14 Casual Work Outfits To Solve All Workwear Woes

Let's face it - no one loves having to think about what to wear the next day. If you say you do, you're either a liar or you might have already perfected your personal capsule wardrobe. But the rest of us, well, we do occasionally struggle. Things would be a bit easier if we only had to get dressed to go to the pub around the corner (or, would it?) but having to get dressed to go to work - and not knowing what to wear due to the lack of strict dress codes and the occasional wfh day - poses a whole other conundrum, stressful enough to ruin our mojo for the rest of the day. It's a dilemma that fashion editors have been interrogating since the beginning of time, and there seems to be a solution alleviating the stress of having to look the part whilst also feeling comfortable. World, reacquaint yourself with smart casual dressing.

How To Dress Smart Casual In The Workplace?

Once you get the hang of it, you'll see that simultaneously dressing in a smart and a casual way in the workplace is a simple exercise of pairing your wardrobe workhorses with a few polished pieces to dial up the comfort into something a tad more C-suite. For example: denim works but only if you wear it with smart heels. Your favourite white T-shirt is perfectly office appropriate if worn with a blazer. It's about striking a high-low balance, but never going too low. Working from home days have severely blurred the lines between what's appropriate to wear to the office and what isn't (hello, fellow gym gear Zoom-ers), but let the following outfit formulas inspire you to make your wardrobe work harder for you, at your desk as much as on your way to the afterwork drinks.

1. Canadian Tuxedo + Heels

Take your Canadian tuxedo to the boardroom meeting with the simple addition of a pair of heels. Also of note: make sure the denim separates are the same wash for a slick look.

2. Shirt + Statement Skirt

Whether you wish to wear your favourite holiday skirt (sorry, but we draw the line at the beach sarong) or have scored a new vintage find, match your look-at-me-skirt with a crisp, oversized shirt for a high-low appeal, apt for the office.

3. Grey Top + Grey Trousers

Going gaga for tonal get-ups? Opting for a grey co-ord will see you through any afternoon meeting. Finish the look off with gold jewellery and ballet flats.

4. Blazer + Capri Pants

Shorts? To The Office? The return of the capri pants makes that a possibility this summer. But, and this is a big but, everything else has to scream 'corporate' for the pedal pushers to be deemed workplace-friendly.

5. Wide-Leg Trousers + Sandals

Sandals are not reserved for ooo days only. Wear them with long trousers and a fresh pedicure for a sophisticated feel.

6. Twin-Set + Smart Skirt

Break up the seriousness of a pencil skirt with the fun-factor of some character knit pieces.

7. Maxi Dress + Trench Coat

This is a true throw-on-and-go solution to getting dressed. But don't mistake its simplicity for a lack of effort. This is the smart answer to getting dressed when you don't have time to waste in the mornings.

8. Suit + Basic T-Shirt

For a relaxed but put-together appeal, wear your tailoring with a box-fresh white tee.

9. Sundress + Cardigan

And how to turn your favourite sundress into office attire? By dressing it up with a cardigan (or jumper) in the same colour.

10. Blazer + Jeans

Blazer and jeans are a chic way to bring your sturdy legwear into the boardroom. Opt for smart footwear. and elegant accessories.

11. Dress Shirt + Skirt

A smart shirt will elevate most outfits. Tuck it into a denim or a maxi skirt for instant CEO energy.

12. Button-Down + Bermudas

Now we're on the home straight to summer, a smart pair of almost knee-high shorts or 'jorts' will pass muster in most office environments.

13. Tracksuit Top + Pencil Skirt

A tracksuit top can look whip smart in an office setting if styled with a sharp pencil skirt and patent slingback heels.

14. Tank Top + Tailored Trousers

At the height of heatwave season, a sleek white tank will become a cornerstone of your casual work capsule, especially if styled with tailored slacks.

Henrik Lischke is the Senior Fashion Features Editor at Grazia. A first-class honours Fashion Journalism graduate from UAL: London College of fashion, Henrik is invariably on the lookout for the newest talent in fashion, that is driving the industry forward, and shining the spotlight on them whenever possible. He’s also got a passion for interior design and the arts.