27 Work Outfit Ideas
Colin Dempsey
Table of Contents
It doesn’t matter whether you’re starting a new job, trying to charm a co-worker, or want to emulate Mindy Kaling’s character from The Office, dressing for success is crucial in the workplace.
However, it can be difficult to come up with work outfit ideas without proper inspiration. That’s why I’ll be giving you some tips and tricks to help you put together your own workplace looks that’ll charm your colleagues.
What Makes Up A Work Outfit?
Most of the trendy work outfit ideas are pretty tame. They usually include items like:
- Pantsuits
- Slacks
- Chinos
- Chelsea boots
- Button-up shirts
Combining these items effectively is the key to building a great set of work outfit ideas. In reality, you don’t need a whole bunch of different items to develop a deep closet. Instead, focus on collecting a few great pieces that all work well together.
What Are Some Popular Work Outfit Ideas?
Which work outfit ideas are popular in your field will depend on your job. For instance, what’s popular for servers will most likely not be commonly worn among janitors.
Given that, here’s a list of fairly generic yet popular work outfit ideas that you can find in workplaces without set uniforms.
- A long skirt and a button-up shirt
- A blazer and some cool wool pants
- A shirt, a colorful tie, and a pair of dark blue chinos
27 Work Outfit Ideas
#1:
First up on my work outfit ideas list is a solid choice for making a strong first impression. It’s classy yet business casual. The high-waisted black pants keep this outfit professional while the loose white top injects a bit of fun into the look.
Plus, this is a great first day of work outfit because it can communicate that you’re ready to work hard but that effort doesn’t come at the cost of style. You may also get bonus points for matching your shoes and bag as this model did.
#2:
The next entry on this list of work outfit ideas combines boyfriend jeans and a blazer, which may seem like an odd pairing at first, but their mismatched style works shockingly well.
And the outfit isn’t actually that bold. The main pieces feature neutral colors and even the blazer has a modest pattern.
If you want a work dinner outfit then refer to this ensemble for inspiration. Removing the blazer quickly turns this fit into a chic look that’s a benign choice for after-hours drinks.
#3:
This is the first men’s work outfit idea, but women can follow this framework just as well. The intelligent use of layers can give you an extremely put–together appearance that shows off your sense of style.
Of course, with layers comes warmth, meaning that this is a fantastic winter work outfit. The scarf and the peacoat should keep you warm throughout your commute.
The key to pulling this ensemble off is matching the colors together. Plus, work outfit ideas such as this function best when you sport neutral tones since they won’t clash with each other.
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Fashion Tips To Avoid With Work Outfits
Fashion and company dress codes must work hand in hand—meaning that your work outfit ideas have to comply with what’s acceptable at your workplace.
Since I don’t actually know where you work, of course, here are a few generic things to avoid when building a work ensemble.
- Don’t push the envelope on the company dress code. Sometimes your job is more important than your style.
- Don’t bust out your fanciest shoes when it’s not called for.
- Don’t forget ways you can express yourself subtly. Accessories, hairstyles, and bags are great items to help you showcase your unique sense of style.
Best Places To Buy Work Outfits
To find the best work outfit ideas, I recommend shopping at large department stores like Nordstrom or Winners. These locations usually carry brands that meet most workplaces’ clothing regulations without sacrificing personal style.
Final Thoughts
Work outfits don’t need to stand out or shout “Hey! I’m happy to be here!” Usually, the best work ensembles are a bit classier, a bit more subtle, and definitely comfortable enough for you to spend hours in.
Looking for more outfit ideas? We’ve got you covered:
