60 Work Outfits for Every Office

60 Work Outfits for Each Level of Dress

*UPDATE: 2nd Summer Work Outfit Post June 2015 HERE*

Ever wonder what you should wear to the office? Worried about being at the right level of formality, or worried that being at that level will limit your choices? Clothes, even for work, should be inventive and fun, giving those around you a glimpse into "the real you". 

I used to think it would be hard to put together appropriate and cute work-wear, but browsing through Pinterest has turned me around! 

Some work places require specific uniforms, which can have its pros and cons. You don't get to infuse your outfits with your personality, but you also don't have to stress about putting an outfit together. Still, you might not be there forever, and the below choices can inspire your "off-day" clothes when you finally get the chance to dress up a little.

For the rest of you--take a look below and get some great ideas. Once you get some similar outfits pulled together (hopefully from pieces you already own!) you might even be excited to get to the office this week. 

Categories: Conservative, Creative & Laid Back--If you're not sure which category your office fits into and you were not provided with a dress code, take a look around you at your co-workers. Identify about the middle or average level of formality, and shoot for one notch above that. You don't want to be super over-dressed, but you don't want to be one of the sloppier employees either.

Conservative Professions

(Business Professional Dress Code)

Examples: Law, Academic, Consulting

As someone whose career path started out in law, I've worked in a couple of offices where the dress code was very conservative. Unfortunately, many women end up thinking that this means boring. While it’s true that you can’t play with very many elements of a business professional outfit, playing with just one element can make a big difference without breaking the code. Adding a pop of color, texture, or pattern adds a lot of visual interest to an outfit. As long as the fit and style is formal, your outfit won’t be out of place in your office. The main things I would stress here is to know any rules your company has on paper about their dress code and follow them; and to please, please not show too much skin. That’s a biggie for a conservative workplace. Scroll down for some great examples of professional, visually interesting office attire!

What makes it work? Conservative fabrics and fits. What makes it fun? Soft colors and fun jewelry. 

What makes it work? This is a classic work silhouette with a classic white shirt. What makes it fun? the bold red color of the skirt!

What makes it work? Professional pants and a crisp white shirt. What makes it fun? The fall color palette and the cute scarf. 

What makes it work? The professional pants, button down, and blazer combo. What makes it fun? More red! **Note--make this outfit work appropriate by buttoning up that shirt!

What makes it work? Pressed dress pants and shirt. What makes it fun? The pop of color from the pumps and the chunky pearl necklace. 

What makes it work? The feminine blouse and dress pants. What makes it fun? The two tone heels and bright yellow sweater. 

What makes it work? Military-inspired blazer and pressed pants. What makes it fun? Red pants and the printed scarf. (& Kate Middleton!)

What makes it work? The blazer and the subdued palette. What makes it fun? The relaxed fit of the sweater under the blazer and the sexy shoes. 

What makes it work? The button down and tweed. What makes it fun? The pop of plum and flirty silhouette of the skirt. 

What makes it work? Clean lines and classic materials. What makes it fun? The elbow patches and fun accessories. 

What makes it work? Sharp dress pants and dressy blouse. What makes it fun? Adding color and polka dots!

What makes it work? Pressed trousers and crisp shirt. What makes it fun? A pop of animal print. 

What makes it work? The buttoned blazer and monochromatic palette. What makes it fun? Relaxed-fit pants and pops of chrome. 

What makes it work? The polished silhouette and pencil skirt. What makes it fun? The added belt and the floral brooches. 

What makes it work? The lines and subdued colors. What makes it fun? The chevron print, of course!

What makes it work? This is a classic skirt suit in dark charcoal. What makes it fun? The texture of the lace blouse poking out of the jacket. 

What makes it work? The fitted suit. What makes it fun? The berry color of the shirt and the large accessories. 

What makes it work? The silhouette and relatively simple palette. What makes it fun? The fall orange color, the necklace and especially the fun shoes. 

What makes it work? The blazer and clean colors. What makes it fun? The pop of blue with the bag and the wide leg trousers. 

What makes it work? The classic work silhouette-blazer, pencil skirt, ladylike pumps. What make it fun? The hues of purple and the large flower accent. 

Creative Professions

(Business Professional or Business Casual Dress Code)

Examples: Media, Advertising, Publishing

These types of professions are great for fashion because you can kind of tailor your clothes to the style of your clients. Some offices are more or less formal, but all of them can be very fun. You still want to look like a professional, but you can change it up a little more with bright colors and prints, fun shoes, and trendy accessories. Having two of these elements within a professional-style outfit can make it very creative and fashionable—like these outfits below!

What makes it work? The materials and silhouette. What makes it fun? The vibrant color and pattern. 

What makes it work? The button down and work appropriate skirt. What makes it fun? The pops of red and flirty cut of the skirt. 

What makes it work? the blazer and camel accessories keep this office-worthy. What makes it fun? The skinny jeans, animal print and statement necklace. 

What makes it work? The dressy pants, material of the blouse and the simple style of the accessories. What makes it fun? The sleeveless floral printed blouse and the plum color. 

What makes it work? the pencil skirt shape and ladylike shoes and purse. What makes it fun? The chunkiness of the necklace, and mustard comfy sweater. 

What makes it work? The silhouette. What makes it fun? The colors!

What makes it work? The blazer and pumps. What makes it fun? The bright colors and stripes. 

What makes it work? The skirt and button down. What makes it fun? The heart print sweater with the touch of blue. 

What makes it work? The cardigan and navy pants. What makes it fun? The accent on the sweater and the print of the blouse. 

What makes it work? The flats and simple lines and textures. What makes it fun? Polka dots! On pants!

What makes it work? The silhouette and black accessories. What makes it fun? The blue color and the print of the skirt. 

What makes it work? The tweed blazer and the fit of the items. What makes it fun? Sparkles!

What makes it work? Skirt shape and blazer. What makes it fun? The necklace, tribal print and colors. **Note: Even in a creative office environment, it would be best to wear a longer skirt--just above knee length is the shortest that is considered appropriate. 

What makes it work? Pumps, blouse and the cardigan. What makes it fun? Cheetah print and red pants. 

What makes it fun? The blazer and blouse. What makes it fun? Pink pants! Metallic heels! Julie Bowen!

What makes it work? The blouse material and cardigan. What makes it fun? The polka dot print and mint color of the pants. 

What makes it work? The shape of the items. What makes it fun? The chambray and the print of the skirt. 

What makes it work? The blazer, pumps, and blouse. What makes it fun? Skinny jeans and those colors. Drool-worthy.

What makes it work? The soft blouse and fitted pants. What makes it fun? The floral prints and deep wine color. 

What makes it work? The flats, clutch and blazer. What makes it fun? The stripes, burgundy skinnies, and the cozy scarf. 

Laid Back Professions

(Business Casual or Casual Dress Code)

Examples: Engineering, Tech Support, Teaching

Some of these professions are laid back because you need to be able to move around easily, and some are laid back because they’re “behind the scenes” and so appearance is less important to the employer. This doesn't mean you can’t have fun with your clothes! Take advantage of a more relaxed dress code by adding laid back fabrics like jersey and denim (jeans! I love the idea of wearing jeans to work as you will see below), looser fits on certain items, and unexpected pairings. I want all of these outfits!

What makes it work? Crisp button-down and classic silhouette. Why it's fun? Jeans!

What makes it work? The blazer and camel accessories. What makes it fun? Jeans! And these are even a lighter wash, which is more casual. 

What makes it work? The gray and navy combo, the length of the dress, the cardigan. What makes it fun? Waring a maxi is the comfiest you can be while still looking polished. And the accessories are a great color. 

What makes it work? Blazer, button down, pumps, pearls... What makes it fun? The chunkiness of the necklace, the animal print and the relaxed jeans. 

What makes this work? The blazer, button down, and flats. What makes it fun? LIME green. And jeans! **Note: Even laid back places still don't like rips, (purposeful or not) so you may want a less distressed jean. 

What makes it work? Ladylike color palette, cardigan, clean white shirt. What makes it fun? The colored jean and wedges. 

What makes it work? The nice blouse, color choices, and pointy flats. What makes it fun? The skinny jeans and relaxed fit of the blouse, the rolled sleeves, and the pink. 

What makes it work? The pencil skirt & blouse combination. What makes it fun? The lace and chambray combo! **Note: Again, this skirt is a little short for office-appropriateness. Go for something that hits just above the knee. 

What makes it work? Pencil skirt and white blouse. What makes it fun? Cheetah print skirt, the t-shirt fit of her white shirt, and the denim jacket. 

What makes it work? Look, basically pencil skirt fit makes an outfit look several notches more professional. What makes it fun? The mint shirt and the skirt print. 

What makes it work? The button down, heels, and skirt. ** Look for just above the knee length! What makes it fun? The chambray, accessories, and flouncy cut. And the top knot too!

What makes it work? The navy color, blazer, and flats. What makes it fun? The jeans and statement necklace. 

What makes it work? The dark wash pants, blouse cut and cardigan. What makes it fun? the print of the skirt and the coral color. 

What makes it work? The pants, while denim, are khaki colored, which kicks them up a notch, and the crisp white button down. That bag isn't hurting either! What makes it fun? The casual fit, rolled, patched sleeves, and sandals **although I would go for a cuter, dressier sandal option. 

What makes it work? Heels make it dressier, the colors are great together, and the camel accessories are upscale. What makes it fun? The short sleeves, white skinnies, and floral scarf. 

What makes it work? The coverage of the skirt, and the chambray worn as a blazer. What makes it fun? Chambray material and the print of the skirt--plus the comfy factor. 

What makes it work? The sophisticated color palette, gold accessories, and drape of the blouse. What makes it fun? The sleeveless blouse and animal print flats. 

What makes it work? The button down & sweater combo and the necklace. What makes it fun? The skinnies with boots. 

What makes it work?  Again, the button down with a sweater, classic accessories. What makes it fun? The chunky gold necklace and skinnies. 

What makes it work? The white button down and camel flats and bag. What makes it fun? The denim jacket, red pants and turquoise jewelry. 

Which category does your office best fit in? Which of these options is your favorite? Any other good work-apparel tips? Leave your answers in the comments below. 

Follow me on Pinterest at pinterest.com/jaclyn0812 for these and more great outfit inspirations!

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Jaclyn