What to wear to work, wherever your office

The 9-5 wardrobe has a new appearance, whether you're returning to the office, working from home, or combining the best of both.

Remember when workwear consisted solely of blazers and pencil skirts? Those days have long passed. The world has changed. The assumption that women must dress a specific way in order to be taken seriously at work is as antiquated as rigid working hours. And the pandemic has simply expedited things, with trainers and tracksuits now competing with sharp-shouldered jackets and stilettos for power-dressing status.

Now that we work from home, the office, a local café, and everywhere in between, our workwear wardrobes must be versatile and comfy. We should also include clothes that make us feel like our best selves. So, whether you're returning to the boardroom or staying at the kitchen table, here's a look at how we're dressing for work these days.

What to wear to go back to the office

Some people look forward to returning to the office, with its perfectly balanced air conditioning and lack of household tasks. But have we forgotten how to dress appropriately for the occasion? Without a doubt, the world has changed in the last two years, so continuing up where you left off isn't always the best option. Take advantage of this opportunity to create a new smart-casual category for your wardrobe.

Clothes that blend style, functionality, and, most importantly, comfort should be at the top of your shopping list. Side-skimming shift dresses give way to well-cut trousers, and heels can be avoided for as long as you wish. Capsule purchases, like as a well-made white T-shirt and a blazer, are also wise investments.

What to wear if you’re still WFH (or your local café)

The WFH outfit is not going away as flexible working patterns continue and more of us adjust to a work life that revolves around our kitchen table. But it's not all about tracksuits. A working day in this brave new world could take you anywhere from a meeting to a school run to a lunchtime yoga class, so easy-to-wear clothing remain crucial - yet many of us still want to feel polished and 'put together.'

A loose and casual dress or a jumpsuit is a fantastic WFH remedy, especially as spring approaches. And if you spend your days running errands, a slip-on shoe, such as a delicate ballet pump, is ideal. A video call-friendly piece of jewelry, such as a striking gold necklace, is also a good idea: whether you like it or not, Zoom is here to stay.

What to wear from desk to dusk

Drinks after work are back! Early finishes, quickly drained bottles of Sauvignon, and scary Friday-morning hangovers are the norm. They also indicate that it is time to re-acquaint yourself with the skill of clothing from dawn to dusk. Experiment with skirt and blazer combinations for a day that starts with meetings and concludes with dinner out. The skirt is versatile enough for the office and stylish enough to match with mid-height heels.

 

What to wear if you can’t part with your track pants

One of the few thrills of last year was the discovery of the tracksuit as everyday fashion gear (how many days straight did you wear yours?). So it's no surprise that we're having difficulty saying goodbye to them. The good news is that trousers so comfortable you'll want to sleep in them are staying. Look for drawstring waistbands with enough of room to move in for the ultimate in back-to-work comfort. Combine with a new hoodie in a bright color for an everyday appearance that's ideal for wherever your workday takes you.