My Favorite Workwear Style Rules You Need to Know As Well

Workwear rules can feel outdated or confusing because every office reads “professional” differently now. You want to look polished, feel confident, and still dress like yourself, but you don’t want to misjudge the dress code. That uncertainty usually leads to two extremes: playing it too safe or pushing it too far.

You don’t need a closet full of suits to dress well for work. The goal is to understand what creates authority in an outfit: fit, fabric, structure, and clean finishing details. Most people focus on individual pieces, but strong workwear comes from the full look, including shoes, bag, and grooming. Small upgrades in tailoring and fabric quality often matter more than new trends.

In this article, you’ll get clear style rules you can apply immediately, whether you work in a formal office or a more relaxed one. You’ll learn how to build repeatable outfit formulas, how to choose colors that look refined, and what to avoid so you always look capable and put-together.

The Matching Set: Instant Polish

First up: a gray blazer and trouser set from Giraffe Avenue. I sized down in both pieces (extra small) because the brand runs oversized, and I wanted that tailored, professional silhouette rather than the trendy-scruffy vibe that comes with excessive fabric. Underneath? The COS t-shirt in white – genuinely thick enough that you won’t be flashing your bra at the senior partners. A revelation, honestly, because most white tees are essentially transparent.

I’ve paired this with Adidas Sambas because trainers are absolutely acceptable in my office, and they dress down the look nicely without veering into “weekend brunch” territory.

The Classic Stripe Shirt Situation

This Zara blue stripe shirt has become a workwear styling staple. There’s something inherently corporate about a good stripe, isn’t there? I love wearing it with the fitted Giraffe Avenue trousers – the contrast between a relaxed top and structured bottom just works. You can layer a white tee underneath for a more casual vibe, or wear it alone when you’re feeling slightly more put-together.

On the shoe front: I’ve been rotating between Sambas and these Mango ballet flats with straps. Quick confession – I have extremely narrow feet, so finding work shoes that don’t slip off mid-stride has been an actual nightmare. The straps are my temporary solution while I wait for loafers that hopefully won’t require double-sided tape to stay on.

The Effortless Dress

This And Other Stories jersey dress is genuinely a workwear styling dream. The neckline is elegant enough to read as office-appropriate despite the casual fabric. I sized up slightly so there’s fabric bunching at the waist rather than the skin-tight situation that might raise HR eyebrows.

It’s perfect for those days when outfit coordination feels like too much mental effort, or when you’ve got dinner plans after work. Layer with the gray blazer when it’s fresh outside, or throw on a cardigan for the inevitable aircon freeze. Speaking of which – the And Other Stories fitted cardigan has been worn to absolute death already. No regrets.

The Smart Client-Meeting Look

For slightly more formal occasions (court visits, important meetings, impressing people), I reach for this navy silk blouse from Lilysilk. It’s 100% silk, which yes, is an investment – but the way it falls is genuinely beautiful, and the colour pairs perfectly with black trousers.

Add the black Giraffe Avenue blazer over top, and suddenly you look like someone who definitely has their life together. Very clean, very polished, very “I absolutely prepared for this meeting and am not winging it.”

Casual Friday (But Make It Corporate)

For more relaxed workwear styling days, I love the gray cardigan with white tee and gray trousers combination. Two different grays together? Absolutely works. It’s cozy, it’s office-appropriate, and it doesn’t require any real decision-making at 7am.

Another casual favourite: tan trousers (old Zara find) with a chunky And Other Stories cardigan. I’m perpetually freezing thanks to aggressive aircon, so layers are non-negotiable. The neutral palette keeps it professional while the textures add interest.

Adding a Pop of Colour

Because an entirely gray-black-white wardrobe gets depressing, I’ve introduced some blue pieces. I had my colours done years ago and apparently clear blues are my thing – so this Mango fine knit jumper and matching blouse have been in heavy rotation.

The trick with colour in corporate workwear styling: pair it with neutrals. Blue jumper with wide-leg gray trousers. Blue blouse with the gray Giraffe set. It brightens up the corporate uniform without screaming “I’m the fun one in the office.”

The Statement Dress

Finally, this And Other Stories navy tweed dress. Very Chanel-adjacent, has a belt to cinch the waist, and requires zero outfit coordination. It’s slightly shorter than ideal, so black tights are mandatory – but for those days when you want to look effortlessly put-together for after-work drinks, it’s perfect.

Workwear Style Rules That Make You Look Polished Without Feeling Stiff

Workwear looks sharp when you control three things: fit, fabric, and footwear. You can wear simple pieces and still look elevated if those three line up.

The easiest workwear formula: tailored layer + clean base + intentional shoe.
Try:

• Straight trousers + fitted tee + blazer + loafers

• Midi skirt + knit + belt + ankle boots

• Wide-leg pants + tucked shirt + structured bag

Common mistake: you dress “office” but ignore proportion. A long blazer plus a long top plus a long trouser can swallow you. Create shape with a tuck, a belt, or a cropped jacket.

Rules that save you on busy mornings:

• Choose fabrics that hold shape: wool blends, ponte, cotton poplin.

• Keep hems crisp. Dragging pants ruin the look fast.

• Repeat a small uniform: one blazer color, two trouser cuts, three tops.

• Let one detail carry the outfit: a great watch, a sleek belt, or strong earrings.

You should feel like you can move, sit, and breathe. When you feel comfortable, you also look more confident.