Do you find yourself constantly wondering what to wear to work or the office? You’re not alone. Almost everyone faces outfit dilemmas from time to time—and when you’re in a rush, choosing the right work outfit can add unnecessary stress. Practical workwear often comes down to just a few trusted wardrobe staples. Read on for five key pieces that make it easy to build work-appropriate outfits that are simple, quick, and still stylish!
How to dress for work?
A few simple principles go a long way in workwear. When you keep these in mind, choosing a work outfit instantly becomes easier.
Dress for your role and environment
In some workplaces, it’s common to wear a suit or a more polished office style every day; in others, the dress code is relaxed and practical. If you’re unsure about your workplace expectations, take a look at what your colleagues wear and save the best ideas—often the most successful outfit combinations come from everyday life.
Prioritise comfort and a polished look
The most important function of work clothes is to support your everyday life. Choose pieces you can wear comfortably all day—sitting, walking, bending down, and moving around. Comfortable trousers and a well-fitting top make the workday feel lighter, so when you’re trying things on, remember to sit down and squat to make sure everything truly works.
Keep your clothes neat and well cared for: a pressed button-down, a non-pilling knit, and a finished overall look always appear more put-together—and often feel more confidence-boosting, too.
Trust your own style
Feel free to play with patterns, colours, and cuts that genuinely make you happy. After all, getting dressed should bring a little joy to everyday life—so don’t hesitate to make choices that truly feel like you.
Build outfits around timeless classics
Timeless pieces never go out of style, and quality choices will serve you year after year. Instead of constantly buying something new, dare to invest in one well-made, well-fitting, versatile garment. Next, we’ll introduce five reliable wardrobe staples that make it easy to put together outfits for everyday life and work.
Five classic pieces for workwear
T-shirt - the cornerstone of workwear
A high-quality, comfortable, well-fitting t-shirt is a true wardrobe cornerstone. The perfect t-shirt is an everyday essential you can always rely on. Wear it on its own or layer it with other tops!
A high-quality t-shirt works with almost anything. A structured, well-cut tee pairs just as well with jeans, tailored trousers, a more relaxed skirt, or even a suit. It’s also an ideal choice for more casual workplaces. Many of our customers work in early childhood education, for example, and they often say that llong t-shirts and t-shirt dresses are perfect workwear because they stand up to heavy use and frequent washing.
Comfortable yet polished trousers for the whole workday
Did you know trousers can be both polished and comfortable at the same time? Work-appropriate trousers should look great and fit beautifully, without squeezing your waist or feeling restrictive—even if you’re sitting all day. When trying on trousers, remember to sit down and squat, so you can be sure you’re choosing the most comfortable size for you.
Building outfits around a good pair of tailored trousers is easy. For example, black wide-leg trousers can be styled with countless different tops and accessories—from shoes to bags. Plus, polished trousers work just as well for off-duty time, so you can head to dinner straight from the office without changing.
A fitted polo shirt as part of a work outfit
A polo shirt is a great, slightly more polished option for workwear. At its best, a turtleneck is so comfortable you barely notice you’re wearing it. In a well-fitting style, the collar won’t feel tight or restrictive—but it won’t hang shapelessly either.
Just like a T-shirt, a turtleneck works beautifully on its own or layered under other tops. The high neckline looks especially elegant with a blazer, or under a V-neck sweater or cardigan.
Classic black dress for the office
Dresses are a great alternative to a two-piece work outfit. They’re especially well suited to office settings and other polished indoor work environments. For example, a classic little black dress paired with quality tights instantly creates a neat, professional look. Choose the fit and hem length based on what makes you feel most comfortable and confident.
A black dress dress is always a safe choice, and you can easily adjust how office-appropriate it feels with your shoes and accessories. Add a touch of playfulness to black with a colourful scarf, paired with matching shoes and a bag.
A quality merino wool sweater for chilly offices
A warm knit is often essential in cool office spaces—usually year-round. Choose natural fibres that provide warmth while still allowing your skin to breathe. A sweater made from high-quality material will also last for years and won’t start pilling after just a few wears. A timeless classic knit is easy to throw on over almost any outfit—or simply drape over your shoulders for extra warmth.
Next steps: how to avoid outfit dilemmas
Do you already have these five trusted wardrobe staples? If not, no worries. You can build a functional wardrobe at your own pace—the key is to make thoughtful choices instead of constantly buying something new on a whim.
Add more colour and pattern
Pair your wardrobe staples with bold colours and patterns if they feel like you. If you’re hesitant about colour, figuring out your seasonal color palette can help you find shades that suit you best. It’s also often easiest to start by combining colours and prints with black, white, or other neutral tones.
Don’t forget accessories
An outfit built from classic pieces can sometimes feel a bit plain—or like the items don’t quite come together. That’s where accessories help tie everything into a cohesive look. Often it’s enough to choose two accessories in a similar tone, such as shoes and a belt, or a bag and a scarf. Sometimes a considered hairstyle and makeup can be all you need, too.
Plan and photograph ready-made outfits
Try on different outfit combinations and save photos of the ones that work well. That way, you’ll have a few proven go-to looks ready, and you won’t need to start from scratch again and again—or rely only on memory and guesswork. If mornings are a struggle, you can also choose your work outfit the night before, leaving more time for everything else in the morning.
Read also:
Capsule wardrobe: how to put it together
