We’ve been getting more and more reader requests for office-worthy outfit ideas for the 9-5 grind. And as we’ve slowly been expanding here at TME, we’re now transitioning from leggings-and-sweatpants-at-my-kitchen-table to…an actual office. Crazy. So when Nordstrom reached out, asking us to take a look at their workwear pieces, my head was already there. And since our local team has a strong sense of style (read: highly opinionated), I recruited a few of them to play along.
Outfit Idea 1: Trousers + A Pretty Blouse
This has been my go-to work outfit since the early 2000’s. I love investing in a few pairs of really well-tailored menswear trousers, and then basically wearing each of them several times per week. Adding a few pretty (and affordable) tops to the mix and voila! The look is pretty and professional, without being overly precious.
Outfit Details
top: Something Navy Easy Tie-Neck Top (wearing an xs) – I love the extra long cuffs and the tie-neck detail. It doesn’t stay in a bow, which is fine, because I prefer it worn long. The fabric is a polyester/viscose blend, but it’s very soft and thicker than most polyester. It doesn’t feel cheap on the skin. Now 40% off!
trousers: Equipment Hagan Trousers (wearing size 0) – Wool, so they drape well, but fully lined so they’re comfortable to wear. The unassuming metallic stripe is a really nice (but still, very subtle) touch. Now 40% off!
boots: Jeffrey Campbell Siren Bootie
Shop More Pretty Blouses + Trousers For Work
Pretty Work Blouses
Trousers
Outfit Idea 2: Shirtdress + Patterned Pumps
Not only are shirtdresses insanely polished and professional…but they also have a classic, Grace Kelly vibe that suits Gwen perfectly. Love how she added a little patterned shoe for extra interest.
Outfit Details
dress: Vince Utility Shirtdress (wearing XXS, runs big) This dress is everything in person.
pumps: Cole Hann Genuine Calf Hair Vesta Pointy Toe Pump (available in a ton of colors) Leopard print is a neutral, and the lower walkable heel is perfect for the office.
Shirtdresses
Patterned Pumps
Outfit Idea 3: A Stretchy Ponte Dress + Soft Moto Jacket
Ponte dresses with a bit of stretch are perfect for the office: they’re comfortable, polished and require little to no extra thought. Add a moto jacket and booties for a more laid-back look. Scotti is still breastfeeding and the girls can literally go up or down a cup size throughout the day. The stretchy fabric and bow across the bust actually help to disguise their shape.
Outfit Details
dress: Maggy London Bow Twist Scuba Crepe Dress (wearing size 4, runs slightly big) – The bow across the bust actually helps to camouflage your chest and the neckline isn’t too low for the office.
jacket: BLANKNYC Drape Front Faux Suede Jacket (wearing small) – This jacket is unlined so it’s perfectly lightweight to wear instead of a cardigan, and will still fit under a bigger coat for the commute to work. In regular and plus sizes, and multiple colors.
boots: Treasure & Bond Scope Bootie (TTS) – Love the shape of this pointy toe bootie and the 3″ heel isn’t too uncomfortable for the office. In multiple colors.
Stretchy Ponte Dresses
Soft Moto Jackets
Outfit Idea 4: Make Monochrome Interesting With Texture and Details
Take a classic black monochromatic look up a notch by combining matte and shiny finishes in textures like lace, faux leather and satin. I love how Lex paired studded boots and tougher accessories to add a bit of an edge to this look.
Outfit Details
wrap top: Madewell Silk Wrap Top (size small, runs tts) Love the silky texture – also in a pretty coppery-red and 40% off! Nursing-friendly with a snap on top.
skirt: Vince Camuto Ponte Midi Skirt (wearing xs regular, petite would work as well) In regular and petite sizes — Scotti has this one too in petite for a shorter length and loves it.
boots: Steve Madden Humble Bootie (runs tts) On sale for 40% off!
Textured Tops
Edgy Booties
xo,
S
A huge thank you to Nordstrom for sponsoring this post! As always, all thoughts, opinions, and product choices are my own. And readers, thank you for your continued support. It doesn’t go unnoticed and is so very much appreciated!
10 Comments
Yeah! So happy to see a post on work clothes. I spend 95% of my time in work clothes, so thank you.
Work clothes *almost* make me want to go back to work.
I love Shana’s and Gwen’s outfits the most!
Gwen–gorgeous! Simple, comfortable, elegant work-wear. Love Scotti’s dress–you look awesome.
I only have to dress up for work once in a while, so I wear the same pieces year after year. These are perfect classic and comfortable choice. I especially love the shirtdress and printed pumps combination! Nipa
Love this post! Thank you!
Yay, this post is the best! So many of us work in offices–I love these ideas! The blouse one especially.
This is a fabulous post. I bought that gorgeous Club Monaco blouse and the Something Navy trousers. Gwen looks awesome in the Vince dress but I was afraid of the volume of material on me- I did find a colorful Chelsea28 wrap dress that was shirtdress-like and work appropriate that I’ve ordered. Thanks for the inspiration!
Thank you for this post! I appreciate the office attire ideas. I find a lot of great pieces at Nordstrom for workwear. Fun to see you all in an office environment too. Keep up the good work and recommendations!
Hi ladies.
I’d be interested to see how Shana would style her navy voloshin tee and navy and green linen voloshin top for an office environment.
Thanks!
Love all your ideas….as always!
oh my gosh, do more posts like this! Your first look is exactly what I want to wear to work on a daily basis, but finding fun but still work appropriate blouses can be hard! And that one is perfect but of course sold out by no 🙁