We’ve all been there: you were meant to leave five minutes ago, you still haven’t set foot in the bathroom, and suddenly every item of clothing you own feels wrong—too tight, too creased, too questionable to be worn in public... Invariably, it happens on the very day you needed to actually be on time—big board meeting, a whispered hint at promotion, or a client call destined to only add to the stress. All realities of working life, in all their unglamorous glory.
But there is a way to avoid all of this faff (apart from the laundry pile, that is still on you). Allow us to remind you of the capsule work wardrobe.
You’ll already be familiar with the concept of the capsule wardrobe—the streamlined rail of pieces that actually earn their keep—but I'm here to explain why it deserves a place in your nine-to-five too.
Think the ultimate workwear basics that are ready to be called upon at any given moment, like crisp cotton shirts, a blazer that never let you down, and a tight rotation of dresses that slip seamlessly into even the most conservative dress codes. Plus, of course, the accessories that elevate: a structured bag roomy enough to carry everything without the dreaded canvas tote add-on, shoes that balance style with stamina, and a few choice extras to keep things feeling less uniform and more enjoyable.
Trust me: filling your wardrobe with these essentials is a sure-fire way to guarantee stress-free mornings—and it's the secret chic working women have sworn by for years. Below, our edit of the workwear basics to shop to build the ultimate capsule wardrobe for your 9-5.
Shop The Workwear Basics That Every Stylish Woman Should Own
Chic shirts
Few wardrobe staples work as hard as a shirt. We reach for them with denim at the weekend, tuck them into tailored trousers mid-week, and even throw them over swimwear come summer holidays. In short: a single shirt has the power to move seamlessly from boardroom to beach—a versatility even the classic blazer can’t quite match.
So, curating a considered edit of shirts is less about indulgence and more about strategy. The essentials? A crisp white cotton, because you’ll never regret a classic. A striped version, to inject a little pattern without straying too far from timeless. And finally, a coloured style of your choosing—just ensure the shade complements what already hangs in your wardrobe, so it feels like a natural extension rather than a wildcard.
Classic blazers
Blazers have quietly become the shortcut to making almost any outfit feel pulled together. Sling one over your shoulders and suddenly a simple T-shirt and jeans reads polished, while a floaty dress feels instantly more boardroom-ready (within reason, of course). It’s little wonder they’ve cemented their place as an easy formal fix.
The key is having a couple in rotation that can multitask across your wardrobe. A classic black will always earn its keep, but don’t overlook the new neutrals—grey, cream and even soft beige have a modern, understated appeal. For those wanting to make more of a statement, consider a pop of colour—think vibrant pinks and yellows—or even a striped version to bring a sharper edge.
Tailored trousers
A well-cut pair of trousers is a wardrobe essential, whether your life revolves around the office or not. While jeans have their place, they don't always hit the mark in more formal settings, so we call on the trouser to add a bit of polish.
The classic black wool option remains a firm favourite, but modern dressing embraces more fashion-forward silhouettes too: wide-leg cuts, warm brown tones, and fluid, voluminous fabrics that feel current without trying too hard. Pair them with a crisp shirt for work-ready refinement, a simple tee for relaxed elegance, or a silky cami when the mood calls for something softer and more casual.
Laptop-holding work bags
Finding a chic bag that can also swallow a laptop without looking overstuffed can feel like an endless quest—one we hear about all the time here at Team Marie Claire. Thankfully, there’s no shortage of options, from Polène and Prada to Dune, all offering smart, stylish solutions.
This is also where you can have a little fun with fashion. A pop of bold colour or even a subtle animal print instantly injects personality into any outfit—even the most streamlined black trouser-and-blazer combination.
Office-appropriate dresses
Work dresses can span rather wildly in design depending on office dress codes. While some of us can swan in in a slip, others prefer to stick to more modest cuts. Think a sharp shirt dress, long-sleeved styles and even a more form-fitting pencil cut—all of which come with ample options.
Once you've ticked all the boxes of tricky office environments, your choice of dress then comes down to personal taste. Neutral shades are always an easy win while bright and bold colours are favoured by those who aren't afraid to stand out, and remember your blazer can effortlessly layer on top.
Classic work shoes
Trusty trainers have been our go-to for the best part of a decade, but it seems a shift towards more formal footwear is underfoot—a well welcomed switch for all of us with stricter office dress codes. Loafers, brogues and classic court shoes are all being reimagined into more fashion-forward styles—just take a look at the new Prada court shoe.
The key to successfully selecting an office-appropriate shoe, however, is finding the perfect balance between comfortable and chic, which may take a little trial and error. As a top tip: wear them across your carpet before you head out into the open, if they start to pinch, send them back.
