I've Mastered the Art of Chic Office Dressing—These Are the Pieces That I Always Rely On

Recently, chic office outfits are less about following rules on uniform and more about dressing to suit your personal style—something that feels especially relevant right now.

It's no secret that dressing for work can feel like navigating a style tightrope. You want to look pulled together but not overly polished. Comfortable but not casual. On-trend but still appropriate. It's the age-old conundrum that's led many of us to default to the same familiar staples—maybe a black trouser, a white shirt, or a midi dress that can't possibly offend. For years, "workwear" has been a term loaded with assumptions about dress codes, office politics, and sartorial safety. But what we wear to work now—and crucially, what we 'can' wear—has shifted. The best chic work outfits in 2025 are both expressive and functional, blending practicality with personal style in a way that feels more liberated than ever before.

Of course, not everyone works in a corporate office. In fact, many don't. And even in the most traditional professional settings, what's considered "appropriate" has quietly evolved. While a pencil skirt and blazer might still cut it in the boardroom, they're no longer the only acceptable option. For many, dresses are off the table entirely, whether for religious reasons or personal comfort. Jeans, once a total no-go, are now frequently seen paired with smart knits and directional tailoring. Oversized silhouettes, flat shoes, even workwear-inspired accessories have all been absorbed into a broader—and frankly, more exciting—idea of what workwear looks like today.

And it's not just social shifts that have influenced this change. Street style has played a pivotal role in reimagining the daily uniform. Wide-leg trousers have become almost as essential as the classic white shirt. Oversized blazers—once relegated to your dad's wardrobe or 1980s sitcoms—are suddenly the cornerstone of a cool, contemporary look. Even "ugly" shoes, like Birkenstocks have found their way into professional wardrobes thanks to fashion insiders and editors who've given them their seal of approval.

Then there's the viral trend that truly crystallised our obsession with modern officewear: The Office Siren. A social media-fuelled take on late '90s, early '00s corporate dressing, or 'Corpcore' as it's recently become known, which is all about body-skimming basics layered under sharp tailoring, preferably pinstripe, with sleek accessories. Think tank tops and pencil skirts worn with point-toe heels, or unbuttoned shirts with strong-shouldered jackets. This aesthetic, heavily pioneered by influencers and It girls like Camille Charriere and Gabriette, might not work for every environment, but it's a useful reference point for how work fashion is now actively shaped by trend cycles, not separate from them. At the spring and summer 2025 shows, "office-core" was everywhere. At Ferragamo, tailored trousers were styled with semi-sheer knits and minimalist belts; at Bottega Veneta, the humble work shirt was elevated with sculptural silhouettes and butter-soft leather totes. And Saint Laurent was leading the crowd with its entirely office focused line. The message? Workwear is no longer an afterthought—it's a fashion category in its own right.

The high-street is no different and some affordable brands simply get work dressing right. COS has mastered the art of minimal tailoring with just enough interest to feel relevant. And Arket's linen offering is practically made for warm-weather commutes. Oversized shirts by one of our favourite luxury brands, Toteme, have become a fashion-person staple, while The Row (if your budget allows) continues to deliver pieces that whisper luxury without ever feeling over-styled. But even on the high street, there are plenty of finds that feel runway-adjacent. And let's be honest, who hasn't felt inspired by the on-screen wardrobes of smart, stylish characters—from Rosamund Pike's razor-sharp tailoring in I Care A Lot, to Jodie Comer’s crisp shirting in Killing Eve?

To prove just how versatile—and wearable—today's new workwear really is, I've put together five chic work outfits that lean into this evolved idea of what professional style can look like in 2025. Whether you're headed into a creative agency, a law firm, a co-working space or simply dressing for the Zoom square, these are the combinations I keep coming back to.

Shop Chic Work Outfits:

1. Oversized Blazer + White T-Shirt + Barrel-Leg Jeans + Birkenstock Bostons

Style Note: This ensemble strikes the perfect balance between casual and professional. The oversized blazer adds structure, while the white T-shirt keeps it relaxed. Barrel-leg jeans offer a modern silhouette that's both comfortable and stylish. Birkenstock Bostons complete the look with a touch of laid-back sophistication.

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2. Black Midi Dress + Ballet Flats + Oversized Bag

Style Notes: A black midi dress serves as a versatile foundation for various work settings. Paired with ballet flats, it offers a comfortable yet polished look. An oversized bag adds practicality, accommodating all your daily essentials while maintaining a chic appearance.

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3. Shirt + Sleeveless Jumper + Bubble Skirt

Style Notes: This outfit plays with textures and layers to create a dynamic look. A crisp shirt provides a classic base, while a sleeveless jumper adds warmth and dimension. The bubble skirt introduces a playful element, making the ensemble both professional and fashion-forward.

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4. Short Sleeve Linen Shirt + Cream Wide-Leg Trousers + Point-Toe Loafers

Style Notes: Ideal for warmer days, this outfit combines breathable fabrics with elegant tailoring. A short sleeve linen shirt keeps you cool, while cream wide-leg trousers offer a sophisticated touch. Point-toe loafers complete the look with a refined edge.

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5. Tailored Blazer + Black T-Shirt + Black Wide-Leg Trousers + Bow Flats

Style Notes: Embracing a monochromatic palette, this outfit exudes confidence and professionalism. A tailored blazer and black T-shirt create a sleek foundation, while black wide-leg trousers add a modern twist. Bow flats introduce a subtle feminine detail, completing the look with just the right amount of personality.

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