These 7 Spring Work Outfits Always Get Me Compliments
Anyone who has ever worked in an office has likely struggled to navigate the dress code. You want to look polished and professional, but you also want to feel like yourself. It's a tricky balance.
Depending on how formal your particular workplace is, there should be room to inject your personal style into your 9-5 uniform. It can be subtle tweaks—the addition of a vintage silk scarf and your favourite pair of loafers—or in more casual environments, you can pretty much dress as you would OOO, with just a few adjustments (ie. the crop tops and thigh-highs should probably stay at home).
You also have to be comfortable. When hopping from lunch meeting to conference call and sitting in one spot for hours on end, it's crucial to avoid too-tight shoes or an off-shoulder sleeve that keeps slipping down. These details might just be the difference between a stress-free working day and one full of nagging frustrations.
With all this in mind, we've pulled together seven spring-ready looks that are smart enough for most offices but far from boring. Scroll on to see for yourself.
1. Peacoat + Skinny Jeans + Heeled Boots
Style Notes: While ripped denim might not be suitable for an office environment, sleek black skinnies are a different story—particularly if you pair them with heeled boots and streamlined outerwear.
SHOP THE LOOK:
The ideal cover-up for those chilly spring days.
With that mid-heel, you can comfortably wear these boots all day long.
2. Blazer + Longline Skirt + Pointed Flats
Style Notes: If you sit at a desk from 9-5 every day, you might find that a skirt is far less restrictive than trousers. A blazer will keep the look feeling put-together.
SHOP THE LOOK:
This simple blazer holds the power to spruce up any outfit.
Who needs heels when you have these elegant flats?
3. LBD + Loafers
Style Notes: Okay, a plain black dress isn't a novel idea for the office, but instead of styling it with stilettos reach for your loafers to create a cool, on-trend combination.
SHOP THE LOOK:
4. White Shirt + Wide-Leg Trousers + Structured Bag
Style Notes: You truly can't go wrong with a white button shirt and tailored trousers; a version of this pairing will work in every office, no matter how formal.
SHOP THE LOOK:
For work, weekend and beyond.
A forever piece you'll never regret investing in.
5. Utility Jumpsuit + Mules
Style Notes: What's easier than an all-in-one item? Jumpsuits are perfect for rushed mornings, and mules are the ultimate slip-on-and-go shoe.
SHOP THE LOOK:
We're very impressed by M&S' shoe selection this season.
6. Brown Suit + Ribbed Tank + Silk Scarf
Style Notes: For a 2023 take on the suit, switch your black tailoring for a chocolate brown set. A silk scarf will add an extra level of interest to this tried-and-tested look.
SHOP THE LOOK:
7. Trench Coat + Skinny Pants + Court Shoes
Style Notes: For the morning commute, layer up with a classic trench coat and a slim knit underneath. We suggest taking your time finding the right pair of court shoes that you won't mind wearing daily.
SHOP THE LOOK:
Classy outerwear might just be what & Other Stories does best.
Next Up: So You Thought You Couldn't Wear Jeans to Work—6 Outfits That Prove You Can
Bébhinn Campbell is an Edinburgh-based fashion and lifestyle writer. After receiving an Audrey Hepburn box set for her 10th birthday and subsequently swooning over the actor’s wardrobe, Bébhinn felt pretty confident she wanted a career that involved clothes. She started her first blog at age 14—the title was a pun, but we’ll leave it at that—and went on to intern at print and digital publications in Berlin and London, including Dazed & Confused and Indie magazine.
A job at a fashion startup took Bébhinn from Ireland to Scotland in 2019, where she now works as a freelance journalist and copywriter covering everything from travel and interiors to styling advice. As a contributor for Who What Wear, Bébhinn always keeps her eyes peeled for emerging trends and looks worth writing about. She prides herself on her ability to cut through the noise and identify solid investment buys, exciting new brands and updated takes on classic designs.
While she still loves Audrey Hepburn films, these days, Bébhinn’s sartorial taste sits closer to Annie Hall’s and Alexa Chung’s. In her spare time, she’s likely cooing over cute dogs on rescue websites, playing folk songs on her guitar and browsing bookshops for new additions to her already-overpacked shelves.
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