5 Back to Work Outfits Good Enough to Make the Commute Worthwhile

Have you noticed it yet? The slightly shorter days, the conkers beginning to drop, the pool floats being relegated to the supermarket sale aisle... As much as I hate to admit it, summer is slipping away, and with it comes that ingrained ‘back to school’ feeling we can never quite shake come September. Only this time, it’s less about pencil cases, lunchboxes and shiny new shoes—though all credit if you’ve kept those rituals alive—and more about easing ourselves back into the working world with a few grown-up essentials.

A blazer, for one, to stave off that first September breeze. A classic court shoe, perhaps—Prada’s latest style is already gathering a cult following. And a crisp shirt that doesn’t carry the lingering scent of suntan lotion (and with it, the unwelcome reminder of anywhere but the office).

Still, there’s a thrill to be found in back-to-work outfits. While I’d advise steering clear of trainers with wheels this time around, a new season brings fresh colour palettes to experiment with, accessories that feel like punctuation marks (animal print being one to note), and cosy knits perfectly pitched for that tricky transitional period.

But if your mind is still wandering to the beach rather than the boardroom, it might be worth going back to basics: what does an office outfit really look like post-holiday?

Below, a moodboard of back-to-work looks designed with all levels of dress codes in mind—many of which can be built from pieces you already own. And, naturally, I’ve woven in some standout new-season additions too, because isn't a new bag the adult version of a pencil case?

5 Chic Office Outfits to Recreate

A statement skirt and a T-shirt

A simple T-shirt may feel a little less formal for the office, but pair it with a statement skirt and you'll have a work outfit that's equal parts chic and comfortable. While monochrome colour palettes work well here, a bold hue wouldn't go amiss in more laidback office environments.

Loose linens

Black trousers have more than earned their spot in many of our wardrobes, but white shades could be the trick to making your return to work feel a little lighter. Keep it monochrome with a matching white shirt and break up the look with black leather accessories. It will see you through all kinds of office events, from big boardroom meetings to coffee runs (as long as you avoid spills).

A simple maxi dress

Prefer the loose fit of a dress? A cotton maxi is an easy all-rounder, whether styled with simple black sandals or a classic court shoe. The oversized sack shape can also be belted at the waist for a more structured silhouette.

A colourful cardi and jeans

Some office dress codes allow us to wear jeans (yippee!), and this simplistic look is much more impactful when striking shades are woven in. A red cardigan and a boldly striped shirt will instantly make it feel less corpcore, or of course you can pare it back with neutral colours.

Grey tailoring

A sharp suit is one of the first places to start when creating a more formal fit, and recent seasons have put a slightly more casual shorts style in the limelight—perfect for warmer days or when you're wanting to transition slowly back to real life. To add a pop of personality to sleek grey shades, weave in a bold blue, yellow or red shirt.