
Tyler Joe
Telegraphing your personal style into a professional work outfit is usually easier said than done, whether you work in a casual coworking space or a true corporate setting. Your work outfits have to check several precise, practical boxes: compliance with office dress codes (and dicey AC), comfort for commutes of all lengths, and coverage for whatever the weather app throws at you when you wake up. Some days, you’ll have presentations or meetings that call for extra polish; other days, you’ll want to dress for the dinner or concert lined up after your to-do list ends. Above all, you want to look like yourself—just ready for a promotion.
Allow our editors to get the work outfit ideas flowing. In our column Fit Check, BAZAAR editors will share what they’re really wearing to the office each month—and lend your own work wardrobe some fresh inspiration along the way. For the height of summer, our team is leaning into warmer weather with linen trousers, cotton poplin button-downs, and plenty of office-approved denim. Plus, some editors show us how to make minidresses and tie-dye prints your unlikely workwear heroes. Scroll on for 20 work outfit ideas that can handle whatever your nine-to-five has in store, courtesy of BAZAAR‘s editors.
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“My style philosophy is the more uncomplicated, the better. I hate fussy clothing, especially when I have to commute in the dead of summer. Hence, a chic black linen camp shirt, blue jeans, and classic mules. Gold jewelry serves as the pop of color to an otherwise simple, but sophisticated look.” —Nikki Ogunnaike, digital director
COS Linen Shirt $89 at COS
Agolde Riley Jean $175 at Net-a-Porter
Cartier Tank Must Watch $2,930 at Cartier
Manolo Blahnik Kitten Heel Mules $795 at Manolo Blahnik
Isabel Marant Zadd Belt $170 at Net-a-Porter
Tory Burch Recycled Pilot Sunglasses $168 at Tory Burch
“Summer is practically a part of my personality, and any chance I get, I fully lean in. And nothing screams summer more than the tie-dye of this Altuzarra dress. I wear a straw bag almost year-round, and this Loewe is a favorite of mine—perfect for the office and the beach.” —Jaclyn Alexandra Cohen, fashion and accessories editor
Altuzarra Adikia Dress $998 at Net-a-Porter
Loewe Large Basket Bag $580 at Mytheresa
Illesteva Lisbon Sunglasses $240 at Illesteva
The Ultimate Oversized Shirt
“I tend to choose my outfit for the day in the morning as it’s all centered around my mood. I usually gravitate toward comfy clothes, but like to keep it cool with my go-to blacks and whites. A white oversized shirt is my signature, and this one is perfection. The stiffness and exaggerated oversize make it a true statement piece.” —Alexandra Delifer, executive assistant to the editor-in-chief
Balenciaga Twisted Shirt $1,150 at Balenciaga
Sandro Classic Pants $295 at Sandro
Nike Dunk Low Sneakers $331 at Farfetch
Balenciaga Xx Small Flap Bag $1,790 at Balenciaga
“This might be controversial, but I’m not above wearing a minidress to the office. (Sue me! I work for a fashion magazine, after all!) I love this vintage Gap piece—a secondhand find that I ended up hemming myself—because it has a slightly mod feel to it. I’m also obsessed with a square toed boot, and I think this knee-high pair gives the outfit a necessary 9-to-5 element.” —Chelsey Sanchez, associate editor
Reformation Leith Dress $198 at Reformation
Jeffrey Campbell Maximal Boots $275 at Nordstrom
“I love a breezy wide-leg trouser in the summer. These ones from Aussie label SIR. are the perfect crisp cotton poplin. Minimalist flat sandals like this pair from Aeyde are my go-to for office days because I like to walk to work. My classic Chanel flap bag has a pocket for everything to keep me organized, and the Prada headband tames my flyaways and adds a ‘pop.'” —Alison Cohn, deputy fashion news editor
SIR. Classic Tank $100 at SIR.
SIR. Ilkin Pant $160 at SIR.
Aeyde Ella Sandal $275 at Aeyde
Prada Satin Headband $550 at Prada
“This Frankie Shop blouse has been sold out for months and I literally had to go to the brand’s Paris location to grab the last available one. [Editor’s note: It’s in stock again.] I wear it all the time with trousers and slip skirts but wanted to go for a fun silhouette with the high slit denim skirt for today.” —Bianca Betancourt, culture editor
Frankie Shop Sylvia Shirt $129 at Frankie Shop
Mango Slit Denim Skirt $35 at Mango
Shutz Lisa Sandal $98 at Bloomingdale’s
“After working remotely for two years, I’ve leaned heavily into comfort. You won’t really catch me wearing high heels or anything too constricting in the office (bras included). But prints and pops of color make me happy. I especially love playing that up in the summer. Oh, and I can’t go anywhere without a pair of sunglasses. They’re my favorite accessory and instantly make me feel cooler.” —Jamie Wilson, beauty editor
Ray-Ban Hexagonal Sunglasses $178 at Ray-Ban
Zara Regular Fit T-Shirt $15.90 at Zara
Miss Selfridge Wide-Leg Pant $37 at ASOS
“I love a slipdress for any occasion, and though I’m usually more drawn to neutrals, I feel like this post-COVID lockdown summer is calling for fun patterns and bright colors.” —Rosa Sanchez, senior news editor
Zadig & Voltaire Print Dress $598 at Zadig & Voltaire
Vehla Olsen Sunglasses $160 at Vehla Eyewear
Mejuri Editor Hoops $78 at Mejuri
“I’m starting to have fun with getting dressed again, and I’ve been taking a lot of inspiration from the runway and ready-to-wear collections. This look was inspired by last season’s fall collections where so many brands were incorporating equestrian motifs into their styling. These stirrup leggings tie into the theme perfectly. I paired them with the loafers to make the outfit feel more work-appropriate—while also showing off the fun detailing at the bottom.” —Mariah Morrison, senior social media editor
Rag & Bone Blazer $309 at SSENSE
Zara Shoulder Pad T-Shirt $25.90 at Zara
H&M Crease-Front Leggings $24.99 at H&M
Prada Brushed Leather Loafers $1,150 at Prada
“I’ve been experimenting with brighter clothing this summer, and I’m only just now discovering how well a pop of color can seriously enliven an outfit without necessarily compromising on cohesion. I love my whites, blacks, and neutrals, and tend to shy away from anything outside of these basic shades—so this is basically an adventurous look for me.” —Sabrina Park, editorial assistant
L’Academie Blazer $251 at Revolve
Sunday Ritual Dress $59 at Sunday Ritual
Mejuri Hoop Earrings $350 at Mejuri
“I woke up on this morning with a stacked calendar: market appointments, interviews for stories, and coordinating this very shoot on the line-up. An all-neutral palette fits every situation and takes five minutes, tops, to assemble before catching an early train to work. This time, I layered my absolute favorite AYR button-down with a ribbed tank and linen trousers to keep cool while juggling multiple deadlines.” —Halie LeSavage, fashion commerce editor
Indy Ice Cube Aviators $45 at Indy Eyewear
Éterne Rib Tank $70 at Éterne
Wilfred Effortless Linen Pant $148 at Aritzia
Sézane Tammy Belt $90 at Sézane
M.Gemi Marina Sandal $245 at M.Gemi
“Picture this: You wake up to a prepacked workbag, morning routine in full effect, and zero plans for an outfit. Getting dressed in the morning is usually an IRL experience for me. I see how I feel when I wake up. A lot of looks I put together are consistent, however, much like a uniform, and often are a culmination of the best of classic key pieces: the perfect white T-shirt, excellent vintage Levi’s, a blazer or collarless jacket, and a flat (ballet or Mary Jane). There’s so much value investing in items you’ll wear repeatedly!” —Jaclyn Alexandra Cohen, fashion and accessories editor
Celine Chasseur Jacket $3,600 at Celine
Petit Bateau T-Shirt $27 at Smallable
Levi’s Vintage 501 Jeans $128 at Levi’s
Margaux The Demi Flats $198 at Margaux
“I always gear toward something more minimalistic. I like to go with classics—I think that’s what works for me and my body type best. I love a boxy blazer, I love a wide-leg trouser jean, and I love a graphic tee. I bought this tee five or six years ago; it’s a vintage Phillip Lim tee that I got at this vintage fundraiser I went to. I love something a little cheeky with classic office staples, then bringing in a little color with my accessories.” —Bianca Betancourt, culture editor
Everlane The ’80s Blazer $175 at Everlane
Luar Large Ana Tote $365 at Luar
DL1961 Hepburn Jean $209 at DL1961
Sarto by Franco Sarto Slide Sandal $105 at Nordstrom
“I like to secretly wear pajamas as often as possible. And I LOVE beautiful trousers. I hunted these down, and it took me a year—a pair mysteriously popped up on Yoox a few weeks ago. I think for ages before I buy something, and then I wear it for years; I’ve had most of my clothes for a decade or more. I choose my clothes the morning of work, based on how much commuting and moving around the city I’m doing that day. If I’m meeting a designer, I might wear one of their pieces or a vintage piece they’d appreciate.” —Rachel Tashjian, fashion news director
Bode Beaded Workwear Jacket $1,696 at Slam Jam
The Row Igor Pants $990 at Nordstrom
Loewe Paula’s Ibiza Sunglasses $380 at SSENSE
Alaïa Black Studded Demi-Lune Bag $1,690 at SSENSE
“This outfit was totally planned ahead of the shoot, but on most days, I like to just feel things out the morning of. For the most part, I’m going for things that bring comfort and help me feel good in my body. I’ve been leaning, in particular, toward tan and beige neutrals, but I always love a cohesive monochrome moment.” —Sabrina Park, editorial and social media assistant
Modern Citizen Kimberly Ruched Tee $50 at Modern Citizen
Modern Citizen Kiki Side-Slit Skirt $98 at Modern Citizen
The Office-Appropriate Corset
“I want to still feel like me when I’m in the office, so my attitude towards assembling a work outfit often involves centering the kind of delicate femininity that’s at the crux of my personal style. I try to represent that here with the corset, the drop waist, and the lacy socks. Of course, not every office environment may be as fashion friendly as Harper BAZAAR’s, but I think a corset can still be a dependable layering piece, whether it’s styled over a button-up or a breezy dress. To tie it all together, I appreciate slouchy outerwear like this cream belted coat—and will revel in wearing it for as long as the city’s spring weather allows me to.” —Chelsey Sanchez, associate editor
Staud Alice Corset $165 at SSENSE
COS Pleated Skirt $150 at COS
Silk Maison Belted Coat $289 at Silk Maison
Pêche Amias Shoes $98 at Pêche
“I’d consider my style effortlessly chic, polished with an edge. I get ready based off my mood in the morning. Today was a low-key Monday, so I went with a more casual-chic-comfortable look, but the kitten heels from Paul Andrew elevated it. Having essential pieces like great denim and tees to style with accessories is always my go-to.” —Alicia Banilivy, fashion & retail credits editor
The Row Islington Sweater $1,250 at Saks Fifth Avenue
Ami Paris T-Shirt $135 at Farfetch
DL1961 Hepburn Jean $209 at DL1961
“When it comes to deciding on what to wear to the office, I tend to gravitate toward versatile separates I can mix and match that are comfortable enough to wear all day, yet still look pulled together. To create this work look in particular, I mentally planned ahead—though that definitely isn’t always the case when it comes to my routine. And since I already knew I wanted to wear this fun and vibrant pajama top by Nadine Merabi, I decided to keep the rest of my look simple (and comfortable!) with a pair of knit black pants and black leather ballet flats.” —Tiffany Dodson, associate beauty commerce editor
Nadine Merabi Darcie Top $200 at Nadine Merabi
Open Edit Sweater Pants $30 at Nordstrom
J.Crew Zoe Ballet Flats $128 at J.Crew
“I don’t love colors, so I always try to keep it simple with the colors and silhouettes. I really like linen, so this is a neutral linen look—and it’s summery!” —Rosa Sanchez, senior news editor
Mango Linen Trench $170 at Mango
Mango High-Waist Jeans $50 at Mango
Jimmy Choo Romy 100 Heels $695 at Jimmy Choo
Chanel Square Sunglasses $455 at Chanel
“Sandal season is finally here, which means I can bring all of my open-toed shoes out of hibernation. One of my favorites: these old heels that elevate any outfit, thanks to the fun metallic fringe detailing. Plus, I can run around NYC all day and still feel my feet. This plaid blazer is another one-and-done piece in my wardrobe—it instantly makes me look (and feel) put together.” —Katie Intner, assistant beauty editor
Veronica Beard Oria Blazer $299 at Net-a-Porter
Agolde Lana Straight Jean $188 at Revolve
Larroudé Valerie Mules $275 at Larroudé
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