What to wear to work now

It’s 6.27am. After sleeping through the alarm and running around the shower at Olympic pace, you’re pulling clothes out of your wardrobe in a state of blind panic.

Sound familiar? Now's the time to simplify your wardrobe (and streamline your morning routine) with a focus on a high-achieving, low-maintenance workwear wardrobe, that works as hard as you do.

Because the best office outfit ideas won't just look great, but they'll impact the way you feel about yourself for the rest of the day too. 

A trouser suit in a shade you love is workwear gold. Not least because it requires minimum effort (pull it on over a white t-shirt and you’re good to go), but because it works perfectly when worn as separates too. A jacket teamed with black trousers or jeans (depending on your office dress code) is a legitimate laid-back look. To find a suit that works harder, pay close attention to fit – and choose a colour option that you won’t tire of in a hurry.

Once reserved for weddings and lunch with your aunt, in 2024 the long-sleeve dress is the modern woman’s secret weapon. Notably, because you can wear one pretty much anywhere without raising eyebrows. The perfect desk-to-dinner solution, a well-chosen dress looks as good with classic white trainers as it does with a pair of velvet sandals. To maximise value per wear, opt for a length that falls below the knee and avoid narrow cuts. For variation, layer your dress of choice with a neat crew neck sweater. Because yes, pretty can also feel empowering.

Action-packed schedules and a demand for clothes that feel relevant beyond the realms of the office mean that a smart but effortless aesthetic is the workwear sweet spot. A pair of trousers with a relaxed fit are key to achieving this. Seek out classic shades and durable fabrics created to last. 

Answering our call for clothes that are as sustainable as they are stylish, the finest purchases are – undoubtedly – the most considered ones. But that doesn't always mean making the 'sensible' choice. Indulge your creative side with en Vogue colour choices and silhouettes that will fit in with your weekend plans too. A pleated skirt is always a good idea. Wear it to the office with a blazer and silk shirt, then – when Saturday comes, add a t-shirt and trainers.  

If fuss-free mornings are your goal, simplicity is everything. This means finding the workwear classics that suit and sticking to them. Introducing earrings will add interest to this base layer. Invest in a selection of styles and rotate, according to your mood. 

A crisp white shirt will never go out of style, but but a fluid silk option can be a better solution for work days. Opt for neutral colourways or subtle prints so that you can wear it with plenty of pieces that you already own. 

Trainers are no longer an office wear taboo, but that doesn’t mean wearing your workout kit to meetings. A pair of unbranded white sneakers are your safest, most versatile option. Wear them with trouser suits and printed dresses for an effortless edge. The right sandals can be equally versatile. For commuters, a chunky sole is a smart move as are leather styles that are built to last.