5 Casual Office Outfit Ideas to Make Getting Ready in the Morning So Much Easier

Bookmark these now for when you're short on workwear inspiration

@frannfyne @linhniller @nlmarilyn wear casual work outfits
(Image credit: @frannfyne @linhniller @nlmarilyn)

The hardest question we fashion editors get asked is something along the lines of 'what shall I wear to work', because, quite frankly, our offices are often quite far removed from those in finance, insurance, or any other ultra-formal setting. So casual office outfits is where we tend to shine—where jeans, knee-high boots, and printed skirts won't earn a warning from HR but a 'where did you buy that?' while stood around the coffee machine.

Leaning into the lax(ish) office looks, I've pulled five that are more than worthy of any workwear mooboard and easy enough to recreate with items you probably already own in your wardrobe. Think: checked skirts and classic crewneck knits, polkadot dresses slipped beneath shirts, and plenty of ways to wear jeans. You're welcome.

5 Casual Work Outfits to Copy:

Blazer + Jeans

@olympiamarie wears black blazer, jeans

(Image credit: @olympiamarie)

Few outfits are as failsafe as jeans, a white shirt and a black blazer. So, if something's not broken, why fix it? Not only does it take minutes to style, but it can easily be altered with a simple change of shoe or even just by rolling up the sleeves and adding extra jewellery.

Black Jumper + Checked Skirt

@nlmarilyn black jumper checked skirt collage

(Image credit: @nlmarilyn)

The Cos checked skirt Marilyn is wearing was one of the most popular high street finds last year, and although it's now sold out, there are a number of similar options in its place. Add a classic black crewneck and over-the-knee boots and you'll have an outfit that works for both the office and after work drinks.

Jeans + Jumper + Shirt

@linhniller wears jeans and burgundy jumper

(Image credit: @linhniller)

The collegiate look is one that's been spied on many a recent runway—Tory Burch, Miu Miu, and Khaite included. And the simple layering of a knit over a shirt effortlessly puts this look into preppy territory. Even more so when they're tucked into jeans and paired with loafers.

Dress + Shirt + Smart Flats

@frannfyne wears navy polka dot skirt white shirt

(Image credit: @frannfyne)

The wisest fashion buys are items than can be worn in a wide number of ways, and styling a dress as a skirt is one of the oldest tricks in the book. While this preppy polka-dot dress works particularly well for dinners and weddings, layer a white shirt over the top and you'll have an easy work outfit.

Jeans + Tracksuit Top

@lisaingmarinelli wears jeans and blue jumper

(Image credit: @lisaingmarinelli)

Now, wearing a tracksuit top to the office may seem like a stretch, but if corporate lawyer Lisa Ing can, I'm taking that as evidence that we can as well. A straight leg jean rolled up over knee-high boots will help make it feel a touch more formal. While the oversized glasses just add an extra dose of cool.

TOPICS

Lauren Cunningham is a freelance fashion and beauty editor covering runway reviews, fashion news, shopping galleries and deep-dive features.