Office Outfits 101: Here’s What To Wear To Work *Now*

Headed back to the office after a COVID hiatus, or starting a job in an office for the first time this spring or summer? Cool! But, what are you going to wear?

Things can get tricky when it’s hot outside but the AC is blasting inside, and you want to look and feel your best but also need to dress professionally. You don’t want to freeze all day in shorts and a crop top, but you also don’t want to sweat every time you step outside in a thick sweater and jeans. 

Luckily, today’s office environments are way more inclusive than they have been in the past, so unless you’re working somewhere like a hospital or a law firm, you can get away with wearing just about anything– within reason, of course. 

Work isn’t always fun, but it can be a whole lot more bearable if you are dressed comfortably and in a way that represents your personal style. You deserve to feel like you are welcome in your workplace no matter what, so don’t hesitate to inject some of your personality into your work outfits.

If you’re short on ideas for what to wear to the office, don’t stress, we’ve got a few simple outfit tips to help you start experimenting with your workplace fashion! 

Pants & a T-Shirt

What? So simple? Yes! A work outfit can literally just be pants and a t-shirt if that’s what you’re most comfortable in. Make this look a touch more interesting by choosing a pair of wide-legged pants, which are so trendy right now, especially in an unexpected color or a fun print. Wide-legged pants are also more comfortable for sitting in all day, which is essential when working in an office.

A sleek solid tee almost always works (bonus points for special details like twisted hems, flutter sleeves, and more)!l If your office is a more casual work environment, try styling a graphic t-shirt with a pair of jeans or wide-leg pants. Add simple gold jewelry to elevate this look; we like chunky rings, dainty necklaces, and charm bracelets. 

Remember: Every office is different, so take a few days to feel out the vibes if you aren’t given specific dress code information. Most office spaces are pretty chill about what you wear, just so long as you are respectful of others and getting your work done. 

Layered Business Casual

The words “business casual” don’t exactly inspire a lot of excitement, but if you learn to pair pieces together creatively, you can have a lot of fun with color blocking, texture, and of course: layering! Layering business casual pieces like button-up blouse with a breezy cami or a dressy top with a cozy cardigan is an easy way to make simple items more interesting. For example, if you love the simple ‘pants and a t-shirt look but want to make it more businessy, you can layer with a blazer! 

Layering is also a good way to outwit the weather. Get too warm? Take off a layer. Too chilly? Add a layer back on. Even if you don’t dress in layers every day, you should consider always having a sweater or sweatshirt at your desk to avoid catching a chill. 

Lots of companies allow their employees to decorate their desks, and keep items in them while they’re out of the office. Having a few extra layers on hand like a sweater or even a pair of thick cozy socks can help you feel more at home in your office space.  

Wrap Dresses

What makes a wrap dress the ideal dress for the office? The fact that it’s adjustable, of course. Like wide-leg pants, wrap dresses are comfortable to wear all day, whether you’re sitting at a desk, presenting in the boardroom, or running errands for yourself and your coworkers.

Wrap dresses are cute and floaty, so they give nice movement, and are easy to style. For even more comfort and freedom, wear a pair of biker shorts under your wrap dress. 

Don’t Forget Shoes

Figuring out what shoes to wear to the office is maybe the most difficult part of getting dressed for work, but there’s no reason to overthink this part!  To decide what shoes you should be wearing to the office, ask yourself these two questions: 

1. Will I spend more time walking or standing today?
2. Do I feel like making a statement, or wearing an old-standby?

Easy! If you’ll be spending more time seated or at a desk, wear something cute and comfortable like a pair of mules or low heels. 

If you’ll be spending more time on your feet, wear something that gives you support like a pair of sneakers or ankle boots.

We also love platforms and chunky shoes for the office, since they add a little Y2K sparkle to the average work fit. Choose color, fabric, and style based on how you’re feeling that day, then head out and be your best! 

We want to see your office outfits! Show us what you wear to work on Instagram @lulus using #lovelulus–and shop blazers, trousers, and more in our Office Chic Shop.