Work Outfit Ideas: Five Simple Chic Ideas

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Getting dressed for work should be an exercise in fun — that’s what I believe! These days I work in a casual office which means I could go to work in jeans and a tee shirt everyday if I wanted to, but mostly I choose to look put-together and one step above casual.

With that in mind, this new series will be focusing on easy work outfit ideas spanning my personal aesthetics — preppy chic (classic tailoring with elements of color and boho), modern femme aka new romantic (soft touches of pastels and lace details mixed with neutrals in modern cuts) and boho chic (boho elements mixed with urban modernism).

Don’t know what any of that means? No worries, just look at the pretty outfits in this post and see if there’s anything you like. You can see all the posts in this series by checking out my work ready tag. These outfit posts take a long time to put together — several hours or days as opposed to just a few that other posts take, so this series will not run regularly. The effort is full but worth it for the fun!

This particular post features mainly looks with jeans, because jeans can be a lot dressier than they used to be. Here in New York distressed denim is having an interesting moment at work where you’ll see crisp shirts and blazers mixed with destructed denim and pumps, creating a visual mix that communicates “I’m serious about my job…but not too serious.”

The outfit above, featuring the Cameron slim crop pant ($80), looks dressy but features casual elements in it like the Tie-sleeve sweatshirt ($53). Using classic finishing touches like the Elsie suede pumps ($245) grounds the look even with the trendy sleeve of the sweatshirt. In two colors, this neutral work look communicates competence, confidence and an appreciation for the classics.

Next up, we have a look with some masculine elements and some feminine elements. It all begins with the Thomas Mason® for J.Crew boy shirt ($128), a very crisp white buttondown that features huge cuffs. Buttoned up, these cuffs could easily pass for a men’s shirt. But with the cuffs unbuttoned and freely open, they look more like the trendy bell sleeves we’re seeing everywhere these days — a decidedly feminine touch.

Other feminine touches in this look include the very Audrey-esque 10 percent deck turtleneck in stripe (now $50) and the Audrey flats in suede (now $104). These are then again challenged by the masculine cut of the New easy pant in matte crepe ($90). I would personally complete this look with a big necklace like the Beaded double strand necklace (now $95).

Those are a couple of retailer takes — now here are some of mine.

This is a pretty typical work look for me above — simple, neutral tones with a mix of layers for Fall. Keeps me warm in the office and cool outside. The cardigan is just a drop longer than the halter top — the ideal proportions for layering in this case.

Outfit details:
Open cardigan sweater ($55)
Patterned halter tank top (now $25-$35)
A-line denim skirt ($42)
Coco leather ballet flats (now $45-$54)
Crystal bubbles necklace ($25)
Ryann crossbody bag ($55)

 

Another layering trick for me, especially with dresses, is to layer a white dress shirt underneath them. This can make a casual dress more office-friendly and allows for quick changes once the workday is over. A pair of dressy smart flats make this outfit seem especially polished.

Outfit details:
Oxford shirt ($35)
Fatigue shirtdress ($65)
Braided cotton belt ($28)
Edie Leather Loafers ($76)
Tortoise link necklace ($30)
Shoulder strap tote ($69)

The last three outfits in this post all build upon jeans. In this look I’ve chosen a printed top with double ruffle sleeves for some playful accents, and then kept the rest of the look very neutral so as not to be too loud. Comfy flats in one of the colors from the top make this look seem well thought out, and the deep red bag is one more touch of color to capture interested eyes as I walk to and from the subway or lunch break.

Outfit details:
Printed double ruffle-sleeve top ($45)
Rinse wash midrise skinny jean ($55)
Beaded oval dangle statement earrings ($28)
Zoe suede d’Orsay flats ($63)
The Small Transport Crossbody ($128)

 

Above is a work outfit where the ultra-casual destructed boyfriend jeans are paired with feminine, dressy elements to elevate the overall look. I never get sick of pink or tortoise! A flattering lace top is a key piece to have in your work arsenal — it can go with so many things.

Outfit details:
Cotton Caryn cardigan sweater ($30)
Lace T-shirt ($25)
Colorado wash boyfriend jean ($65, size down)
Isabelle suede pumps ($71)
Gold link bracelet ($20)
Tortoise link bracelet ($21)
Small Zip Pouch ($23)

 

This last outfit takes one of my favorite tops for all things — the striped boatneck — and dresses it up just a bit for work. Stripes on stripes via the blazer is a bold statement, but the Chanel-esque look of the blazer and its darker colors keep the overall look toned down (and you can easily swap in a solid blazer if you prefer).

A low, classy heel, sparkly earrings in a subtle neutral and a bag that pulls out one of the accent colors from the striped blazer complete this fun office chic look.

Outfit details:
Striped boatneck T-shirt (now $25)
9″ high-rise toothpick jean ($110)
Beaded ball earrings ($65)
Tweed Lady jacket with ties ($198)
The Ella Pump ($128)
The Medium Transport Tote ($158)

I don’t plan on repeating items in my outfit suggestions, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t! The glorious thing about these looks is that the items in them can be mixed and matched with each other…perhaps I will do an outfit remix post.

What are your work staples right now?