6 Chic Office Outfits to Impress Your Co-Workers With This Year
Dressing for work is a difficult thing to master. On the one hand, you want to stay true to your personal style, but sometimes you have to forgo fashion to maintain an air of professionalism. For example, thigh-high boots and vinyl trousers are probably best reserved for off-duty hours.
It's a tricky balance to strike, but it's certainly not impossible. In fact, after a lengthy scrolling session on Instagram, I've gathered plenty of workwear inspiration–six outfits in particular stood out as being polished but on-point style-wise. Of course, dress codes differ from one office to the next, but these formulas can be easily tweaked to fit the bill. Simply add a collared shirt under your knitwear, or switch boots for loafers if your workplace has a strict footwear policy.
Planning to step up your office outfits in 2024? Make a lasting impression in these easy-to-replicate looks, courtesy of Instagram's smartest dressers.
1. Bright Knit + Leather Skirt + Oversized Tote
Style Notes: This look is a masterclass in incorporating trends in a professional way. The bright red jumper and leather skirt are current, but also have a classic feel that's appropriate for the office.
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Plenty of room for all your essentials and more.
2. Structured Blazer + Wide Jeans + Kitten Heels
Style Notes: The way we see it, if the rest of your outfit is smart (e.g. a blazer and slingbacks), you can get away with wearing jeans to work. If your office dress code says otherwise, simply swap the denim for a pair of wide-leg trousers.
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3. Belted Coat + Turtleneck + Simple Heels
Style Notes: Exaggerated belts are a major accessories trend this season—and a great way to give some shape to your bulky winter coat. Wear a skirt or dress with tights underneath, and a turtleneck knit peeking out.
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This will keep you super snug on your commute.
Make the belt the focal point of your outfit with this statement waist cincher.
4. White Shirt + Tailoring + Pointed-Toe Boots
Style Notes: Now this is how to do corporate chic. The tailoring in itself is divine, but the crisp white shirt creates a stylish contrast that takes the look to the next level.
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Marks and Spencer's boot selection has been seriously on-point lately.
5. Knitted Dress + Colour-Pop Heels
Style Notes: Not only is a knitted dress a quick route to looking polished, but it's also unbeatably comfortable. Add a bright heel for a splash of colour and you're set to be the talk of the office.
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Made from a cashmere blend, this will feel like you're wearing a blanket.
6. Cardigan + Pinstripe Trousers + Loafers
Style Notes: Beige looks good in all settings, the workplace included. Add a pair of practical loafers to Lena's cardigan-and-trousers combo to give it a more formal feel.
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Next Up: 9 Outfit-Elevating Basics That Are Well Worth Investing in
Bébhinn Campbell is an Edinburgh-based fashion and lifestyle writer and editor. She started her first blog at age 14 and went on to intern at print and digital publications in Berlin and London, including Dazed & Confused and Indie magazine.
A job at a fashion startup took Bébhinn from Ireland to Scotland in 2019, where she now works as a freelance journalist and copywriter covering everything from travel and interiors to styling advice. As a contributor to Who What Wear, Bébhinn always keeps her eyes peeled for emerging trends and looks worth writing about. She prides herself on her ability to cut through the noise and identify solid investment buys, exciting new brands and fresh takes on classic design.
In her spare time, Bébhinn enjoys perusing Edinburgh’s best vintage shops, working through her out-of-control book collection and watching dog reels on Instagram.
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