Whether you work in an office or with your hands, are client facing or work from home, the one thing we can all agree on when it comes to the 9-to-5 is that getting ready every day needs fresh inspiration to stop your outfits from feeling boring.
The idea of traditional "workwear" can box us into a style rut of grey suits and court shoes, but what you wear to work needn't be drab pinstripes, and there is a lot on the high street that you'll want to wear during the week and over the weekend too. With the new season in sight, there's no reason you can't embrace all of the colours, textures and silhouettes of spring in a way that's also office appropriate. In an effort to prove it, I searched through hundreds of new pieces for the solution.
If there's anywhere we can count on for understated, timeless pieces that can elevate everyday essentials to the stylish workwear sphere, it's Zara, Mango and Marks and Spencer. If you weren't already sold on Zara's spring suiting, Mango's leather separates and M&S's knits, coats and impressive shoes, then you're going to want to keep scrolling. There are enough wide-leg trousers, oversized shirts, refined co-ords, and polished accessories across the stores to build a capsule wardrobe worthy of a promotion.
To help take the stress out of your daily outfit planning, I've edited down the new-in sections of Zara, Mango and M&S to bring you 30 of the very best pieces to refresh your workwear wardrobe, and believe me—they're anything but boring. I've also thought about outfit-elevating accessories like smart handbags and long-wearing shoes that will go with just about anything. So keep scrolling for the best stores for workwear that fashion editors secretly rely on to build countless workwear outfits. Just be sure to keep our secret.
NEW-IN WORKWEAR FINDS FROM ZARA:
This classic shirt comes in three different colours. We'll take one of each.
How to wear tailoring in warm weather.
You'll wear pleated trousers like these with knits, shirts, T-shirts, blazers…
Simple, elegant, understated.
Trenches are everywhere right now, but this light beige is perfect.
Sorry, pencil skirts–there's a new style in town, and it's far cooler.
This shade of charcoal makes everything look chicer.
Put away the blister plasters. We're wearing easy loafers in the office now.
Come summer, you're going to be thankful you invested in a dress like this.
That's right—this really is £26. It isn't missing an extra zero.
NEW-IN WORKWEAR FINDS FROM MANGO:
We're convinced there isn't a more sensible investment than a timeless trench.
Dress it up with a midi skirt, or keep it casual in jeans—either way, this cool cardigan is always polished.
The perfect desk-to-dinner staple.
A simple shirt can be turned into a statement piece with the easy addition of a pair of sculptural earrings.
Cream tailoring says, "I'm prepared for anything." Just be careful how you carry your morning coffee.
A fresh, new way to wear classic pinstripes.
At least 70% cooler than a pair of black court shoes.
Here's conclusive proof that you can wear a leather mini to the office. Just add a pair of tights until the weather warms up.
The pop of colour your midweek outfit needed.
You just can't go wrong with linen suit trousers.
NEW-IN WORKWEAR FINDS FROM MARKS AND SPENCER:
Trust M&S to create the perfect suit.
A classic white linen shirt will serve you well this season. Wear with wide-leg trousers to work or with jeans at the weekend.
Brunch with friends? Just add jeans and sandals. Back in the office? It's got to be tailored wide-leg trousers.
How pretty is this dress? Style it with flats for work, trainers at the weekend and with heels for a wedding.
We would forgive you for thinking that this XL tote was designer.
I'm loving this striped midi. Add a linen blazer over the top and you're good to go.
This whole outfit gets a A+ in my eyes.
Another staple you'll rely on time and time again.
I really rate M&S for blazers and this light blue boucle style is the perfect addition to a spring/summer wardrobe.
White dresses really come into their own at this time of the year. I love the blouson sleeves of this style.
Next Up, It's My Job to Find Amazing Shopping Picks—These 9 New Buys Are Too Good to Miss
This story was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
Promo image: @emswells
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