While many of us have been working from home for the past two years, there are a number of employers who are now calling their staff back to the office. And while the notion of picking up your daily commute and spending 8+ hours in a cubicle surrounded by other people might not exactly have you jumping for joy, there is at least one sure-fire advantage to working in the office: the prospect of breaking out our favorite office outfits again.
While you can 100 percent dress like a boss while working from home, there is undeniably something special about getting dressed for work when you’re actually physically, you know, going to work. Admit it: A small part of you misses picking out your outfit the night before and swapping wardrobe compliments around the break room coffee maker.
If you’re kissing your work-from-home routine goodbye, keep your chin up knowing that chicer looks are on the horizon. And don’t fret if you’ve forgotten what it’s like to dress for the office—we’ve got eight outfits to style with pieces you already own to get you started.
1. A knit top + leather pants
Leather (and faux leather) pants are having a moment and we’re here for the elevated vibe they bring to the office. Top them off with a knit top and sneakers for a look that’s both put-together for the office and comfortable enough to get you through the entire workday and commute home.
2. A dress + heels
We love wearing dresses to the office because they are an all-in-one solution. Perfect for when you hit snooze on your alarm once (or twice) and don’t have time to coordinate several wardrobe pieces while rushing out the door. Throw on a pair of heels for a look that’s feminine and timeless.
3. A trench coat + jeans
We’re so glad we live in an age where for many of us, it’s more than OK to wear jeans to the office. Add some polish to the look with a pair of classic loafers. Enduring a chilly commute? Trench coats are both practical and effortlessly chic.
4. A sweater + skirt + loafers
Dig out the skirts that have been hiding in the back of your closet and get ready to make them an office wardrobe staple. While your super-tiny skirts probably don’t have a place in the office, if you style them right, an above-knee one can be made office ready when paired with pieces that make it a little more professional (like a sweater and loafers). Bonus: A favorite sweater helps to fend off chilly weather (or office AC).
5. A pantsuit + heels
Channel your inner Leslie Knope and rock. that. pantsuit. The ultimate office getup, a classic pantsuit can help you feel invincible on those days you need some extra pep in your step to help get you through an important meeting or presentation. Make those steps even peppier with a chic pair of pumps.
6. A midi skirt + T-shirt
If your office errs on the more casual side, a midi skirt, T-shirt, and sneaker combo is a laid-back ‘fit that’s still office appropriate (especially when the weather warms up and you need to keep cool on your commute). Finish it with polished accessories, like your favorite gold hoops, to make it work-ready.
7. A trench coat + trousers + loafers
There’s no time to take advantage of your favorite trench like when you’re heading to the office, so we’re turning to ours as much as possible this year. Paired with black trousers and your favorite work top, it’s easy and professional enough to be considered your go-to uniform (and is professional enough for the days you have high-stakes meetings). You can opt for your favorite classic loafers to finish it off, or to make it a little bit cooler, a pair of chunkier ones instead.
8. Trousers + a button-up
We’ve already established that trousers are replacing our jeans this year, which means that those of us that have already picked up a pair or two can make use of them while heading to the office, too. With a white button-up and gold accessories, it’s a season-less look that can be taken advantage of year-round.