10 Ideas for what to wear to work today
There’s no denying that years of working from the comfort of home has influenced the new work dress code. It has completely relaxed and loosened up… literally and figuratively. Whether you work from home, live on Zoom, hit the office a few times a week, travel for clients or events, you probably aren’t willing to give up comfort… but you still want to look and feel put together. So, what is that balance and how do you capture it?
My mission is to help you to uncover what works for you and makes you feel beautiful. And that includes what you wear to work. Everything I’m sharing below has to fit your life, your body and has to work for you. Keep that in mind and I hope these tips give you some inspiration to create some new work looks right from your closet.
1. Add a jacket
This one is pretty obvious, but it’s a tried and true one that works. Jackets instantly make you feel and look “put together.” And by jackets, I’m talking blazers, leather jackets, utility jackets, denim jackets.
I always like to look for slightly unstructured ones or ones with a little stretch so you can actually move in them. Nothing like trying to type on the computer and you can’t move your arms.
Slightly longer jackets are in at the moment. The nice thing is they cover up just a bit more and give a more relaxed vibe. And you can wear them out on the weekends as a light outer layer.
2. Dress it down
I bet you have some things in your closet that you save for special occasions. Maybe a statement jacket you used to wear to the office, a dress or a blouse you save for going out. Try pairing that dressier piece with something more casual. Bonus, you’ll get more use of pieces you don’t wear that often.
Try a crewneck sweater over a dress.
Pair a statement blazer with a simple t-shirt and jeans and low key shoes.
Contrast a dressy blouse with faded denim and flats.
3. Dress it up
Same idea of course, but coming at it the other way. Take a casual piece and elevate it.
Joggers with a camisole and blazer
A sweatshirt with a “going out” skirt and ankle boots
A graphic t-shirt with wool trousers and a long cardigan
Add a special piece of jewelry you typically reserve for a dressy event
4. Elastic waists
One word: comfort. I know already with the elastic waists. I honestly believe designers completely understand that comfort is king after years of being at home so elastic is showing up in skirts, dresses and pants. If you have a hard time fitting in pants or skirts or are in between sizes, the elastic can be a little more forgiving, and it also gives a more effortless vibe to your look.
5. Pair neutrals together
An easy way to look elevated and put together is to stick to neutrals. You’ve probably tried black with black, but almost all neutrals pair nicely together. The options are endless:
Navy + Black
Olive + Black
Olive + Grey
Camel + Black
Cream + Camel
Camel + Navy
Grey + Cream
Grey + Camel
6. Loose Trousers
Trousers are having a big comeback. And they’re looser. You’ll see a lot with partial elastic waist in the back, which still gives a tailored finished look in the front. Style them with sneakers and a cashmere sweater or with a sweatshirt and loafers.
7. The Skirt
After living in jeans for years…skirts might be something to consider. And not the classic pencil skirt, the newer styles are looser and easy to wear. Printed, midi, maxi… just throw on an oversized sweater and some boots. Still a jeans lover? Try a denim midi skirt.
8. Create your own modern suit
Sure you can wear a black blazer and black trousers but why not pair a black blazer with black denim. Or a cream blazer with white jeans. Grey houndstooth with grey denim. How about an denim jacket and jeans. You get the idea.
9. The go-to… Jeans
Jeans can absolutely be appropriate for work. For a more conservative vibe, stick to a dark rinse wash, black, grey, cream or white (yes, even in Fall and Winter) and a straight, boot or trouser cut. If you are in a more creative field, style a distressed or light wash with more conservative blouses for a fun contrast.
10. When in doubt… Sneakers
Make your work outfit chill. Take anything… a skirt, a dress, jeans with a blazer and add sneakers. A few of my favorite brands… Veja, Adidas and New Balance. You can go classic with all white or have some fun with a high-top or pop of color.
Just remember, the most important thing is that the clothes work for you. Try things. Find what makes you feel your best because when feel good, it comes through on the outside.
Are you interested in one on one styling help? Book a complimentary consult here.
xo, Laura