20 Work Outfits for Any Situation
You might have a picture in your mind of how you want to dress for work, but somehow, standing in front of your closet at 7 a.m., the thought of making it all come together in time feels like it will require the same amount of energy as running the New York City Marathon. We’ve devised a cheat sheet of sorts — a spectrum of outfits to suit ten different situations you might find yourself in at work. And since no two offices are alike, we’ve proposed variations for whether you work in a super-corporate environment or a laid-back creative one. Whether you’re giving a big presentation or recovering from a hangover, prepping for a date or stealthily interviewing elsewhere, click through our slideshow for 20 solutions for what to wear to work.
The Creative Job: You Have a Big Presentation Bring your A game today. Start by thinking in simple monochromes that won't distract from the ...
The Creative Job: You Have a Big Presentation Bring your A game today. Start by thinking in simple monochromes that won't distract from the most important points. Wear a streamlined top over a slimmer bottom, like this navy pencil skirt. Pair it with closed toe heels such as these and make sure to keep jewelry to a minimum: no clanging bangles, no clinking necklaces.
The Conservative Job: You Have a Big Presentation When it comes to speaking in public you want to be comfortable and pulled together. Go for the ...
The Conservative Job: You Have a Big Presentation When it comes to speaking in public you want to be comfortable and pulled together. Go for the classic sheath dress in a rich jewel tone like purple. Bring your best bag as a confidence booster, but you don't necessarily need to break out the nice shoes or jewelry when you have a great dress on.
The Creative Job: For When PMS Gets the Best of You Take the opportunity to wear soft and flowy pieces today by layering a cozy sweater dre...
The Creative Job: For When PMS Gets the Best of You Take the opportunity to wear soft and flowy pieces today by layering a cozy sweater dress over a longer silk one. And sharpen up the look with comfortable flat loafers.
The Conservative Job: For When PMS Gets the Best of You When your boobs hurt and you feel like your mid-section has gained three inches, the last...
The Conservative Job: For When PMS Gets the Best of You When your boobs hurt and you feel like your mid-section has gained three inches, the last thing you want to wear is something that digs in at the waist. A loose-fitting but still tailored dress is comfortable and looks polished, especially with the right details like delicate earrings, a flashy cuff, and feminine kitten heels.
The Creative Job: When You're Interviewing Elsewhere You don't want to ring any alarms at work, so go for graphic and minimal pieces, like this J...
The Creative Job: When You're Interviewing Elsewhere You don't want to ring any alarms at work, so go for graphic and minimal pieces, like this Jacquemus skirt — it's unusual but perfectly appropriate for an interview in any creative field. And you want to keep jewelry minimal but interesting, so try these bar earrings and a red manicure. Sharpen the look with a knockout bag like this beautiful calfskin one by JW Anderson. It'll carry your iPad and the flats that you'll change into when you get back to your office.
The Conservative Job: When You're Interviewing Elsewhere The time to bring out that fancy investment bag is now. Choose one that's roomy and has ...
The Conservative Job: When You're Interviewing Elsewhere The time to bring out that fancy investment bag is now. Choose one that's roomy and has a flap to hide your nice heels inside. Also (carefully!) fold your blazer and whip them both out when you're leaving the office for your "doctor's appointment." Finish with a swipe of neutral lipstick to brighten up your face.
The Creative Job: When You're Interviewing a Potential Employee Even if you're not normally the sharpest dresser in the office, if you mana...
The Creative Job: When You're Interviewing a Potential Employee Even if you're not normally the sharpest dresser in the office, if you manage a team and are in charge of hiring for it, it's a good idea to look sharp. The initial impression you make on your hires will affect your working relationship with them in the long run. If you work in a creative field, you can probably get away with a leather pencil skirt and strappy heels — but keep it casual with an unbuttoned navy blazer. Keep your beauty look polished with a graphic red lip.
The Conservative Job: You're Interviewing a Potential Employee Interviews work both ways. You're also looking to make an impression on the new ad...
The Conservative Job: You're Interviewing a Potential Employee Interviews work both ways. You're also looking to make an impression on the new addition to your team. An A-line dress like this one by MM LaFleur is a classic piece that flatters nearly all figures. Whip out your fancy pumps again and add a crisp, tailored black blazer for a look that's both professional and commands respect.
The Creative Job: You Want to Impress at the Office Party When you party with co-workers, you need to look fun without looking like you're going ...
The Creative Job: You Want to Impress at the Office Party When you party with co-workers, you need to look fun without looking like you're going to the clurb. At the next office karaoke party, wear a cool miniskirt but pair it with some tough utility boots and a crewneck underneath a cozy sweater that you'll have to take off by the third round of drinks.
The Conservative Job: You Want to Impress at the Office Party Office parties are tricky in an extra-professional setting — you want to loosen up ...
The Conservative Job: You Want to Impress at the Office Party Office parties are tricky in an extra-professional setting — you want to loosen up a little bit but not too much. A printed midi dress is on trend, especially when worn with stiletto sandals and a box clutch. Show off the delicate dangling earrings by swooping your hair back with a shiny gold hair pin and finish with a classic red lip.
The Creative Job: Your Tinder Blew Up on a Tuesday You don't want to advertise the fact that you have a hot date, and you also don't want to give...
The Creative Job: Your Tinder Blew Up on a Tuesday You don't want to advertise the fact that you have a hot date, and you also don't want to give your date the wrong impression with something too short or tight. Try a happy medium by instantly making your usual office look cool with a shearling biker jacket and strappy heels to match. You can even add a fancy touch with some cool earrings.
The Conservative Job: Your Tinder Blew Up on a Tuesday For a surprise date, this tote and pouch combo is key. Stash the big bag at work and keep ...
The Conservative Job: Your Tinder Blew Up on a Tuesday For a surprise date, this tote and pouch combo is key. Stash the big bag at work and keep a little clutch inside. Slip on the emergency thong, unbutton your blouse, and let the delicate lariat dangle. Finish off with a quick roll of a sexy scent like Le Labo's Santal 33, which smells like a modern-day CK One.
The Creative Job: You Have a Killer Hangover We'll assume that along with your hangover, your feet are killing you as punishment for the heels yo...
The Creative Job: You Have a Killer Hangover We'll assume that along with your hangover, your feet are killing you as punishment for the heels you wore last night. Start with these skimmers, and pair them with slim trousers like these, which will look sharp with the bag you're carrying. And don't forget to dress up the sweatshirt or sweater that you will be hugging for most of the day with a simple statement necklace like this one. And beyond the obvious application of under-eye concealer, make sure you bring your shades, the better to ease into your morning commute in.
The Conservative Job: You Have a Killer Hangover After one too many glasses of wine last night, the last thing you need to do is think about your...
The Conservative Job: You Have a Killer Hangover After one too many glasses of wine last night, the last thing you need to do is think about your outfit. Go for a failsafe combo in the form of a favorite pencil skirt and a cozy sweater. Swap the heels for comfortable flats and then add some concealer along with luminizer to give your face a well-rested appearance.
The Creative Job: You Need to Drag Yourself In on the Weekend Even if you have to come in on the weekend, it doesn’t mean you need to sacrifice t...
The Creative Job: You Need to Drag Yourself In on the Weekend Even if you have to come in on the weekend, it doesn’t mean you need to sacrifice the comfort and style of your off-duty look. Start first by slipping on your favorite pair of worn-in or patchwork denim, the better to dress down a dress shirt. Pair the look with skimmers, and accent with a simple gold choker to give your outfit a polished feel.
The Conservative Job: You Need to Drag Yourself In on the Weekend So you have to go in on a Saturday. At least you can wear jeans? This mid-rise ...
The Conservative Job: You Need to Drag Yourself In on the Weekend So you have to go in on a Saturday. At least you can wear jeans? This mid-rise dark wash looks polished should you bump into co-workers, while the pink sweater is cozy enough to pass for a sweatshirt. Skip the work flats for a menswear-inspired calf-hair slip on that adds texture and makes the entire outfit feel more weekend-appropriate.
The Creative Job: You Want Your Boss's Job In creative industries, having a sense of personal style that is unique is key to reinforcing a person...
The Creative Job: You Want Your Boss's Job In creative industries, having a sense of personal style that is unique is key to reinforcing a persona of power. Whether it's a signature red lipstick, or something simple like wearing an unusual watch, that one thing can be key. With that in mind, why not try Tibi's pleated skirt-over-pants to wear with office pumps and a simple crewneck?
The Conservative Job: You Want Your Boss's Job You want to be subtle and let your work speak for itself, so try mixing a few new pieces with some...
The Conservative Job: You Want Your Boss's Job You want to be subtle and let your work speak for itself, so try mixing a few new pieces with some old favorites. Wear your inexpensive yet classic blouse and suede pumps with a tailored tweed skirt to strike just the right note.
The Creative Job: You Didn't Go Home the Night Before Beyond quickly brushing your hair, wearing it up, or parting it differently, keep an extra ...
The Creative Job: You Didn't Go Home the Night Before Beyond quickly brushing your hair, wearing it up, or parting it differently, keep an extra pair of glasses, a scarf, and a cardigan around your desk that you can quickly whip on when you get in.
The Conservative Job: You Didn't Go Home the Night Before Last night was really fun, but you need to disguise the fact that you're still wearing ...
The Conservative Job: You Didn't Go Home the Night Before Last night was really fun, but you need to disguise the fact that you're still wearing yesterday's dress. Take the cardigan that you have stashed at your desk and button up to pretend like the dress is now a skirt. Then add blush along with glasses and no one will be the wiser.
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