Office
Aug 18, 2021

My Friends Are Heading Back to the Office, so I Suggested These Chic Work 'Fits

by Indya Brown

It's finally happening: Office life is slowly picking up again. And with that comes the big question of what to wear after spending over a year in strictly stretchy pants and T-shirts. The good news? Fall work outfits are a bit of a relief after the long, humid summer season. You can stop wondering just how much exposed skin is too much and add on all the office-appropriate layers without becoming a sweaty mess in the summer sun. Moral of the story: Office fashion is in its element during fall. That makes right now coincidentally the perfect time to start thinking up some fresh new outfits that are sure to impress your colleagues as you trickle back into the office.

Since the topic of what to wear is the big question also blowing up my group chats, I figured I'd share my recommendations if you too will be gearing up for a return this fall. Whether you're in the corporate world or in a creative field, I'm sure you'll find something here to make the WFH transition a little more painless. Keep scrolling to see 20 work-ready looks that are sure to bring you tons of compliments.

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@_jessicaskye

It's a bit high-maintenance, but an all-white outfit simply exudes confidence.

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@sasha.mei

Vest suits are the work-appropriate trend we've all been waiting for.

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@hannamw

If the dress code allows, a sleek leather blazer is a nice reprieve from a classic wool topper.

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@leiasfez

Conversely, adding leather pants to your work wardrobe is also a wise idea. Pair them with classic loafers to take off the edge.

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@deborabrosa

A soft sweater vest is an easy way to achieve both comfort and polish.

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@dawn.tan

A dress is the perfect one and done piece when time is of the essence. This one from our latest drop doesn't need much in the way of accessories.

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@thevisuelofgrace

Big meeting days require a power blouse.

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@taniceelizabeth

You could get away with wearing this chic outfit every single day.

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@_marisamartins_

A monochrome matching set requires minimal effort and always looks polished.

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@dawn.tan

Yup, you're gonna need a breezy shirtdress for those inevitable warm fall days.

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@camillecharriere

But when the temperatures drop, a graphic sweater and fitted trousers are the way to go.

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@nlmarilyn

We're throwing away the whole notion of "no white after Labor Day."

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@sylviemus_

Who could resist this cool color-block look?

Shop the key piece:

COS Zip-Up Jumper

COS Zip-Up Jumper ($125)

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@hannastefansson

Neck scarves are the underrated accessories that can really transform an entire look. It adds instant sophistication with little effort.

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@lefevrediary

Wear this set with a blazer and heels on the weekday and with sneakers on the weekend.

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@fakerstrom

Try adding a plissé piece to your work uniform—it's a subtle drama that's easy to pull off.

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@greceghanem

Jumpsuits can be suitable for the office too. Just look for versions with sharp tailoring like crisp collars and clean lines.

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@fongminliao

Your staple pieces don't have to be sterile—take this asymmetric skirt as a good example.

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@aimeesong

Another outfit you could feasibly get away with wearing every day.

Shop the key piece:

COS Tapered Pants

COS Tapered Pants ($115)

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@stephaniebroek

Embrace the season's suiting trend with a strong power suit.