Back to Work Outfit Ideas

August 25, 2021

MM.LaFleur Hooded Jardigan Review I wit & whimsy

By “Back to Work Outfits” I really mean “Back to Office Outfits” because lord knows we have all been working hard throughout the pandemic despite a lot of us no longer going into offices or co-working spaces. But I know a lot of people who are being called back to the office soon and I’ve started getting a lot of messages about what to wear.

Of course everyone’s work situation is different – especially when it comes to what to wear. Even pre-pandemic! Personally, my job affords me the opportunity to rarely be very formal (I don’t own any suits!) so this post is meant to inspire some more business casual looks and I’ve also curated some pieces to shop that I think will translate well to more formal office environments.

Whether you’re going back to the office following the pandemic, have been on leave or are just looking for some inspiration when it comes to getting dressed for an office and for meetings, I hope you’ll find this post helpful.

Times have certainly changed after so much working from home for many of us and I for one am hoping work environments become less rigid with formal dress codes overall (I truly never need to wear another pencil skirt or suit personally!) But, that being said, I think there are ways to build a work wardrobe of quality pieces that give you both confidence and comfort. We all know that when you love what you’re wearing, your best outfits can make you feel your best and often incite additional productivity.

Back To Work Outfits

MM.LaFleur Jardigan Review I wit & whimsy

Wrap Cardigan with Black Pants

This wrap cardigan comes in such a cool fabric that’s stretchy without looking dowdy. It’s comfortable yet chic.

Everlane Kick Flare Jeans I wit & whimsy

Laid Black Blazer with Kick Flare Jeans and Mules

I love a dark wash jean as they always look dressier than blue jeans. Pair a cool, on-trend jean style like the kick flare with some mules and a t-shirt and blazer in a more casual fabric for something that says business casual but stylish.

Spring Work Wear Edit I wit & whimsy

Dress Pants

There are so many good dress pants now that look formal but are actually more comfortable thanks to more innovative fabrics and styles that are elastic waists but don’t look it! I included the best ones I found below in a shoppable widget. You’ll get to feel comfortable but look entirely meeting-ready.

Black Pants Three Ways I wit & whimsy

Black Pants and a Tweed Blazer

I love a tweed blazer that adds some interest to an outfit that is otherwise a bit more muted and formal.

J.Crew Ruffleneck Sweater I wit & whimsy

The Plaid Blazer with Jeans and Ballet Flats

French-inspired style that perfectly translates for the office.

Fall Dresses I wit & whimsy

Midi Dress with Booties

I love a midi dress with booties for transitional Fall weather. It’s dressed up without being overly dressy. To go from your desk to drinks or dinner, top this look with a cool leather jacket.

Easy Fall Style I wit & whimsy

Casual Fridays with a Utility Jacket

Do you have a dress code through the week but then get casual Fridays? Try pairing a utility jacket with jeans and a favorite shoe.

J.Crew Ella Sweater Blazer

The Sweater Coat

Keep a sweater coat or a sweater blazer at your desk for warmth but also layer it with skinny jeans and a favorite sweater or tee and a dressier slingback for a casual yet tied-together look.

Sarah Flint Natalie Flat in Navy I wit & whimsy

Boyfriend Jacket with Classic Flats

An oversized boyfriend jacket in plaid or tweed can be worn a myriad of ways but with a classic pair of feminine flats and jeans is my personal favorite. Easily sub out the jeans for a pair of dress pants!

Business Casual Outfit I wit & whimsy

Blazer with Jeans and Pumps

This is my go-to office wear outfit. I wear it to 99% of meetings because I feel great in it (thank you high waisted jeans!), the pumps are comfortable and a wool blazer says “meeting ready” while still being very much my style.

How to Wear a Blazer Casually

Monochromatic Moment

I love dressing in monochromatic shades and think this look is perfect for more casual offices. White sneakers make this look a little sporty but still not overly casual.

Everlane Drape Trench I wit & whimsy

Mom Jeans with a Kitten Heel

I love pairing straight leg, “mom jeans” with kitten heels to elongate my shape. Top the look with a stylish trench coat.

The Better Habits I'm Practicing This Year I wit & whimsy

Cardigan with Jeans and Sneakers

Perfect for casual environments, you can’t go wrong with this work uniform. Check out these cozy cardigans.

Everlane Boots and Blazers I wit & whimsy

Blazer with Boots

A go-to look for me from late Fall into Winter is pairing a sleek bootie with skinny jeans and an oversized wool blazer. This look never fails me!

Everlane Texture Knit Cardigan 2 Ways I wit & whimsy

Cardigan, Jeans and Loafers

Put together, casual and with a timeless shoe – this is how I would style your favorite cardigan for back to the office. You could easily sub the jeans out for a skinny black pant.

Blazer + Ponte Pants I wit & whimsy

Leggings and an Oversized Blazer

If you want to make leggings for the office work – go with a pair that has some real shape and thickness to the fabric so they don’t come off as athletic wear. And be sure to cover your bum with a longer cardigan, sweater blazer or oversized boyfriend blazer as I did here.

Shop My Work Wardrobe

I own everything here & love them



 

More Back to Work Outfit Pieces to Shop




 

 

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comments +

  1. Jessica Camerata says:

    So many great fall outfit ideas! I need to start getting dressed more just to sit at home. I am officially hitting my wall with loungewear. I just feel like a mess always. And taking a mental note of that midi dress with ankle booties. Love that!

    xo Jessica
    an indigo day

  2. Adrien says:

    I just love your “outfit ideas” posts! Most other bloggers will post maybe 3 outfits with links to a couple of items, but yours are always so thorough with many many ideas and so many current links to items. I also love how you have examples of similar outfits worn by you – it’s so helpful! PS – LOVE the fall wardrobe staples pdf and how easy it is to shop the items at different price points!

    • Meghan says:

      These posts take SO long to put together so thank you so much for taking the time to tell me you like it!! And so glad you liked the PDF!

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