7 Easy Work Outfits To Try If You’re Out Of Ideas

For when you're all out of ideas.

workwear outfits

by Julia Harvey |
Updated on

It’s easy to look at your wardrobe and feel fatigued by the mere thought of fathoming new work outfits. After all, it’s far too easy to reach for the failsafe (albeit often rather dull) combination of black trousers and a blouse. These days, there are less firm and fast rules around what’s inappropriate in the office. Bikinis and ballgowns are still off the table, but outfit ideas containing jeans and cosy knits have infiltrated this once suited and booted space.

That said, there is still quite the divide on how 'dressed up' you need to be in the office and with hybrid working alive and well for many of us - it's important to mark a distinction between WFH outfits and IRL office attire. Of course, some jobs will require a more practical approach but if you're simply after a few work outfits to get you through the week - you've come to the right place.

So, from matching cardi-jumper combos, to pleated skirts and even office-friendly denim - here are 7 easy outfit ideas to try now...

1. A Matching Cardigan + Jumper

Knitwear but make it smart - a matching cardigan and sweater is one of the most easy peasy work outfits that is just as comfy as it looks. Wear with tailored trousers and smart shoes (opt for a monk strap or loafer) and you're good to go.

workwear outfits
Paris Fashion Week ©Getty

Description

The new two-piece on the block? A neat knitted cardigan and crew neck combo.

Description

Consider navy for an update to grey, cream or black.

COS trousers workwear outfits
Price: £115

www.cos.com

Description

These pleat front trousers are a wardrobe staple, wear with boots or brogues in the winter or

Description

It's not just boots for winter, try a conker brown monk-strap loafer for a 2023 take.

2. Opt For The Classics

It may sound obvious, but a great blazer will instantly ensure your work outfits are office friendly. Then stick to the classics, a pair of grey trousers, a crisp white shirt and low block heels that you'll be able to wear all day are the building blocks of great work outfits.

workwear outfits
<meta charset="utf-8">Paris Fashion Week ©Getty

uniqlo shirt workwear outfits
Price: £29.90

www.uniqlo.com

Description

Try a rayon white shirt instead of stiff cotton for a shirt that drapes beautifully.

Description

Low heel court shoes are big this season, plus a low heel height means you'll be able to wear all

H&M trousers workwear outfits
Price: £32.99

www2.hm.com

Description

These H&M trousers have nailed the flattering fit with the perfect pleat front and wide leg pairing.

3. Upgrade Your Knitwear

Behold the power of a knit dress, aka a seriously chic way to do work outfits. Opt for loose fitting maxi lengths that will look super chic and require minimal effort when getting ready in a rush. Wear with leather flats and neat jewellery to finish everything off.

workwear outfits cardigan
<meta charset="utf-8">Paris Fashion Week ©Getty

Description

A sweater dress{href='https://graziadaily.co.uk/fashion/shopping/best-jumper-dresses/'

Description

Buy once, wear forever!

mango ballet flats workwear outfits
Price: £45.99

shop.mango.com

Description

Embrace the [ballet flat

4. A Roll Neck + Pleated Skirt

A pleated skirt is a must have for this season when it comes to work outfits. It's a smart silhouette that will always look neat as pin and boardroom ready. Add some colour with a bright roll neck. In colder months, wear with long knee-high boots for extra warmth for your commute.

workwear outfits
<meta charset="utf-8">Paris Fashion Week ©Getty

Description

Consider sunset shades of red, orange or pink to bring a little joy to the boardroom, a neat

zara skirt workwear outfits
Price: £79.99

www.zara.com

Description

If you're bored of trousers, a pleated skirt makes a perfect office-appropriate alternative.

Description

Smarten up any outfit with long leather boots, preferably these M&S conker brown knee-high boots.

5. Consider Smart Double Denim

If your office is denim friendly, then lean into it! Double denim is an easy win when time is tight in the morning - switch out your usual jeans for a denim maxi skirt and denim shirt combo to keep things looking smart.

workwear outfits
<meta charset="utf-8">Paris Fashion Week ©Getty

Description

Thought denim wasn't office-wear? Think again. Pair a neat denim shirt with a denim pencil skirt

aligne denim skirt workwear outfits
Price: £99

aligne.co

Description

Indigo denim always looks smart, we love this neat midi skirt from Aligne which can easily be

Description

Heels you can wear all day? Yes please. The slingback is the style of the season, you'll wear on

6. A Statement Suit

If you want to turn heads for all the right reasons, try a suit that's extra snappy. Buyer Tiffany Hsu had an excellent tailoring moment at Milan Fashion Week, where she wore an apple green two-piece. Whatever your hue of choice, make sure it packs a punch.

Tiffany Hsu
Tiffany Hsu ©Getty

Description

Jigsaw's chartreuse take on the green suit trend is particularly appealing at this time of year

Description

Jigsaw's matching trousers sit high on the waist and pool ever-so-slightly at the ankle to

Description

Hsu wore her snappy green suit with a shirt in a contrasting shade - a style trick that it's

7. Wear Head-To-Toe Black

It might be a cliché but wearing head-to-toe black really is a shortcut to looking polished. Just ask influencer Ellie Delphine, who wore this brilliant blanket coat and capri trousers combo in Paris, adding a fabulous pair of pointed flats to complete the chic outfit story.

Ellie Delphine
Ellie Delphine ©Getty

Description

Toteme's sell-out blanket coat with contrast stitching is now available in black, which is sure to

Description

You could style your coat and slightly cropped trousers with a sleek pointed pump but it would

Just so you know, whilst we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this website, we never allow this to influence product selections - read why you should trust us