Telegraphing your personal style into a professional work outfit is usually easier said than done, whether you work in a casual coworking space or a true corporate setting. Your work outfits have to check several precise, practical boxes: compliance with office dress codes (and dicey AC), comfort for commutes of all lengths, and coverage for whatever the weather app throws at you when you wake up. Some days, you'll have presentations or meetings that call for extra polish; other days, you'll want to dress for the dinner or concert lined up after your to-do list ends. Above all, you want to look like yourself—just ready for a promotion.
Allow our editors to get the work outfit ideas flowing. In our column Fit Check, BAZAAR editors will share what they're really wearing to the office each month—and lend your own work wardrobe some fresh inspiration along the way. For our first installment, our team is leaning into warmer weather with light jackets, artful layering, and plenty of office-approved denim. Scroll on for work outfit ideas that can handle whatever your nine-to-five has in store, courtesy of BAZAAR'seditors.
"Picture this: You wake up to a prepacked workbag, morning routine in full effect, and zero plans for an outfit. Getting dressed in the morning is usually an IRL experience for me. I see how I feel when I wake up. A lot of looks I put together are consistent, however, much like a uniform, and often are a culmination of the best of classic key pieces: the perfect white T-shirt, excellent vintage Levi’s, a blazer or collarless jacket, and a flat (ballet or Mary Jane). There’s so much value investing in items you’ll wear repeatedly!" —Jaclyn Alexandra Cohen, fashion and accessories editor
"I always gear toward something more minimalistic. I like to go with classics—I think that's what works for me and my body type best. I love a boxy blazer, I love a wide-leg trouser jean, and I love a graphic tee. I bought this tee five or six years ago; it's a vintage Phillip Lim tee that I got at this vintage fundraiser I went to. I love something a little cheeky with classic office staples, then bringing in a little color with my accessories." —Bianca Betancourt, culture editor
"I like to secretly wear pajamas as often as possible. And I LOVE beautiful trousers. I hunted these down, and it took me a year—a pair mysteriously popped up on Yoox a few weeks ago. I think for ages before I buy something, and then I wear it for years; I've had most of my clothes for a decade or more. I choose my clothes the morning of work, based on how much commuting and moving around the city I'm doing that day. If I'm meeting a designer, I might wear one of their pieces or a vintage piece they'd appreciate." —Rachel Tashjian, fashion news director
"This outfit was totally planned ahead of the shoot, but on most days, I like to just feel things out the morning of. For the most part, I’m going for things that bring comfort and help me feel good in my body. I’ve been leaning, in particular, toward tan and beige neutrals, but I always love a cohesive monochrome moment." —Sabrina Park, editorial and social media assistant
"I want to still feel like me when I’m in the office, so my attitude towards assembling a work outfit often involves centering the kind of delicate femininity that’s at the crux of my personal style. I try to represent that here with the corset, the drop waist, and the lacy socks. Of course, not every office environment may be as fashion friendly as Harper BAZAAR’s, but I think a corset can still be a dependable layering piece, whether it’s styled over a button-up or a breezy dress. To tie it all together, I appreciate slouchy outerwear like this cream belted coat—and will revel in wearing it for as long as the city’s spring weather allows me to." —Chelsey Sanchez, associate editor
"I'd consider my style effortlessly chic, polished with an edge. I get ready based off my mood in the morning. Today was a low-key Monday, so I went with a more casual-chic-comfortable look, but the kitten heels from Paul Andrew elevated it. Having essential pieces like great denim and tees to style with accessories is always my go-to." —Alicia Banilivy, fashion & retail credits editor
"When it comes to deciding on what to wear to the office, I tend to gravitate toward versatile separates I can mix and match that are comfortable enough to wear all day, yet still look pulled together. To create this work look in particular, I mentally planned ahead—though that definitely isn't always the case when it comes to my routine. And since I already knew I wanted to wear this fun and vibrant pajama top by Nadine Merabi, I decided to keep the rest of my look simple (and comfortable!) with a pair of knit black pants and black leather ballet flats." —Tiffany Dodson, associate beauty commerce editor
"I don't love colors, so I always try to keep it simple with the colors and silhouettes. I really like linen, so this is a neutral linen look—and it's summery!" —Rosa Sanchez, senior news editor
"Sandal season is finally here, which means I can bring all of my open-toed shoes out of hibernation. One of my favorites: these old heels that elevate any outfit, thanks to the fun metallic fringe detailing. Plus, I can run around NYC all day and still feel my feet. This plaid blazer is another one-and-done piece in my wardrobe—it instantly makes me look (and feel) put together." —Katie Intner, assistant beauty editor
This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io