This post is all about work clothing for women.
I used to love planning my outfit and always look put together. 15 year old me had her sh*t together. She could’ve headed to a corporate job after school with her outfit lol. 25-year-old me? She needs a crash course.
After I graduated I worked at a pretty casual place and didn’t have to worry too much about what I wore. Fast forward to business school and office work and I am struggling to assemble a work appropriate outfit with what’s going on in my closet.
Work clothing for women that is good quality can get pretty pricey, so I’ve started to slowly invest in some staple pieces that will work with any outfit! Once you have some quality basics, you can get away with accessorizing with more inexpensive pieces.
This post is all about work clothing for women.
Where to buy work clothing for women
There are obviously a ton of places that sell nice work clothing for women, but I tend to be luckiest when searching these stores. Some are pricier than others, but they all sell clothing that will have you feeling confident and put together!
2. OAK + FORT
3. Aritzia
4. ZARA
Stylish Work Coats
1. The Wilfred Cocoon Coat
I've had my eye on this jacket for years. It's the perfect fit and so flattering - it comes in a wide variety of colour options too! Wool coats are definitely an investment, but you'll have it for YEARS and it will never go out of style. This one is wind resistant, and has a high neck to keep you warm - an addition that is very welcome for us gals that get cold easily.
Reviewers say this coat fits a little larger, so keep that in mind! Free shipping over $50
2. The Houndstooth Coat - OAK + FORT
Where are my ladies on a budget? This jacket is only $88!! This is by far the most inexpensive quality dress coat you will find - and such a cute pattern it's hard to go wrong with! The oversized fit makes it a great transition coat between seasons.
3. Babaton Montage Coat
This coat gives me major Royal Engagement vibes. The belt will cinch your waist, making it a great option if you're looking for something that will give you a little more shape than a traditional wool coat. It costs a pretty penny, but it's a quality coat you'll have it for a long time.
4. Sunday Best Kennedy Coat
This lapel coat from Aritzia is another item you can't go wrong with. The classy fit and cut will go with everything in your wardrobe! They have designed it to keep you warm down to -10 degrees Celsius (14 degrees Ferinheight for you non metric folks), so you'll still be cute in the cold.
5. Lapel Coat - ZARA
If you aren't prepared to invest in a wool coat, this jacket from ZARA is a great option. Note that it doesn't have any buttons for a closure so it won't be as warm as others. Still a great choice if you want the look on a budget!
6. Menswear Style Coat - ZARA
Still classy on a budget, ZARA offers closer dupe to the traditional wool coat (although it't not as warm). The shoulders are a little structured to give it some shape, and the lapels and buttons elevate it to still give you that classy look you want. It will complete any outfit!
This item was made using at least 50% recycled wool and other recycled materials to minimize impact on the planet.
Stylish Blazers for Women
1. Department Blazer - Aritzia
Cute patterned blazer? Yes please. This piece is definitely an investment, but will never go out of style, and you'll love it every time you put it on. If you've already got a black blazer, this is a great way to change things up and add some colour to your outfit.
2. Sorrento Blazer - Aritzia
We all need a staple black blazer in our wardrobe. This one has a little less structure than a standard blazer which I love, and will go with absolutely anything in your closet right now. Black goes with any colours making it easy to mix and match with your current clothing, and you'll never regret investing in a quality blazer that will last a lifetime.
3. Oversized Blazer - OAK + FORT
No list of work clothing for women would be complete without a budget friendly blazer. OAK + FORT is my go-to for clothing that feels high-end without the price-tag. I am always surprised when I see how much it costs - such a steal!
Stylish Work Pants
1. Wide Leg Trouser - OAK + FORT
I am perpetually on the hunt for high-waisted pants that cinch where they should, and fit my thighs. The answer: wide leg pants. I'm in love! Super flattering and a great price to match. The rise of these pants is my favourite. Pair them with any kind of keep or bootie to elongate your legs and change up with vibe of your outfit. They also look great with flats if you're on your feet a lot.
2. Straight Leg Pant - OAK + FORT
Another great style of pants for work. The loose look is super comfortable for all-day wear, and OAK + FORT is just so affordable! The pleats elevate it above just a pair of baggy pants, and you can dress them up or down depending on the event. I have these and can vouch - so comfortable.
3. Alice Straight Pant - Frank and Oak
The Alice pant is another cute look, and aren't as loose-fitting if that's not your vibe. They're easy to dress up or down, and you can even pair them with a pair of nice sneakers for a business casual look! So versatile you can't lose.
4. Amelia Balloon Pant - Frank and Oak
The Balloon pant style is something you can use to spice up your wardrobe if you've already got the classic styles covered. The tapered leg gives the pant a little more shape than the previous options, and is a super classy option.
5. Eleanor Slim Pant - Frank and Oak
Classic black dress pants will always be part of staple work clothing for women. This slim fit pant is the closest cut to the leg on this list. The 7/8 leg is great for showing off your shoe (if that's your thing), and will never go out of style!
6. High Waisted Pants - ZARA
For the gals on a budget, these ZARA pants are are must. If you're like me and love a good high-waisted fit, the rise on these is what dreams are made of and look great with a pair of booties. At such an affordable price, you can even get a couple pairs!
7. Straight Cut Culottes - ZARA
If you're a fan of the wide leg but not looking to drop a bunch of money, these ZARA culottes are a great option. I find the wide leg SO flattering, and give you a some shape without being tight that passes for the work environment. Such a simple style means you can even wear them casually, or for something more business casual.
Stylish Work Shoes
1. Effortless - Call it Spring
I will always have a soft spot for slides, and these are an easy and inexpensive option that will go with 99% of outfits. Bonus: they're sustainably made and vegan, so they're good for the planet too! These may not be the best option if you have to spend the whole day on your feet (not much support!!), but are a great way to add some variety to your footwear on a budget.
2. Vava - Call it Spring
I've recently really come around to appreciating a nice pair of dress loafers. They're a super cute way to style a straight or tapered pant, and are dressy without compromising comfort. If you're looking for great shoes without the $$$, Call it Spring is great option.
3. Feather Black Loafers - Steve Madden
You can't go wrong with an all black leather flat. They are dressy without being flashy, and get the job done. These ones don't have too much structure, so they're easy to stick in your bag during your commute and change into at work!
4. Abriel Black Leather - Steve Madden
I am team block heel bootie all the way. Steve Madden booties are are investment, but they're so cute I can't resist. They're an especially great option since they have waterproof styles with a warmer insole, adding a level of functionality that makes my heart happy.
5. Audience Black Leather - Steve Madden
Another block heel bootie I just love. The heel is a perfect height to feel dressed up without making your feet hurt, and can take you from work to dinner effortlessly. Rubber soles give you the versatility you need to not worry about weather, and takes the guess-work out of getting ready in the morning.
6. Pure Easy - Clarks
This flat is a nice spin on a classic shoe that makes it a great addition to any closet. Clarks are known for their support and comfort which makes them a great option for someone who is on their feet a lot. They're nothing fancy, but they will go with everything!
7. Trish Rose - Clarks
These dressy loafers are a more toned-down version of the ones by Call it Spring, and likely more comfortable since they're from Clarks. The absence of patent leather makes them a little more casual, and with that make them super versatile! Clarks makes quality footwear, so you know your feet will be happy in these.
Work Clothing for Women: Shirts
1. The Camp Collar Blouse - Frank and Oak
Looking professional in warmer months can be a challenge, but this light short-sleeve collard shirt is a great way to keep things cool and classy. Stick to blacks and whites for maximum versatility! Make sure to check the labels before buying - you don't want to get stuck with the dreaded hand wash only or even worse - dry clean only (which I got recently).
2. 90s Oversized Button-Up Shirt - Abercrombie and Fitch
I can have a tough time with dress shirts, but it's good to have at least one in your closet. Investing in quality bottoms means you can get away with more inexpensive tops to fill out the rest of your wardrobe, and keep things fresh! You can also use it to layer on top of tank tops for a more casual look, and you'll get more wear out of it!
It's an oversized shirt to begin with, so be careful about sizing up too much if you want a loser fit.
This post was all about work clothing for women.
What are your essential pieces of work clothing for women? Comment your must-have's below!
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