There are so many things we love about autumn: The leaves changing to magical colours before falling and crunching under our feet, nights turning dark, not needing an excuse to stay home and devour a box set, etc. However, when it comes to getting ready, obstacles arise. Chilly mornings that give way to unexpectedly mild afternoons can cause frequent headaches, particularly when quickly dressing for work. It's too still a bit too mild for winter coats and cashmere—two easy rush hour options—yet summery dresses just don't provide enough coverage for the commute.
It's that tricky transitional time of year, especially if you're leaving the house every day and need to look put together in a hurry. With this in mind, we've sourced a handful of outfit formulas that will take your early mornings from rushed to relaxed. Whether you're layering like a total pro or just picking the right shoes to give you a bit of extra warmth, there are plenty of professional yet comfortable solutions. Hint: Make relaxed shirting, cosy layers and matching sets your closest allies to keep the Monday-Friday crises at bay. Follow our suggestions below for some simple autumn work outfits.
9 Autumn/Winter 2024 Work Outfit Ideas People Will Compliment You On:
1. Brown Suit + Large Tote + Low Heel Boots
Style Notes: Brown is possibly the most autumnal colour you can opt for, which means it's perfect for now (not to mention, the hue is seriously on-trend). A cashmere knit will balance out the formality of a suit.
Shop the Look:
Look professional without sacrificing comfort. Win-win.
You could also wear these pieces separately to change things up mid-week.
Turn heads on your coffee break with this designer-looking tote.
These will never date.
2. Wool Coat + Roll Neck + Silk Trousers
Style Notes: Luckily for all you wool coat lovers, this reach-for staple can be carried through the seasons. Go for a version with minimal fuss free design, it always looks more premium, especially with a roll-neck jumper and silk trousers.
Shop the Look:
Mango has a great selection of coats at the moment, this one is a highlight.
COS should be your go-to for workwear basics.
A hero trouser for autumn/winter. If you hadn't heard, leather is big this season.
These look so premium.
My dream bag for autumn.
3. Waistcoat + Tailored Wide Leg Trousers + Gold Jewellery
Style Notes: Waistcoats aren't going anywhere, they are still a huge trend for autumn/winter. Monochrome will always have a place in my wardrobe, if you want to add some colour try a cashmere roll neck underneath or an oversized blazer over the top for a autumnal spin.
Shop the Look:
This waistcoat holds the power to totally change up your look—and for that price!?
When in doubt tailored trousers will always look smart.
Sure to boost every ensemble.
Throw in everything and go.
4. Knitted Dress + Cardigan + Pop of Colour Mules
Style Notes: When in doubt, a tonal look with a pop of colour will always look chic. For autumn 2024, we're loving the addition of red accessories for a timeless but stylish finish.
Shop the Look:
This dress is autumnal in every sense of the word.
I love me a rib-knit dress, and this version will take you through to winter with a slim fit roll neck layered underneath.
I think I might have just found the perfect mules. Swoon.
5. Blazer + Long-Sleeve Tee + Knee-Length Skirt
Style Notes: A black blazer for an office might seem obvious, but pairing it with a white skirt will make it feel fresher. Just add tights and boots when the weather really starts to turn.
Shop the Look:
This has long been on my wish list, I think its time.
It's worth investing in some high-quality tees.
Midi hemlines are everywhere, and this Zara number is the perfect length for the office.
6. Leather Trench + Tailored Trousers + Chelsea Boots
Style Notes: Some offices call for bold dressing more than others—if this sounds like your work environment, choose a statement-making leather trench that you can throw on in a hurry. Minimum effort, maximum chic.
Shop the Look:
I love how a trench coat can be office appropriate yet easy to dress down at the weekend.
It's all in the details.
Sleek boots are a nice compromise if you want to look elegant but can't bear to spend all day at a height.
7. Poplin Skirt + Cropped Trench + Mary-Janes
Style Notes: A full cotton skirt will always look smart. Play with proportions and opt for pieces like a cropped trench that have little to no detail on them for a polished look.
Shop the Look:
You'll be wearing this jacket non-stop.
I'd style the skirt exactly like this.
Mary-Janes = the shoe of the moment.
This will go with so many different outfits.
8. Striped Jumper + Double Pleat Trousers
Style Notes: Let's be honest—comfort is key when dressing for an eight-hour day. You can still look sophisticated in relaxed separates, but do yourself a favour and only wear heels if you'll be sitting at a desk.
Shop the Look:
This looks so luxe.
This straight leg cut is really easy to style.
Black loafers are a year-round staple.
9. Boxy Blazer + Long Tailored Shorts
Style Notes: If you work in a more relaxed environment, opt for cool pieces that you'll feel good in from 9-5. Impeccable tailoring is often what makes an item feel expensive and elevated, simply opt for a longer short for a more office-appropriate look.
Shop the Look:
Everyone needs a boxy black blazer and Arket's is a fashion-person favourite.
Yes shorts are office-appropriate, just make sure they hover around the knee and no shorter.
Channel Marilyn with her square shoulder bag, all your on-the-go bits and pieces should fit in here.
If you office allows it, trainers are a great choice for all-day comfort.
This article was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
-
4 Anti-Trend Outfits I Spot Every Time I'm in EuropeClassic looks that are always in style.
-
3 Non-Holiday Ways to Wear Velvet This WinterYou're welcome.
-
Hailey Bieber Just Used the TikTok Styling Hack That Will Actually Go the DistanceI'm going to use it this weekend.
-
After 15 Years as a Fashion Writer, I Know These Free Style Tweaks Will Make a Big ImpactHow to give your wardrobe a new lease on life.
-
4 Dated Sweater Trends I'm Purging From My Small NYC Closet by the Year's EndAnd the chic knitwear I'm making room for.
-
Law Roach's World: His New Book, Bag of Choice, and What He Grabs on a Target Run"[Styling] has made my world so much bigger."
-
I'm in My 20s—Here Are 6 Style Lessons I Learned to Look More Polished and Grown-UpSophisticated styling 101.
-
8 Copenhagen Street Style Trends I Plan to Replicate in New YorkPared back yet never boring.
