Ever since I started sharing my daily work outfits and outfit breakdown I have been getting DMs asking for more workwear outfit tips and inspiration, so I created the ultimate workwear outfit guide, breaking down dress codes, outfit formulas, and links to closet basics with an easy checklist printable. Now that I am well into my career, I’ve really found a sweet spot for what works in the office and what doesn’t.
Before we can dive into the outfits let’s start with the dress codes though. I find that dress codes are often misconstrued in the workplace. Each office is different so it’s really important to know your office culture and what is important and what isn’t. A good starting point would be to take a look at what your female leaders are wearing. Remember, dress for the job you want not the job you have!
I have also shared some go-to workwear outfit formulas with photo examples that help me when I am in a rut. Some of these pieces I’ve had for 5+ years so this is just a guide, you don’t have to have these exact items in order to replicate the look.
Workwear Outfit Guide
Before we get into dress codes, there are two rules to consider for shoes and fit.
In all work settings, I am a stickler on closed-toed shoes in the office. I believe there is no work setting where it would be appropriate to wear flip-flops or even flat sandals. I think it instantly makes the look more casual and you definitely don’t want to be that annoying coworker who flops around the office. On the opposite end, with heels consider the height also important I would say no more than 2.5-3 inches is appropriate. You should not be wearing the same heels you wear to the club that you do to your cubicle.
Additionally, it is really important to take fit into consideration when dressing work. Think through the length of your dress, how tight it is, how much cleavage is showing. These are all important factors for the work environment.
Casual:
Casual dress codes is definitely the most lenient of all the dress codes and allows you to wear informal, but still, professional clothes to work. A typical look in this dress code would be nice jeans and a casual, but appropriate top. I like to style my casual looks with colorful accessories but keep it professional by ensuring my outfit is modest and structured.
I most commonly wear casual outfits on Fridays but I have been in previous work environments where casual dress was very much accepted every day of the week.
Outfit Formulas and Examples:
Simple Blouse + White Jeans + Printed/Bold Shoe (Closed toe with slight heel)
Dark Jeans + Button Down + Loafers + Fun Accessory
Chambray Button-Down + Colored Chinos + Loafers
Business Casual/Smart Casual:
Business casual dress code is a blend of traditional businesswear with a more relaxed style. A typical look in this dress code would be a dressier top with dark denim or relaxed denim with a blazer. I also like to consider shoes with business casual and maybe opt for heels and a button-down with jeans, or dress pants and a button-down with the perfectly-rolled sleeves.
Outfit Formulas and Examples:
White Button Down + Midi Skirt + Simple Flats
Colored Blazer + Solid Tank + Dark Jeans + Heels
Black Blouse + Dark Jeans + Leopard Mules
Printed Blazer + White Tshirt + Relaxed Jeans + Loafers/Mules
Button-Down + Jeans + Mules
Knit Blazer and Pants Matching Set + White Tee + Loafers
(The fabric puts this in the Business Casual category)
Business Professional:
Business professional dress codes tend to be more conservative than a casual dress code without requiring you to wear a full suit. A typical look in this dress code would be dress pants and a jacket (though they don’t necessarily have to match). In this dress code, pay more attention to fabrics and minimize casual fabrics like cotton, linen, and tweed whenever possible. I like to execute business professional with a cohesive pant/jacket combination and strictly professional fabrics. I actually tend to wear Business Professional the most followed by Business Casual
Outfit Formulas and Examples:
Dress Pants + Blouse + Heels
Black Dress Pants + Button Down + Heels
Shirt Dress + Flats
Printed Blouse + Solid Dress Pants (Complimenting the print) + Nude Heels
Black and White Blouse + Colored Dress Pants + Nude Heels
Solid Blouse + White Dress Pants + Heels
Dress Pants + Tank Blouse + Cardigan + Heels or Mules
Business Formal:
Business Formal is going to be the most professional for formal of the business dress codes. I would say this is probably the least common type nowadays unless you are a lawyer or have another highly professional career. This would be a full suit or professional dress with a jacket and heels.
Outfit Formulas and Examples:
Blazer + Dress Pants + Sweater Shell + Heels
Black Dress Pants + Black Blazer + Traditional Blouse + Heels
Workwear Closet Staples
It’s really important to have a good base in order to make getting dressed for work easy. It also allows you to mix and match all of your staples and slowly add in bolder pieces to your wardrobe because you have good basics.
Below is a list of basics every girl should have in their wardrobe, including an easy printable, along with some links to my favorites.
Click here for the easy workwear closet basics download!
Tops
White Button Down
Chambray Button Down
White T-shirt
Navy or Black T-Shirt
Layering Tank(s)
Jackets
Neutral Blazer
Printed or Bold Blazer
Neutral Cardigan(s)
Bottoms
Black Dress Pants
Navy Dress Pants
Colored Pair of Dress Pants
Dark Denim
Purses
Tote
Backpack
Shoes
Cheetah mules or loafers
Leather Loafers
Neutral flats
Nude Heels
Phew, that was a lot, but I hope it was so helpful and gives you some inspiration on making your work outfits easier!
Check out some other helpful workwear posts:
What to wear to an interview – Part 1
What to wear to an interview – Part 2
And check out @whatimactuallywearing on Instagram for a daily outfit diary of what I’m actually wearing that day!
I love this post! It was perfect! I like seeing different options for work that aren’t black slacks, it’s okay to have some fun with work wear but still being professional and showing who you are!
Always looking to refresh my style. Love the mixes of today’s fashion ….
Thank you for sharing your light with joy!
Lived and worked in Houston ’81-’96, had it going on!!!