Workwear in 2021: The best outfits and new styles to try now
The very existence of the famed Zoom meeting outfit (business shirt up top and PJs on the bottom) has triggered a new discussion on office dress codes.The flexibility of working from anywhere has also meant an evolution in workwear.
Employees at the world’s most profitable companies - think Google and Facebook - have long been enjoying the rebellion against traditional, Mad Men-esque ideas of workwear, instead choosing total comfort with jeans and a hoodie. After all, why would you wear a suit when you spend your day coding at a computer?
Now that we’re entering a phase of post-pandemic office fashion, ‘dress for your day’ is becoming the workplace dress code of choice. It gives (non-uniformed) workers the ability to don more formal attire when meeting clients or attending events but dress casually and comfortably on a normal day in the office.
Now, how to incorporate those elements of WFH fashion into the office for the ultimate ‘dress for your day’ rotation?
Our Workwear Edit will inspire you to update your go-to work looks with our most popular styles this autumn, easing your transition from couch to commute.
BUSINESS PROFESSIONAL
A corporate career can often leave you with two separate wardrobes - one for work and another for the weekend. Now we’ve all gotten used to being comfortable while working, don’t be afraid to mix structured corporate classics with floatier pieces.
The Tanya Top offers a non-traditional shirting concept while remaining office appropriate. The almost-boho drawstring detail on the sleeves would be beautifully accentuated by tailored trousers, or try a pencil skirt for a vintage nod to the mid-1960s.
A white shirt is the cornerstone of the corporate wardrobe, so allow the Garnett Pants to soften the look with its elasticised waist (hidden by a fabric tie) and flattering ankle length. Add black pumps and your go-to day bag for a look that Victoria Beckham, Queen of Tailored Dressing, would approve of.
Or, rethink the staple white button up entirely with the Plato Top. With its collar-turned-lapel-detail and twisted hem, the Plato blurs the line between work wardrobe (styled with tailored trousers and a structured blazer) and your weekend wardrobe (styled with relaxed denim and sneakers).
A killer suit may be worth its weight in gold, but our stylist recommends wearing your suit pieces separately. Not only does it feign a larger wardrobe, but this method also allows you to intersperse your ‘personality pieces’ from Esther & Co. while maintaining a polished aesthetic. Simply keep a suit jacket on hand for impromptu meetings.
BUSINESS CASUAL
Business Casual is where ‘dress for your day’ really comes into its own. Keep your polished pieces, but incorporate them into more casual ‘you’ looks.
Our stylist recommends borrowing inspiration from the streetwear creations of Alexa Chung, Olivia Palermo and Dakota Johnson, who all walk the tightrope between casual and put-together with ease.
Try cloaking a cropped jacket over the leopard print Althea Dress, or adding a longline navy blazer over the high-necked Poki Dress with its playful ink print to take you from desk to date.
The sweet, statement Yasmin Shirt will serve your transeasonal work wardrobe well, with its pale yellow base and floral print coupled with a traditional collar, button-down front and long sleeves. Similarly, a silky skirt like the Alberte or the form-fitting Mura Skirt will undoubtedly feature heavily on weekdays and the weekend alike.
Often seen on bloggers paired with crop tops and graphic tees, slip skirts can easily be elevated into a work-appropriate outfit with a tonal turtleneck and heels - channel Meghan Markle’s coveted head-to-toe chocolate ensemble last year.
CREATIVE
Creative workplaces often mean that there is very little difference between workwear and everything-else-wear (albeit with a common sense level of professionalism), so let your personality run free each morning as you get dressed.
Stay with the puff sleeve trend that has spilled over into autumn 2021, simply opting for a longer sleeve as seen on the beige tone based Myrthe Dress, or the fabulously feminine Antia Top in pink. Brave the autumn morning in floatier pieces by layering with the Zuzu Coatigan in a neutral beige tone.
With many of us still begrudgingly making the transition from couch to desk, a trending knitted bodycon will take you back to your polished office look while being as comfortable as loungewear.
Go bold from head to toe with the candy-striped Andreja Dress, paired with a denim jacket, keep it in neutral with the Audrie, or opt for a two-piece set like the bodycon Margo Skirt and matching top. The neutrality of the mushroom tone gives way to eye-catching layering and accessories, perfect for ensuring longevity in your rotation without falling victim to indistinguishable repetition.
Remove the bodycon element completely and create a freeform silhouette with the cosy Catina Dress, showing off a little bit of shoulder instead.
Can’t live without jeans? Denim is a go-to for creative workplaces. Stay simple and add a statement jacket (we’re loving the earthy sage colour of the Anina Jacket) or a bright knit to stand out from the crowd of denim-clad colleagues.
Our stylist suggests pairing your white denim with the tonal green and cream Vena Jumper, the Valda Knit with your 80s blues, or black jeans and the creamy Rava Knit for an easy, put-on-and-go monochrome look.
Find more autumnal picks for your ‘dress for your day’ office style in our New Arrivals.