The Workwear Capsule Edit (#014)
outfits you can *actually* wear to the office
The topic of workwear has been on my mind, and when I did a call out on Instagram for this month’s capsule theme, it was one of the top requested topics. So of course, it was a no brainer. If you’d been hoping for a mum-friendly capsule, then you might like to check out the capsule I shared in May here. Otherwise, scroll on to see how I turned 10 items into more than FIFTY outfits…
I still remember my first proper office job at 18, and feeling at a loss over what to wear. I felt strongly about being able to express myself and retain my sense of identity; something of an impossible task when office wear at the time was nothing but a sea of pencil skirts or slim fitting trousers worn with silky blouses. At least, that was my experience.
It also seemed strange to me that a wardrobe should be split into clothing that was solely worn for work, and clothing that was solely worn for the weekend. We spend so much of our week at work, why wouldn’t we buy clothing that we loved enough to wear on the weekend too? And that could be styled to be worn more casually, or for an evening out?
And what you’ll see from the items that I’ve chosen, is that there is a balance in the silhouettes and cuts which indicate some flexibility in how the formality level can be equally dialled up, or down. Also, lots of layering.
Most of the requests were specifically for a summertime capsule, though I’d say many of these are also appropriate - in their layered state, maybe with some stockings if especially cold - for an Australian winter, too. If you want a true winter workwear capsule, then you can read it here where I share 38 outfits in total, punctuated with some useful workwear styling tips.
Also, caveat as usual, workwear doesn’t have to be all neutrals. We’re working with what we have and as a neutrals girly (for the most part), it’s often my “go-to”. So remember, you can substitute the colour palette I’ve used here for whatever works best with your colouring/preferences/wardrobe.
I included the following items in this workwear capsule:
3x tops
1x long sleeve knit
3x pants/skirts
1x sleeveless jacket
1x smart jacket/blazer
1x low heeled shoe
I’ve spent time working across a range of industries (finance, consultancy, government, media & fashion), so have drawn from my own experience to put together a fun office-friendly capsule that feels fashionable and chic, but also aligns with dress code expectations at most workplaces. That said, if a (conservative) sleeveless top isn’t appropriate, this could easily be swapped for a similar shape with a short-sleeve instead.
The ten items
#1 | a short-sleeved or sleeveless top: This could be fitted like the example I shared here, or could be something a little luxurious like a washed silk s/s blouse. There are lots of basics that fit this category, but if you want to introduce some more personality you might like to look out for subtle hints of texture. Pictured: Goelia rib knit tank (extra 10% off with JAMIE10)
Alternatives: DISSH | COS | M&S | Glassons | Sezane | Everlane
#2 | a classic blouse or shirt: Workwear needn’t be boring, but those tried and true staples are solid workwear candidates for good reason. Think classic shirting, but add in some colour or print if you want a more interesting option. Pictured: Everlane
Alternatives: Henne | H&M | Mango | DISSH | SABA
#3 | the interesting shirt: And make sure to have some fun with it. Play around with texture/fabrication, or add in an interesting detail. Personally I like to do the former as textures will instantly change the way an outfit feels. Pictured: Pangaia
Alternatives: Sezane | Arket | Massimo Dutti | Aje | Reformation
#4 | a knitted top: The knit that you can wear as a standalone piece, or over one of the aforementioned top. You already know I’m going to tell you a cardigan is going to be your most versatile option. A short-sleeved knitted cardigan is also a good option, feels a little different, and may work better for your climate in summer. Pictured: COS
Alternatives: Boden | Quince | Friends with Frank | Reformation | Sportscraft | Tibi
#5 | the trouser skirt: I quite like the formality of this sort of style, and the fact that you can be a little creative with how traditional the cut is (more of a “tulip” shape is perfect if you have wide hips). Though, you could always switch this out for another trouser option if you wished. Pictured: Foemina
Alternatives: Aje | Mango | Henne | Goelia | Arket
#6 | a skirt or dress with movement: What I often will recommend for the office, is a pleated skirt. Clothing that has movement feels a little more dramatic and has this baked in visual quality that is truly effortless. You can achieve this with lighter weight fabrics that are very flowy too. Pictured: Tibi
Alternatives: H&M | Aje | Friends with Frank | Mango | Everlane | Aritzia
#7 | tailored trousers: Something that feels slightly more formal, in a suiting style fabric. The cut can vary. Maybe they’re a carrot style pant that nips in and crops at the ankle. Maybe they’re a wide leg that reaches the ground (even with a heel). Go for a neutral colour that goes with everything. Pictured: Fabrique (12% off with ToMademoiselle)
Alternatives: H&M | UNIQLO | Glassons | Madewell | Aritzia | Everlane
#8 | the layering piece: This could be a sleeveless blazer, as I’ve worn here, or maybe it’s a longer knitted vest. Or something else entirely. But what I love about this, is that it allows you to play around with visual proportions while adding in that “third” piece to your outfit (without much of the extra bulk!). Pictured: Raey
Alternatives: Marle | Tibi | Goelia | Shona Joy | Sacai | ELK
#9 | the smart jacket: I don’t think that this has to match the trousers or skirts that you chose, but at least be within a similar colour family. The style I went for comes with a matching belt, which I like as it gives you more styling options but you can always achieve a similar look with a brooch or leather belt. Pictured: Fabrique (12% off with ToMademoiselle)
Alternatives: Elleme | Anine Bing | Sabina Musayev | Everlane | Toteme | DISSH
#10 | neutral heeled pumps: Depending on your capacity for a high heel, this might be the classic 10cm pump I recall from my early twenties. Or a much more walkable mid-heel. Personally I prefer the latter as it gives you that bit of lift, visually and literally elevates the outfit, while still feeling pretty comfortable (and we all know, comfort is king!). Pictured: VIVAIA (12% off with MJ12)
Alternatives: Sezane | ALLY Shoes | Ann Mashburn | & Other Stories | Jimmy Choo | Madewell
The accessories
Not included in the 10 items was a work-wear appropriate bag (the one featured is this style here - 10% off with MADEMOISELLE10). A classic tote is an easy choice but there are so many options these days. My recommendation is something that has an element of structure to it.
In practice I’d also probably have a smart structured short sleeve tee for layering, and a V or U-necked tank to wear underneath the jacket & knitwear pieces (when styling buttoned up).
While I’ll always posit that minimal is best - for the office - I do think that this is the one area where you may find you can have a little bit of extra freedom. Stylistic elements like mismatched earrings (love the one I’m wearing here from Beem Studios), a statement cuff or bracelet (mine is from Mejuri - I’m wearing the 7 inch size), or even a large stone embellished ring (also from Mejuri - HERE and HERE - but can recommend my bestie at Cohar if you want something bespoke).
The outfits
And to wrap things up, a few final tips to keep in mind when curating a warmer weather capsule…
#1 | Pay close attention to fabrics
When it’s hot out, a simple way to keep cool is to wear breathable fabrics. I favour linen and cotton, but silk is a good choice too as it also happens to be temperature regulating.
#2 | Keep key pieces at your desk
At one point, the walking part of my commute was 45 minutes long. So I would keep a pair of heels tucked underneath my desk, to slip on as soon as I made it to the office. This makes such a difference, and also extends the lifespan of these key pieces. The same goes for jackets. If you work in a heavily air-conditioned office, but it’s super hot out, leave a blazer at work to wear in the office, but that you can slip off when you pop outside.
#3 | Read the room
This one’s for those starting a new job, but what I find useful is to take stock of what people are wearing when you go in to interview (or if it’s via Zoom, what you can perceive them to be wearing), and increase the dial on the formality level ever so slightly. Then adjust once you’ve had that first week to settle in. What this also means? Don’t go wild buying new pieces for your work wardrobe before your first day. Instead opt for just a few key pieces that would work within a variety of settings, dressed up or down.
#4 | On comfort…
If you are craving comfort, keep an eye out for little details that will add in “hidden” ease. For shoes, this is the block heel - it helps to distribute weight a little more evenly. With skirts or pants, seek out styles that have a flat front, but are elasticated at the back; you can often conceal this with a belt, too! Tops shouldn’t pull across the shoulders, or feel too tight or too short.
#5 | Separates or dresses?
To truly maximise one’s work wardrobe potential, separates will always work harder. Especially if you crave versatility, options, and the ability to wear workwear items in your downtime. Because let’s face it, you’re more likely to dial down a silky blouse with a straight leg jean, than you are to attempt wearing a structured sheath dress for the weekend. That said, if you want to simplify what you’re wearing for work, then a dress will do the trick, just throw on a blazer, shoes and go.