I have not worked in a formal office in over a decade, so I am a little out of step with what exactly constitutes “work attire”, and with all offices asking for a different level of dress, it’s hard to pinpoint outfits that work for everyone. But I partnered with Nordstrom, who has something for every kind of industry, to pull together some looks that vary from boardroom to classroom.
This first sweater dress outfit could also be paired with a denim jacket and suede booties with no tights for a more dressed down look that would be adorable! The second look is actually a slip dress with a sweater over it. You could take the sweater off and add a black biker jacket to go from office to date night, easy!
In the first look, this wool coat is on-trend and works over jeans and a sweater on weekends too. And the skirt outfit below could work with a tucked in white or navy button down blouse as well for a dressier option.
The top outfit here is appropriate for any formal business office, but swap in distressed jeans and it skews immediately hipper. The sweater in the second outfit is perfect for just about anything (including super cold offices)- jeans, over workout leggings– you name it- super versatile and the kind of piece I’ll wear with everything all fall. Swap in black suede heels to dress this look up even more.
This top outfit employs a classic tweed jacket in a more casual-cool-Chanel way, but could also be paired with black pants no problem! And suede leggings are a sneaky way to feel like your wearing workout gear to work without looking sloppy!
How many of you work in formal work environments? How many of you can wear jeans to work? I’d be curious to know the breakdown!
*This post was sponsored by Nordstrom. All selections and opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting those brands that keep EOS gooing!
I miss Jenna.
Formal but relaxed. No suits required but no means either.
Erin – long time reader and I absolutely love your Fashion Friday posts! My fiance and I are getting our engagement photos taken in a couple weeks and I’m really struggling to put together a couple cohesive looks for us both. I would love to see a post about couples fashion that will help inspire me!
Attorney that works from home, but I am out and about a fair amount in the community during the day so I also try for smart casual in case I run into clients. It’s funny to me how often people think working from home means working in your pajamas. That’s not true at all!
My office is business casual. I CAN wear jeans – no one really cares – but I usually dress just a touch more professional than that.
These outfits are all super cute, thanks for sharing!
Same- I work at a nonprofit and sometimes work at home so this post pretty covers the range I need!
You always share such classy looks. I’m curious, do you ever shop vintage clothes? Are there any classic pieces you would recommend we buy vintage?
I work in an office that allows us to wear jeans, so I do wear them sometimes but I always dress them up! Love the post!
Love all of these ideas! I work in a business professional office and got some great inspiration from this post- thanks so much!
Architect here… work from home most days, but also am out doing errands etc and might run into clients, so therefore smart casual works best. Sometimes have to go out to an industry event or client meeting, which is more creative professional, or project site (which might involve trudging across dirt, so professional with sturdy boots – have not solved that one well yet). I love your ideas above – the fall shopping list just got longer, LOL….
Informal. I’m a work-at-home (or coffee shop) writer, so my work attire is comfortable (yet hopefully with a smidge of style) without actually being pjs
Business casual – jeans allowed only on Fridays (when I don’t work :).
I retired at 54, but I still like to dress in a classic style. I would typically dress in similar attire to have lunch out and the switch up to night time/date night would take me to a local pub or restaurant for dinner with hubs or friends. Many of these classic pieces are in my wardrobe but from time to time I have/need/want to update pieces. I love your fashion sense.
Lawyer here, wearing boring suits most of the time. Sniff.
I work in a super casual environment, but also travel a ton to meet clients and need to have a more strict business casual / business formal(ish) look for those meetings – really appreciate the additional options on how to switch out looks to meet both occasions!
Cute outfits! Our office is business casual, jeans on Fridays – and jeans on Mondays too, if you donate $5 weekly to the local food bank.
I work in an office and can wear jeans, but I like to mix it up. One thing I do look for are pieces I can wear to work, but also out at night with friends. Love these suggestions-they look so chic! I do need a whole footwear update for Fall. Like you, I’m a mom and do not wear a high heel any more, but since I am short, I like to have something. If you ever need an idea for Friday, please consider a Fall Feet Fashion that can take us into winter. thanks!
Beautiful suggestions as always, Erin. I work in a business casual office where we can wear jeans on Fridays.
Im an RN that wears a uniform but all these outfits make me wish I had an office job!
Formal. I always love your fashion Friday posts.