Back to the office in style.
Words by Kerry Pieri
Whether you’re back to the office or barely left, a new season is always a great time for a workwear refresh. “My definition of modern workwear dressing is versatile, flexible pieces that a woman who is always on the go can wear effortlessly, whether she’s heading from the office to dinner or from a workout to lunch,” designer Nili Lotan explains.
The trick is buying all the elements you’ll turn to over and over again to build new looks every day that never feel repetitive. Jackets are a great place to start. For Lotan, the trench is a mainstay. “The classic trench is a powerful wardrobe staple that is always available in my collections in a variety of colors and looks chic paired with the Celia Jean or any of my NL Classic pants,” she explains.
Below, women also leverage the oversized blazer and jacket dress. You can also invest in coordinating suiting that can be worn together or separately. And when in doubt, pick up pieces that are styled just as easily on your downtime—like leather trousers and white pants. See 10 looks that will inspire your nine-to-five wardrobe and shop the key pieces.
Sweater Dress and Boots
Edward Berthelot / Getty Images
There’s hardly an easier winter pairing than a knit dress and knee-high boots—we love the idea in neutral shades, but black or gray works just as well.
Piece of White
Estelle Sleeveless Turtleneck Sweater Dress
SHOP AT BERGDORF GOODMANA beautiful cashmere dress is forever.
Neil J. Rodgers
Meg Knee Boot
SHOP AT NEILJRODGERS.COMWe love a slouchy suede boot.
Casual Cool Layers
Stephane Allaman / ALeA / Getty Images
Ashley Olsen proves you can look cool at work. Lean into great black pieces like unexpected color button-downs and, yes, even a hat.
Lack of Color
The Mirage in Teak
SHOP AT LACKOFCOLOR.COMSometimes a day just calls for a hat.
Almina Concept
Oversized Button Up Shirt
SHOP AT ALMINA-CONCEPT.COMA noir twist on a classic.
Three-Piece Suit
Edward Berthelot / Getty Images
This Parisian stylist proves nothing is more impactful than a three-piece suit—just add loafers.
BOUGUESSA
Lilian twill blazer
Now 40% off
BOUGUESSA
Manel twill vest
Now 30% off
BOUGUESSA
Lilian pleated slim-leg twill pants
Now 40% off
The Row
Leather Loafers
SHOP AT MYTHERESAJust add white socks on the weekend.
Pleated Skirts and Printed Scarves
This look is so completely timeless—just keep all the elements on standby. They include but are not limited to pleated midi skirts, classic printed silk scarves, pumps, day bags, turtlenecks, and chain necklaces.
Totême
Embroidered Monogram Silk Scarf
SHOP AT MODA OPERANDIDouble this as a headscarf for brunch.
Altuzarra
Rozey Pleated Midi Skirt
SHOP AT MODA OPERANDIThis skirt is so special you’ll want to save it for date night too.
Elleme
Elleme Mini Envelope Crossbody Bag
SHOP AT FARFETCHA little red bag can brighten any winter day.
British Schoolgirl Chic
Claudio Lavenia / Getty Images
Elsa Hosk manages to make a skirt suit and plaid coat feel all grown up, and we love the idea of wearing this to work all winter—but maybe swap in some wool tights.
Martin Grant
Double-Breasted Wool-Blend Coat
SHOP AT MODA OPERANDIA statement coat will take you miles.
Thom Browne
4-Bar pleated Mini Skirt
SHOP AT FARFETCHThis can look super smart with a cashmere turtleneck as well.
Jimmy Choo
Cora Leather Combat Boots
SHOP AT MYTHERESACombat boots work in the boardroom too. Trust.
Slouchy Suiting
A great slouchy suit brings that insouciance you’re looking for in a work wardrobe—it’s pulled together but not too serious. Top it all off with a perfect trench coat.
Nili Lotan
Tanner Trench Coat
SHOP AT NILILOTAN.COMFor warmer winter days.
Chloé
Nahir Small Leather Shoulder Bag
SHOP AT MYTHERESANot all workbags need to fit a laptop.
Winter-White Tailoring
Christian Vierig / Getty Images
Try swapping out your classic black slacks for a high-rise white pair to give your work uniform a refresh. A camel coat is the ideal pairing.
Reformation
Downing Coat
SHOP AT THE REFORMATIONAre you okay if you don’t have a great camel coat yet?
AGOLDE
90s Pinch Waist Jean
SHOP AT REVOLVEWhite jeans can be dressed up for the office with the right counterparts.
Janessa Leoné
Belt 07
SHOP AT JANESSALEONE.COMYou’ll end up integrating this belt daily.
Double Leather
Edward Berthelot / Getty Images
Layering your leather pieces feels pulled together and smart. Accessorize with tough boots and just see if anyone at work disagrees with you.
Helmut Lang
Gathered Faux-Leather T-Shirt
SHOP AT FARFETCHThere’s just an innate strength to black leather.
Altuzarra
Tullius Pleated Faux Leather Midi Skirt
SHOP AT MODA OPERANDIA skirt to take over the company in.
GANNI
Leather Knee-High Boots
SHOP AT MYTHERESAStomp around like you mean it.
Double Breasted Is Best
Neil Mockford / Ricky Vigil M / Getty Images
A double-breasted coat layered over black separates, worn with a bougie bag, is a winning work combo.
COS
Slim-Fit Merino Wool Turtleneck Top
SHOP AT COS.COMThis tissue-thin turtleneck is an ideal layering piece.
Vince
Wool-Blend Coat
SHOP AT MYTHERESAThis one is for the forever archives.
Margaux Leather Tote
SHOP AT MYTHERESAA good investment is for life.
The Tux Coat
Raymond Hall / Getty Images
Clearly, we’re feeling all black for winter, but a great long tux coat can look equally chic over khaki trousers with a white button-down too.
Saint Art
Toby Tuxedo Overcoat
SHOP AT SAINTARTNEWYORK.COMWe love the versatility of this jacket.
Khaite
Osa Medium Leather Tote
SHOP AT MYTHERESAThis one does fit a laptop, and it looks good doing so.
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This story originally appeared in harpersbazaar.com
