There was a time, not so long ago, when workwear meant black leggings and comfy sweatshirts. Remember those days? The ones where you could get away with wearing trackpants to the office (which for many people, was their dining room table). As we begin to spend more time in the office, we’re giving our workwear wardrobe a much-needed refresh. And while there are no rules for what to wear to work, we like to keep things simple to avoid decision fatigue (you know, the mental energy required to think up yet another outfit). Here, five marie Claire editors share what they wear to work.
From Top: Aje skirt, $425. Toteme shirt, $380. Aeyde Mary Jane ballet flats, $295. Mango bag, $99.95. Laura Lombardi earrings, $130. Laura Lombardi necklace, $245
Georgie Abay, Editor
“Anything goes in the fashion industry – I could turn up to work in jeans and a tee or a tailored suit. Mostly, I tend to go for a look that is more casual, but will always dress it up with a blazer or jewellery (I’m currently loving the return of silver jewellery). My work wardrobe is full of shirts, denim, blazers and ballet flats. I’m currently living in this Aje. Denim skirt and Toteme is always my go-to for shirts. I go for bags that have a bit of personality and love all the moon shaped bags we’re currently seeing. I rarely wear heels, and if I do, they’re more on the midi side. The return of the Mary Jane shoe is a dream for me!”
From Top: Camilla and Marc blazer, $750. JOSEPH t-shirt, $245.70. Witchery belt, $129.95. Bottega Veneta jeans, $1380. Bottega Veneta mules, $1520.
Naomi Smith, Fashion Director
“I love dressed up denim for work and jeans are my go-to. You’ll find me in them at least three days a week. I also love a chic blazer for work – it immediately brings polish to your look and it’s a good balance with jeans. Even in the hot weather, I bring a jacket – I can pop it on my shoulders if I have a meeting. It also works well when the air-conditioner is blasting. A low-heeled comfy shoe is a must for the office. For a pop of colour, I love these Bottega Veneta pumps. Most of my clothes are black or neutral so I’ll use accessories to lift my look. Also, the open back mule is a nod to summer without having to wear a sandal – it feels more dressed. Finally, a gold buckle belt is a staple too. It really elevates a look.”
From Top: Dries Van Noten top, $1025. Prada sunglasses, $523. The Row bag, $4305. FFORME pants, $2399. Charlotte Tilbury lipstick, $42.37. Laura Lombardi bracelet, $232.23. Bottega Veneta ring, $840. Jimmy Choo shoes, $1350.
Sally Hunwick, Beauty Director
“In this humid weather, I love wide legged pants, which work both at home and the office environment. Depending on what I have on that day, I’ll team with a silk top like this one from Dries Van Noten or a white singlet, which I often pick up at Mango. I love wearing light and neutral colours, so I’ll wear with a chic pair of sunglasses like this pair from Prada, some work-friendly flats, and a carry-all tote to get my work things to and from the office. This tote from the Row is chic, versatile and practical in equal measures. I love gold jewellery, and I would never leave home without great neutral lipstick, like this matte finish formulation from Charlotte Tilbury.”
From Top: Camilla and Marc t-shirt, $180. A.L.C. skirt, $1524.61. Charles & Keith ring, $43. The Row handbag, $4839. Proenza Schouler mules, $1284.
Jordan Boorman, Junior Fashion Editor
“My approach to workwear is always a fusion of playful, yet professional. It can be easy to let your summer wardrobe lend itself to simplicity, which is why I opt for summer silhouettes that are still practical and cool, and then add an unexpected twist by playing with colours and textures, such as a fun embroidered skirt and a tie-die shirt.”
From Top: Marant Etoile shirt, $390. Viktoria & Woods skirt, $260. Oroton bag, $369. UNIQLO socks, $5.90. H&M blazer, $99.99. Jo Mercer shoes, $219.95.
Emily Gittany, Market Editor
“Recently, I have been loving adding a little bit of colour to my work wardrobe. A great stripe shirt is perfect for this, and I love wearing it with a short black skirt or a long-tailored skirt. Also, ballet flats are essential, and I’ll style them with some good quality white socks.”
