How To Put Together Feminine And Classy Outfits For Work
If your current workwear wardrobe is anything but inspiring, here’s your chance to update older pieces and silhouettes for a feminine office fit, no matter the season.
If there is a major contrast between what you wear to work and what you wear on the weekend, your closet doesn’t fully represent you. Since the pandemic, the business world has been rapidly changing and adapting to the new generations sitting in desk chairs, which means you often have a little more creative freedom in your wardrobe than you may have had before!
Whether you need a complete closet makeover or just a refresh, we’ve compiled a list of must-have pieces and easy outfit combinations for feminine and classy work outfits. Let’s get started!
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Key Pieces
Starting your wardrobe from scratch means you need to build your new outfits on a few everyday basics.
1. Well-Fitting Trousers
There is no excuse for baggy, ill-fitting pants in 2023, especially if you’re trying to build classy and feminine outfits. Whether you need to go up or down a size, it’s important to have pants that currently fit your body in a flattering way.
If you haven’t tried the Abercrombie Sloan Tailored Pant, this is your sign to add them to your cart immediately! With tons of colors, sizes/lengths, and even a curvy option, these are the perfect trousers for you.
For a less expensive option, try this pair from Princess Polly or a more lightweight fit from Old Navy!
Princess Polly Archer Pants, $65
Old Navy Extra High-Waisted Pleated Taylor Wide-Leg Linen-Blend Trouser Pants, $50
2. Beige Blazer
Blazers are a classic workwear staple, but can sometimes give politician vibes if not chosen correctly! A beige blazer is the perfect in-between for a classy, office-appropriate layer that taps into your femininity as well. Perfect for the neutral girlies, this is a staple you will want to wear in and out of the office.
Abercrombie Premium Linen Blazer, $160
Princess Polly Deagon Blazer, $78
3. White Button-Down Shirt
Another versatile and classic piece to include in your wardrobe is a simple white button-down. This top can be styled so many ways, and it is an easy lightweight layer you can wear year-round.
You’ll want to find one with a slightly oversized fit and a thick enough fabric that won’t be too sheer for the office. The Everlane Relaxed Linen Shirt is a perfect pick that will increase the longevity of your wardrobe as well.
Everlane Relaxed Linen Shirt, $88
4. Tee Bodysuit
This is a basic you’ll want to grab in a variety of colors! Easy to dress up for work or dress down on the weekends, these bodysuits are comfortable and flattering. Must-have colors include black, white, and gray, but you will probably want to add a few colorful options as well.
The Abercrombie Crew Bodysuit is buttery soft, universally flattering, and perfect for work. If you are tired of tucking and untucking your shirts, opt for this bodysuit in a range of colors instead.
Abercrombie Short Sleeve Cotton Seamless Fabric Crew Bodysuit, $45
5. Satin Midi Skirt
The bodycon pencil skirt is definitely one item we are leaving in the past… so swap it out for a luxurious silk midi skirt instead. This skirt offers a bit more coverage while maintaining a gorgeous, feminine look for the office. The Quince Washable Silk Skirt is available in a ton of pretty colors that will be easy to pair with the rest of your closet.
Quince 100% Washable Silk Skirt, $59
For maximum versatility, avoid bright colors or patterns when choosing the foundational skirts in your closet. If you need a little more detail or wow-factor, try the Everlane The City Stripe Midi Skirt, which has flattering pleats and draping.
Everlane The City Stripe Midi Skirt, $128
6. Cardigan
A few different styles and colors of cardigans will play a major role in a cute and feminine workwear closet. A knit cardigan with buttons is easy to wear on its own or over a bodysuit for added coverage, whereas an open cardigan can be chicly thrown over a blouse when the AC is blasting.
Banana Republic Factory Oversized Chunky Cardigan, $110
Reformation Elke Cotton Cardigan, $178
Quince Organic Cotton Oversized Cardigan, $50
7. Blouse
In the middle of the bodysuits, blazers, and sweaters now hanging in your closet, you need a few blouses that can be dressed up or down for work. Here is where your creativity and personal style can truly shine: choose patterns, colors, and feminine features you love in a blouse! All too many women reach for the standard (and slightly boring) striped blouse at the store, leaving you looking more like a referee than a classy businesswoman.
Choosing blouses in neutral tones is a great way to start, but don’t be afraid to add soft feminine colors like blue, pink, or yellow into your wardrobe, especially for the spring and summer. Here are a few of our favorites to inspire you!
Quince Washable Stretch Silk Tie Neck Blouse, $70
Abercrombie Short-Sleeve Cotton Sheer Peasant Top, $60
Reformation Weston Linen Top, $128
8. White Sneakers
You probably already have a few pairs of flats or heels in your closet. But, believe it or not, a classic white sneaker is acceptable in most office or business settings. As long as your sneakers are clean and professional (this is not the time to pull out your Vans or Converse), you can wear comfortable shoes at work.
The Veja Campo Leather Sneaker is one of the most comfortable pairs of shoes I have ever worn, and I would recommend them to everyone who needs a professional white sneaker. The addition of leather dresses up the basic white sneaker, and they are also easy to clean, keeping them looking fresh every day.
Veja Campo Leather Sneaker, $145
9. Classy Jewelry
If you are chronically running late as you get ready in the morning, you need a few coordinating pieces of jewelry that you don’t have to think about before you rush out the door. Choose a metal (I love gold!), and then buy a few pieces that cohesively complete your outfit without being too sparkly or overdone. A few basic staples include a classy watch, hoop earrings, and a necklace.
Olivia Burton Quartz Gold-Tone Stainless Steel Bracelet Watch, $180
Gorjana 14k Gold Classic 13mm Huggies, $250
Gorjana Bespoke Parker Mini Layering Set, $108
10. Classic Bag
Depending on how many things you bring to work each day, the size of your work bag may vary. But there is no reason why it can’t be cute!
Madewell The Transport Large Leather Tote, $178
Building Outfits
Now that you have the necessary pieces for a basic workwear wardrobe, you can begin to build actual outfits! Using the pieces from above, here are six different outfit combinations you can wear on repeat!
1. Trousers + Button Down
A simple yet classy outfit is the easy combination of trousers, a button-down, and your choice of either white sneakers or slingback heels. While it may seem like a boring outfit, remember that your trousers can be any color – black, gray, navy blue, or beige. Then add in your jewelry and your bag for a cohesive outfit that requires no thought in the morning!
2. Trousers + Bodysuit + Beige Blazer
This outfit is the perfect spring workwear look. A white bodysuit paired with the beige blazer is an easy and feminine combo, but you can also lean toward the monochrome look with black trousers, black bodysuit, and then finish with the beige blazer.
Or, if it's casual Friday, pair your bodysuit and blazer with your favorite pair of straight leg jeans and loafers.
3. Bodysuit + Skirt
This outfit combination is so simple and classy! Pair a midi or maxi skirt of your choice with a coordinating bodysuit for a comfortable office look.
4. Cardigan + Trousers + Sneakers
This outfit is on-trend and comfortable, which is our favorite type of outfit! Pair a neutral-toned cardigan, preferably knit, with a pair of trousers and your white sneakers for an effortless look! You can always switch the cardigan for a different style of neutral sweater as well!
5. Cardigan + Midi Skirt + Sneakers
Another easy way to style your cardigan is with a midi skirt. Simply tuck your cardigan into the waistband of the mini skirt and add shoes, and you’ve got a cute and functional outfit. If you want to elevate this look, stick with neutral tones or even a monochromatic style!
7. Trousers + Blouse
Easily the most classic combination, pair your trousers with one of your favorite blouses for a professional, yet feminine look. You can dress up this look with heels or flats, or wear it casual with your white sneakers. Add a few simple accessories from the list, and you are ready to face the day!
Closing Thoughts
Your office outfits do not have to be boring or masculine in silhouette. Use this guide to refresh your wardrobe!
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