blend – Boden Pencil Skirt
Shoes and accessories
As you can see, we had a red/pink theme for our accessories selection.
A tote with a pop of color and a scarf with a pop of color will help add some warmth to even your most severe looks.
You can also select statement necklaces to diminish the seriousness of some of the office looks and make them more unique and approachable.
Finally, a leopard print flat allows you to bring in a print that pops without being too overwhelming or inappropriate, while still being quite comfortable.
Rose Pink Leather Tote – Leopard Print Shoes – Slingback Pump – Red Scarf – Pendant necklace
9 women’s professional clothing looks using the pieces from our work wardrobe above
Check all our articles for professional women:
- How to fit a blazer
- The best suits for women
- Tops for pencil skirt outfits
- Jewelry for work
- Classy capsule wardrobe for work
- Work outfits for summer
- How to wear jeans to work and still look professional
- How to dress casually & comfortable for work
- The best laptop bags for women
- Most stylish reading glasses
- Trendy glasses for different face shapes
- The best office party outfits
- The best work pants
- The most comfortable work dress shoes
What does your work wardrobe look like? What are your go to what to wear to work looks to get through a long day?
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Feature Image by @pgill2015
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The best advice I ever received was “Dress for the job you WANT…not for the job you have.”
The dumbest comment I’ve ever heard is, “I wear what makes me comfortable.” Good luck with that attitude…I hope the owner’s your father!
I’m lucky that we don’t really have an office dress code at work, styles run from casual to quite dressy. I’m smart casual but sometimes more casual bohemian. Love colour, texture and jewellery. Many colleagues have a set work wardrobe but I’m not so strict. Does mean I have to plan night before when I can, English weather permitting
I love ROSS stores for finding low-cost, high-quality goods. I recently changed from working at home 100% to 1-3 days a week in office. So of course, I needed a new office wardrobe, having donated most of my previous wardrobe to those in need. Last week’s perusal found 4 business suits in complementary colors/styles from Calvin Klein, Anne Klein, New York and Company. A trench coat from London Fog. The only decision I have to make is skirt or pants!
I am employed with a large international construction/engineering firm. However, I do not have a top hat title, I do meet a lot of professional people. Also, I mostly work on the computer and sit for too many hours. Most people see me waist up, but when I do walk around I like my outfits to flow together. I travel daily to work by car for an hour both ways. I need to dress comfortably in the car and require proper footwear and coat. I also like to look nice for other drivers who may see me out my driver’s window. (Too vain eh?!!) A lot of times I do not go straight home from work so I need to be properly dressed for where I’m going. I need to dress for our 8 seasons. The office inside is frigid during summer and too hot during winter. I do my best to change up my look daily. Monday – dress, Tuesday – pants, Wednesday – skirt, Thursday – pants and Friday either more casual skirt or pants. Always something “red” on Fridays until all of our soldiers return home. Our company dress code does not allow for too casual. Mainly why I dress that particular way is where I am going after work. Also, I plan and co-ordinate my outfits on the weekend. I find it less of a struggle for me if I pick a “colour theme”. I pick my colour theme according to the season or something that reminds me of that season. Example for this week my theme colour is “camel” because I feel that it is a warm autumn colour that transitions well. (Also, reminds me of yellow leaves and pumpkin pie, crazy eh?!!!) I also have seasonal accessories and perfumes that are only worn during that season. (I have different perfumes for day and night). Guess I have toooooo much time on my hands?????
You left out ONE thing…what do you do about stockings?! Those lovely heels when worn with a dress…in WINTER…naked legs? Silly. Black tights? so boring. Can we please start wearing flesh-toned pantyhose again? They were so practical. Black tights with black shoes and a black dress looks so funereal. What do we wear on our legs when wearing dresses? It’s COLD.
Flesh toned sheer tights is fine, but this may be too cold still (as they’re thin). When wearing thicker tights it’s usually best to go with one of the colors in the outfit. More tips in this article https://40plusstyle.com/how-to-wear-tights/
Should I be concerned about a black top and a black bottom being the same shade or tone of black? Do all black items match?
I personally don’t like mismatched black items so much. Unless the texture of the 2 items is very different. It matters less if you combine the 2 black items with something on top of it (like a jacket or cardigan) so it’s less noticeable.
I agree. And the added problem is that the light at home does not equal the light in the workplace or outside, so the difference can be dramatic. There are brown blacks, blue blacks, and even red or rusty blacks. And you might not notice the difference until you are in another light. If you can wear a wide bright belt to break up the difference that might work. Also, I have noticed more and more that women are wearing navy and black together, especially if the navy is a little bright. I was even given a beautiful navy, black and grey scarf that ties the two colors together in an interesting way. Oh! And beware of matching reds! They can be a problem too!
Very attractive color choices and statement pieces here. I wear mainly black to work, as it is the most common color in my city for work outfits, worn by everyone from fast food servers to vice presidents. I often add a solid color blouse or a patterned scarf to my basic work capsule of black jacket, black cardigan, black pants, black skirt, and black dress. I think that tan/camel, navy, burgundy and gray can also be excellent “neutral” colors for work as long as the garments are high quality (wrinkled cheap khakis are not such a great look).
The Fashion industry won’t like your article, but basically this is all you need! Basics in good Quality, good Fit and neutral Colours, combined with interesting/on trend pieces … Saves Money, saves time and allows quick packing for Business trips …
I’m new to exploring 40plusstyle, and I found this post to be really valuable! The funny thing is, I’m a college student. I know that I’m off the path for the target market here, but women from all ages could benefit from this (especially college kids figuring out the career world!) This is definitely something I’m going to show to my friends, I totally think that they would find it valuable too.
Thank you for the lovely feedback Mariko. Yes, although I’m speaking especially to women over 40 a LOT of my content is useful of women of all ages. So feel free to browse through all the articles and I appreciate that you want to share the content with your friends too!
I’m afraid I’m going to respectfully disagree with you about perfume. I’m very sensitive to fragrance, and I know I’m not the only one, so I’d have to say that perfume is inappropriate at work. YMMV.
Agreed. You never know who is going to have allergies or sensitivities: we’re talking anything from minor allergic symptoms to asthma attacks to migraines, and even anaphylaxis (I actually worked with someone who had to carry an EpiPen for this exact reason). Unless there is an explicit agreement amongst colleagues and clients that scent is ok, don’t use it in the office.
Absolutely agree. You cannot wear cologne to work in an office. Scented soap, hairspray, deodorant are enough. Save the cologne for the evening or weekend.