Call me crazy, but I love dressing for work. Of course, this is mainly due to the fact I work in fashion, an industry where corporate dress codes aren't as confining. Instead, heading into the office always presents an enjoyable sartorial opportunity to be creative and chic with my workwear choices. Moreover, since I only go into the office a few days a week, dressing for the occasion feels a little more special.
But now that we're in the throes of spring, I've been yearning to add some spring 2023 energy to my 9-5 looks. Below, I've highlighted eight styles that strike the right sartorial note of smart, sophisticated, effortless, and trend-forward. Keep scrolling for the best new styles to try for spring, from lavender hues to boardroom-ready denim.
Silver Shoes
Metallic silver is having a moment this season. And while we wouldn't push you to wear a pair of silver pants to a boardroom meeting (although in the Who What Wear office, that would be fair game), you can easily add a fashion-forward touch to your workwear with a pair of silver shoes. Consider kitten heel slingbacks, Mary Janes, or ballet flats with a polished look. Silver shoes are more versatile than you think and pair easily with suits, dresses, and skirts.
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Pleated Wide-Leg Pants
Relaxed, tailored trousers continue to be popular among the fashion set and ideal for business settings. This season is all about roomy, wide-leg, and pleated styles that feel relaxed but elegant.
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Desk-Destined Denim
These days, denim is pretty fair game in most smart-casual work settings. Still, we like to keep the fabric polished. Go for denim skirts with midi or maxi hemlines and trouser-like jeans in sleek silhouettes that pair well with blazers and button-downs.
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Relaxed Button-Downs
Button-down shirts have always been a work classic, but their presence on S/S 23 runways is worth mentioning. We saw crisp oversize silhouettes paired with everything from full skirts to tailored trousers. If it's time for you to upgrade yours, try one of the effortlessly chic styles below.
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Quiet-Luxury Dresses
Elegant, minimal, and refined. Sleek dresses in simple and versatile silhouettes will make getting dressed for work easier this season. It's time to channel your inner Shiv Roy.
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A Capacious Bag
Lug your laptop around in style with a sleek and understated oversize tote. This is unquestionably a work-wardrobe staple you'll own for years to come.
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A Little Lavender
Plenty of fun colors are trending this spring and summer, but lavender is one of my favorites to wear to the office because it's subtle, versatile, and easy to integrate into your work look. Whether you go for a pretty blouse or pleated pants, the pastel hue will add the trendy pop of springtime color your work wardrobe craves.
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Strong Shoulders
While all blazers are fair game this season, opting for one with strong shoulders is an easy way to add a fashion-forward flex to your work wardrobe. Padded shoulders will also be a big trend in the fall, proving it's a solid investment for the year ahead.
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