Dress to impress: Women’s work outfit ideas
Whether you’re looking for a new wardrobe to match your new role or you simply want to shake up your 9-to-5 style, you’re in the right place. ‘Cause when it comes to work outfit ideas, we mean business.
Keep scrolling and you’ll see a whole host of work-worthy looks – for all four seasons, no less – featuring smart suit jackets, versatile dresses, and mix-and-match essentials that make dressing for the workplace (almost) as fun as the weekend. And the best part? You can snap up your fave styles and still have cash to spare for that post-work pick-me-up – yep, everything’s up to 60% less than the RRP. What a bonus!
Classic workwear essentials
Let’s start at the very beginning (it’s a very good place to start, la la la!) ... when it comes to work clothes ideas, you should always consider the foundations first. What are these? The three core essentials of any workwear outfit: blazers, shirts and bottoms (either trousers or skirts). Whether you work in retail or run a reception area, these essential pieces are central to so many work clothes ideas – and are a must for your professional wardrobe.
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Blazers
A tailored blazer instantly elevates any outfit (especially if it's from a label you love). Take your pick from our selection of big-brand blazers and wear it over blouses, dresses or even a basic tee for a pulled-together look.
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Shirts
Crisp, chic and a total classic, this versatile staple goes with everything from skirts to trousers. Whether you prefer button-downs or bow-tie details, we recommend choosing a shirt with a high-quality, non-sheer fabric for a professional finish.
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Trousers & skirts
Forget specific shapes, the best kind of trousers and skirts are ones that: (1) complement your body type, (2) mix and match with the rest of your work wardrobe, and (3) feel comfortable. Not-quite-right bottoms have no place in your rotation.
Casual workwear ideas
We’re all for a more informal dress code, but sometimes it can be more difficult to navigate. How casj is too casj? Are jeans okay? What about trainers? Never fear, we’re here to take away all your dressing dilemmas. To help you style your casual work wardrobe with confidence, we’ve pulled together four work outfit ideas that strike the perfect balance between relaxed and refined.
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Knitwear and trousers
Snug and smart *can* co-exist... just look at this work outfit idea. Pair a cosy knit with tailored trousers for a look that's equally polished and comfortable. Loafers or slip-on mules and minimalist jewellery will finish the 'fit perfectly.
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A shirt and jeans
For a modern take on business casual, wear a classic shirt with clean-cut jeans (high-waisted jeans in a dark wash look sleekest in our opinion). Fancy a lil' extra flair? Try sparkly flats and a French tuck or give double denim a go.
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A dress and blazer
This work outfit idea is a desk-to-dinner dream. Style an easy-breezy dress with an oversized blazer and colourful trainers for a look that's appropriate for both work and wine bars. Just add a squirt of perfume and a swipe of lipstick after you log off.
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A jumpsuit
A jumpsuit is one of those work clothes ideas that shouldn't be overlooked. We know stripping off in the loos isn't fun, but an all-in-one can be chic and effortless (especially when paired with boots). Plus, think of the time you'd save in a morning!
Seasonal workwear ideas
You don’t need to completely reinvent the wheel when the seasons change – gosh, who has the time or the money for that? – but you will want to make a few wardrobe tweaks. Follow our seasonal workwear ideas below and you’ll look (and feel) fiiine, whatever the weather.
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Summer workwear ideas
Linen shirts and lightweight dresses are your hot-weather BFFs along with breathable fabrics and those handheld fans that you can plug into your phone. Just remember to keep a jumper by your desk to beat the ice-cold breeze from the office aircon.
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Winter workwear ideas
‘Tis the season for lots of stylish layers. We’re sayin’ cosy jumpers and cardigans teamed with checked skirts, woolly tights and oh-so-chic coats. Also, make sure to pick out a sensible pair of boots (winter commutes are already tough enough...)
Accessories to elevate your workwear
Clothes are crucial, but accessories for work also go a long, long way. We’re not talkin’ about specific workwear accessories – although if you want to add some pizazz to your door pass, we’re not gonna stop you – we mean stylish finishing touches, perfect for the office *and* for when you’re off-duty. Here’s what you need to elevate your work clothes ideas...
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Bags
Whether you're juggling a laptop, books or just your daily essentials, our big-brand bags have got your back. Get your hands on totes-gorgeous totes, backpacks, crossbody bags and more right here at TK. Go on, bag yourself a winner!
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Belts
Belts are perfect for adding a little polish to your work outfit, plus they keep everything in place. For a classic finish, opt for a buckle-up leather belt in black or brown. Looking for a statement piece? A studded design is both smart and stylish.
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Watches
Everyone loves a prompt queen and a timeless watch – not literally timeless obviously, nobody likes a broken watch. Smooth leather styles always look smart and so do minimalist metal watches. Or you could go big with a little bit of bling...
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Shoes
Style your work wardrobe with confidence thanks to our shoe selection. Our fabulous footwear will keep you comfy from brainstorms to boardrooms – all without blowing your budget. So, bag some box-fresh styles and get ready to put your best foot forward.
Workwear: A capsule wardrobe
To help you create a workwear wardrobe that covers all bases, we've pulled together four top TK tips:
1. Establish your style and work environment
- Assess your workplace dress code: whether it’s business formal or creative casual, understanding the setting will help you pick the right pieces
- Define your style preferences: are you more classic, minimalist, or a mix? Knowing this will help you choose items that reflect your personal style within professional boundaries
2. Choose a cohesive colour palette
- For your base colours, we recommend sticking to neutrals like black, grey, navy and white as these tones are versatile and easy to coordinate
- Add a few accent colours like burgundy, olive green, or powder blue for some variety (these shouldn't overwhelm your capsule wardrobe)
- Subtle patterns like pinstripes or checks will add interest while staying professional, so aim to add a few patterned pieces in the mix
3. Limit trends and focus on timeless pieces
- Prioritise classic styles over trends to ensure that your workwear remains relevant over the years. However, feel free to include one or two trend-led items per season (like a fun shirt or snazzy skirt) to keep your capsule wardrobe feeling fresh
4. Plan out your outfit combinations
- Aim for each piece to work in three or more different combinations. For example, a pair of black trousers should go with multiple tops, knits and blazers to maximise versatility
- Consider snapping photos of your fave combinations or writing a list of them to help on busy mornings
Workwear for remote or hybrid roles
Since remote and hybrid roles became the norm, workwear shifted from being super structured to a beaut balance between comfort and professionalism (and we are eternally grateful!) As well as Zoom-ready tops – you know, those statement blouses that make you look like you've made the biggest effort, even though you're secretly wearing sleepwear on your bottom half – we can't recommend investing in luxe loungewear enough.