Tracee Ellis Ross is famous, of course, for her acting prowess and for being the daughter of the legendary Diana Ross, but her outfits are so good that they've become yet another string to her bow. And last week's wardrobe rotation served as further evidence of that, while also confirming that our spotlighted summer trend—red and blue colour pairings—is absolutely still standing. Ross has simply taken it in an office-friendly direction, with the help of stylist Karla Welch, who also has a hand in the wardrobes of Olivia Wilde, Tessa Thompson, Sarah Paulson and many more Hollywood faces.

While Ross's look was an all-Prada ensemble, the core components can be bought from just about any retailer. Think a blue shirt, a statement skirt—if red isn't your top choice, silver, green or a bold print work just as well—and a classic court shoe, which you may well already own. Simple in structure yet impactful in shade, with a basket bag and silver earrings adding subtle accents.

And as we've also dubbed 2026 the year big skirts bring the energy, it feels fitting that the often overlooked wardrobe staple forms the centrepiece of this easy-to-recreate outfit—suitable for even the strictest office environments. Though we'd probably swap the straw tote for something capable of actually holding a laptop, and possibly a spare pair of shoes, should you have a hefty commute.

Below, the building blocks to make this summer-ready workwear look your own.

Shop The Tracee Ellis Ross Look

Best Blue Shirts

Best Statement Skirts

Best Court Shoes

As this year is starting to prove, summer in the UK is drastically underrated—and I say that holding my hands up as someone who has spent the past two years travelling the world to get away from it. How wrong I was. Although, with barely-there air con, sweaty public transport and office dress codes that stretch from cool and casual to suited and sharp, it is tempting to stay within the comfort zone of the same three outfits on rotation. Which, when the internet is increasingly having fun with fashion, feels a shame to say the least.

So I bring you five summer-in-the-city outfits for inspiration. Some you can wear to work; some that will see you through the school run, the weekly shop and lunch with a friend; and some that will carry you into the evening. Depending on your workplace, they could do double or triple duty. Each offering something a little more exciting than your go-to linen trousers, vest top and flip flops. We only get a few weeks of sunshine, after all, so best make them count.

There are a few themes that run throughout, though. Accessories help build interest, whether that's a minimalist cord necklace or a statement earring. Strong flashes of colour can easily add personality. And a handful of focal pieces can make any wardrobe feel that bit more fun. Scroll on for our summer moodboard.

5 Summer-in-the-City Outfits to Recreate Now

Picnic Blanket Skirt + White Shirt

A statement skirt has a way of making many an outfit feel far more exciting, whether you pair it with a shirt, a trusty tee or a simple vest top. Statement earrings and a bold bag sway it towards evening; flip flops and a tote take it back to daytime. Consider it a key piece for easy, impactful outfit-building.

White Dress + Straw Tote

If you're an eagle-eyed Marie Claire reader, you've probably spotted this Róhe white midi dress a fair few times in our articles—though, predictably, it's now sold out. So I've found an alternative that works just as well for the office as it does the weekend, especially when paired with statement sunglasses and a straw tote.

Cargo Shorts + Crochet

Yes, a dress is one easy option for summer evenings in the city—but this cargo shorts look feels infinitely cooler. With its ties to 00s style and a trend clash of khaki and crochet, it's the contrast that keeps it unexpected yet eye-catching.

Contrasting Polka Dot Shirt + Skirt

If you're a maximalist in search of a fun yet formal-feeling office outfit, consider clashing polka dot prints your minimal-effort, maximum-impact styling trick. And to make it even more strict-dress-code-friendly, swap the flip flops for a pointed-toe heeled mule.

Khaki Shorts + Headscarf

Consider this longline short and blouse look an easy off-duty outfit for errand-running and weekends. Cool, casual and, most importantly, comfortable—though the suede loafers make it feel a touch more formal, perhaps even enough for more laid-back office environments. And the headscarf and bag charms go a long way to making it feel more personal.

Silk trousers have long drawn us in with their chic, sophisticated appeal, instantly elevating many an outfit. And yet they come with one key downfall: they're notoriously difficult to look after. Door handles, bench splinters and that garlic oil-coated olive that called your name at dinner suddenly become serious hazards, each one large enough to render your beloved silk trousers redundant. There is, however, a hardier alternative that feels far less fragile and some of the best-dressed women on the internet are quickly adopting it: the Shantung silk trouser.

Historically originating from the Shandong province of China, Shantung silk is wild and unrefined where other silks are soft and smooth, giving the fabric irregular ridges, bumps and sometimes an uneven surface. It's a fabric that brims with natural character—often stiffer, better at holding its shape, and, crucially, a little easier to care for and a little less obvious when it gets snagged. The benefits speak for themselves: lightweight enough to carry you through summer, comfortable enough to wear all day and into the evening, and effortlessly sleek enough to anchor many an outfit. Office dressing very much included.

Looking to the women already championing it—Monikh Dale and Katie Holmes' stylist Brie Welch among them—a crisp white T-shirt and flip flops work effortlessly, as does a simple vest or something a little more considered for stricter office environments. Colour is where things get particularly interesting: Shantung silk takes dye exceptionally well, making it one of the easiest ways to inject a vibrant shade into your wardrobe without it feeling like too much of a commitment.

Scroll on for three ways to wear it.

3 Ways to Wear Shantung Silk Trousers

The Modern Minimalist

A bold trouser can easily carry an outfit, so look to simplistic staples to keep them grounded. A black vest top, woven bag and peep toe mules can all be worn time and time again without ever tiring.

The Pink Pursuer

For a more maximalist take, consider the trending Chan Luu pink silk trousers. Brown and silver accessories make them all the more wearable, easily swaying them towards different occasions.

The Colour Enthusiast

Another plus point of this low maintenance silk is that you don't have to keep it crisply ironed like high-shine styles. Instead, embrace the creases as part of the character, especially when paired with a stiff cotton shirt.

Shoes are one of the hardest-working accessories in our wardrobe—particularly in a corporate environment. They need to complement our professional style while standing up to the demands of a full working day.

As a corporate lawyer who has spent the majority of her life inside an office, Mariko Kuo has learned more than a thing or two about how to dress for work in a way that feels polished while still leaving room for personality. And shoes are an often overlooked component that can make quite the difference to any look.

Mariko's style tends to be quite clean and paired back citing Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy as one of her biggest style inspirations, which is she loves to add wow shoes to her looks. When navigating a busy London commute she switches to flats, but when she changes into heels, her shoes need to work just as hard as she does. Below, Mariko shares her five top tips when choosing your summer work shoes.

5 Summer Work Shoe Tips I Swear By

1. Invest in Shoes from Shoe Brands

There’s a reason why shoe brands are shoe brands. They understand proportion, comfort, craftsmanship, and most importantly, what makes a shoe look elegant, sophisticated and polished.

Over the years, I’ve found that the pairs that consistently deliver on both style and comfort come from brands that specialise in shoes. Think Manolo Blahnik, Roger Vivier, Jimmy Choo and Gianvito Rossi. Time and time again, these are the shoes that never let me down. Unsurprisingly, many of the styles I'm coveting this summer come from these iconic footwear houses.

2. Open Toes can Work, but Keep it Peep-Toe

Open-toe shoes can absolutely have a place in the office, but I prefer to keep them refined with a peep-toe silhouette. As tempting as Greek sandals, slides and flip-flops may be, we must remind ourselves that we are going to the office, not the beach.

Instead, showing just a hint of skin feels far more polished than exposing the entire foot and helps maintain a professional, sophisticated appearance. Peep-toe mules are particularly effective for summer workwear, offering both elegance and practicality.

Saint Laurent’s Babylone, Gianvito Rossi’s Dorotea or Jude’s Date mules are perfect examples. They strike the right balance between relaxed and refined, making them an ideal partner for a midi skirt, pencil skirt or tailored trousers.

3. Slingbacks are Your Best Friend

If I had to choose one shoe style for the office during the summer months, it would be the slingback. As temperatures rise, a little extra breathing room for your feet makes all the difference. Slingbacks offer the polish and impact of a classic court shoe whilst being eminently more practical. The ability to slip them on and off easily throughout the day, especially under our desks, is something our feet will thank us for when we make it home.

One of my all-time favourites is Roger Vivier's Belle Vivier slingback. With its signature architectural buckle and elegant patent leather finish, it's a timeless style that effortlessly elevates any workwear look.

4. Look to Loafers for Long Commutes and High Step Count Days

Yes, I wear flats too. For all the glamour of heels, the reality of the London commute means flats are often the smartest choice. I do keep a few pairs of heels at the office to change into, but there are plenty of days when I simply wear flats for the whole day.

My go-to flats are a classic loafer. They make a confident statement, look effortlessly chic with tailoring and offer all-day comfort. Tod’s loafers are amongst the best I’ve found, thanks to their beautifully soft Italian leather and impeccable craftsmanship. I’ve genuinely never had a blister from them.

5. Embrace Colour and Pattern

If there’s ever a season to experiment with colour and pattern, it’s summer. Perhaps it's the sunshine or simply the collective boost in mood that comes with longer days, but summer feels like the perfect opportunity to have a little more fun with office dressing. Whilst many workplaces still favour a neutral palette, footwear offers an easy and sophisticated way to introduce colour without overwhelming an outfit.

Red is one of the standout shades this season, and shoes are a great way to incorporate the trend. I particularly love Manolo Blahnik’s red-and-white polka dot courts or any of their iconic Maysale mules with their pilgrim buckles in an array of patterns and colours. They add personality and visual interest, whilst ensuring they are elegant enough for the office. I tend to pair statement shoes like these with a neutral outfit. Demure on top, party on the bottom.

We may all be Googling heatwave sleep hacks—window open, fan on, just a sheet, no duvet, is my personal sweet spot—but working out what to wear to the office in a heatwave feels considerably harder. That bikini and denim shorts, flip flops and mini dress, or shirt and shorts co-ord that looks great in the garden probably won't cut it at work. The women at Milan Fashion Week Men's Spring/Summer 2027, however, seem to have found a failsafe formula that's as simple as it is sleek: black and white.

This is nothing groundbreaking, of course. The two shades have long lived alongside each other in many a minimalist's wardrobe—just look to the Spring/Summer 26 runways of Calvin Klein and Ralph Lauren for further evidence. But it's precisely this effortless simplicity that makes the pairing so appealing, and the small styling tweaks that keep it from feeling overdone.

Lightweight natural fabrics like linen, cotton and silk, lay the foundations for looking both cool and comfortable. While structure is what makes them office-appropriate: tailored shorts, midi skirts and dresses that meet even the trickier dress codes.

Layering the two together is what keeps things crisp. A white smock dress with a black fisherman's sandal, a black skirt with a loose linen shirt, a black midi dress with white sandals are just a handful of starting points, none of them complicated.

Below, an edit of office-friendly black and white staples to take the faff out of heatwave dressing. Nobody needs that extra stress on top of the commute. Though let's be grateful for office aircon.

Shop Black and White Workwear

When it comes to sophisticated yet modern workwear, Mariko Kuo is a constant source of inspiration. With 171K followers, the corporate lawyer regularly shares contemporary styling ideas that go beyond the ordinary. As part of our Marie Claire Masters series, Mariko shares her love for Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy's style, and the key takeaways she has carried through to her own wardrobe.

If the return of ’90s minimalism has taught me anything, it’s that restraint can be powerful, especially at work. I keep coming back to Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, whose approach to dressing feels like a masterclass in polished, modern workwear that still feels entirely of the moment.

Long before “quiet luxury” and “capsule wardrobes” became shorthand for understated dressing, Carolyn Bessette was building a professional uniform that balanced authority with ease. Looking through her iconic looks from her Calvin Klein days, her wardrobe feels even more relevant now than ever: clean tailoring, muted tones, and silhouettes that exude confidence while still feeling rooted in a kind of quiet ease.

So how do you translate that into a modern workwear wardrobe? It starts with a tightly edited colour palette. For workwear, that means anchoring everything in black, white and neutral tones. These shades don’t just mix and match seamlessly; they create a sense of calm control that feels intentional and simply put together.

And then there’s the intangible element: composure. Carolyn Bessette’s style worked because it was worn with certainty. Nothing felt overthought, yet everything appeared deliberate. In a workplace context, I think that translates to dressing in a way that allows you to focus on your work, not your outfit. It communicates competence without needing to announce it.

Maybe that’s the true takeaway from Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy’s enduring influence: great workwear doesn’t chase attention—it earns it. Scroll on to see my four Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy-inspired workwear outfit formulas.

4 Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy-inspired outfit formulas:

1. Tailoring

Tailoring and clean structural lines do most of the heavy lifting. The ’90s silhouette leaned slightly oversized, so I think it’s really about finding a precise blazer to pull it all together. Worn with straight or gently tapered trousers cut to skim the shoe, it creates an instantly intentional uniform that I find myself relying on again and again.

Shop the look:

2. Dresses

Dresses have their place too, but they follow the same rules. A simple, bias-cut midi in a neutral tone can move easily from desk to dinner. For me, it’s one of those strategic pieces that introduces a bit of softness and femininity without ever feeling out of place in an office setting. I tend to keep layering minimal, a structured coat or a streamlined blazer is usually enough — paired with strappy sandals or a clean shoulder bag.

Shop the look:

3. White Shirt

It’s impossible to talk about Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy without mentioning her shirts. A crisp white button-down, worn with the top buttons undone, is probably the easiest way to tap into this look at work. Minimal layering can really pull the look together, like a structured coat or a streamlined blazer teamed with strappy sandals and a clean shoulder bag.

Shop the look:

4. Evening

The same simplicity carries through to eveningwear as well. For office functions or black-tie events, a beautifully cut A-line dress or a strapless top with a silk slip skirt can instantly create a polished and sophisticated feel.

Shop the look:

Knowing what to shop for and wear during pregnancy can be a challenge at the best of times—let alone when you work in a corporate environment. With changing proportions and a shortage of polished maternity options, building a work wardrobe that is smart, comfortable, and stylish can feel like a real balancing act.

That’s why we asked legal director and content creator Thandi Maqubela for her advice as she navigates her second pregnancy. Known for her polished aesthetic, her approach to workwear proves that dressing a bump shouldn’t come at the expense of personal style.

Below, she shares her expert tips on adapting her work wardrobe for pregnancy, her top three outfit formulas, and the pieces she’s been relying on to make getting dressed feel effortless rather than overwhelming

Have you had to adjust your work wardrobe during pregnancy?

"Yes, but probably less than I expected. I was pregnant with our first during lockdown, so I wasn’t really able to ‘get dressed’ for work as I was largely at home behind a computer screen. So this time around, I was quite interested to see how I’d approach things. It’s been less of a complete overhaul and more about editing.

The biggest change has been around structure and proportion. Things that once relied on a defined waist (which I’m now very excited to get back to) obviously stop working in the same way, so I’ve leaned into silhouettes that skim rather than cling, longer line dresses, slightly oversized shirts, and soft tailoring. This isn’t a complete change to my norm because the outfits I’m wearing while pregnant, I’d still wear when not sporting a bump.

What I’ve enjoyed is that it’s forced me to be more intentional. It’s made me think about balance, length, and how I feel in what I’m wearing, more so than usual. And that’s made me more confident in my choices, not less."

To what extent have you relied on maternity-specific clothing during your pregnancy?

"Other than underwear, I haven’t really bought maternity-specific clothes. I didn’t want to build a wardrobe with a short shelf life, so I’ve mostly stayed in non-maternity pieces; just sized up or chosen more forgiving cuts. That said, there are a couple of maternity-adjacent items that are absolutely worth it..."

• Satin wide-leg trousers with an elasticated drawstring waist, for some reason, I don’t like the feel of over-the-bump trousers. 
• Low-rise barrel leg trousers or jeans, best worn with oversized shirts.
• One or two well-cut dresses, the kind you can just put on and go, without negotiating fit every time

What are your go-to brands for workwear during pregnancy?

"I’ve gravitated towards brands that already do clean lines and slightly oversized silhouettes well."

• COS and ARKET are brilliant for structured but forgiving pieces. Their dresses and shirts hold their shape without feeling restrictive.
• Toteme, for elevated basics that still feel like you, but with more room.
• Mango dresses have been a lifesaver.
• With Nothing Underneath, do great shirting all around.
• Overall, I’d say Aligne has been the best at making me feel like I’m still me but with a bump. I’ve yet to come across a brand that works for all stages of life; they’ve nailed it while still keeping the chic appeal, designing with ease and movement in mind without compromising style.

What are your top three go-to workwear outfit formulas during pregnancy?

Barrel leg trousers and a structured shirt. A great dress that makes you feel good and is not too restrictive. Satin trousers and a structured blazer.

What’s your go-to pair of comfortable yet smart office shoes?

I’ve luckily been able to stick to my love of kitten heel sling backs; they look great, work with everything, and they’re so comfortable!

Shop Thandi's Top Picks

Try not to stifle a yawn when you hear the word workwear—yes, admittedly, what we wear to the office is often boring. We're almost all guilty of prioritising punctuality over the outfit. But if there's one practical takeaway from the Spring/Summer 2026 runways, it's that mundane office dressing needn't be the norm. And really, it doesn't take much to make it more exciting.

Take the beloved blazer, which has simply lost its collar for the warmer months. Or the pencil skirt, sitting a little lower on the waist. Or the classic cotton shirt, made all the more interesting with bold shades and big bows. Small tweaks, all of them—but enough to make workwear feel less like a uniform and more like an extension of an actual wardrobe.

Just scroll below to see them in action.

2026 Workwear Trends to Note Now

Get Low

We often follow the term low-waist with jeans, but the SS26 runways put skirts firmly in pole position. As shown by Tory Burch, Chanel, and Toga, the lower the skirt sits on the hip, the better. A belt, naturally, only exaggerates this detail.

Classic Colourblock

Colour-blocked outfits always feel particularly impactful—but if you aren't quite ready to wear head-to-toe fuchsia to the office (fair enough), all-white or cream is a particularly chic solution. Simply look to Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Proenza Schouler.

The Standout Shirt

Your classic white cotton shirt may get plenty of wear, but Chanel, Saint Laurent, and Valentino all make a compelling case for something a little more fun. So why not swap the old classic for big bows and bold colour.

Utility Touches

Safari shades are one of the biggest trends of the season—but their umbrella theme of utility is standing just as strong. Think plenty of pockets, zips, and deep green hues; all of which make classic workwear staples feel suddenly much cooler.

Cut The Collar

Blazers have sat solidly in our workwear wardrobes for as long as we can remember—they have an uncanny ability to make even jeans feel more formal, after all. But for S/S26, they've had a small styling tweak and gone sans collar. Just look to Chloé, The Row, and Loewe for inspiration.

Sometimes but not often you see an outfit on the catwalk that might be elevated, even high-fashion, but that feels realistic for, well, real life. Tory Burch is a label that knows how to deliver this kind of unicorn—and one actor has wasted no time in slipping on not this season's but next season's smartest look: Tessa Thompson.

Of course it would be Thompson, who didn't just attend the designer's show at New York Fashion Week, but has been a loyal follower of the brand. The look in question consisted of two main elements: a crew-neck jumper half tucked into a patent skirt. The result wasn't as simple as it sounds, however.

First of all, the colour combination—tomato red paired with tempered chocolate. The rest of the outfit, and its thoughtful details, proliferated from there. A fish brooch was pinned just above the heart, a left-field accessory that, come autumn, will be firmly in the mainstream courtesy of Burch. Next, a curved set of lapels peeking out of the jumper's collar, not to mention rolled cuffs that were pushed to elbow-height. Finally, a woven belt and half-tucked, half-untucked jumper—all of which, barring the "scruffy" waist—was replicated by Thompson.

It's polished but full of personality, chic but character-filled, and such a good outfit formula—jumper + skirt + interesting accessories + heels—for spring, when soon we might, just might, be able to contemplate outfits that don't have to be swallowed up by a coat or jacket.

As the look is straight from Autumn/Winter 26, you'll have to wait until later this year to shop it from Tory Burch. What you can do, however, is try conjuring a similar foursome out of your wardrobe—or shop choice elements below.

Shop Tessa Thompson's Outfit

When it comes to sophisticated yet modern workwear, Mariko Kuo is a constant source of inspiration. With 176K followers, the corporate lawyer regularly shares contemporary styling ideas that go beyond the ordinary. Opening up about the challenges of corporate dressing without sacrificing personality throughout her career, she reveals how she incorporates bold prints into her work wardrobe as part of our Marie Claire Masters series.

I'm starting with a bold statement: prints are one of the smartest ways to introduce personality without sacrificing authority in the office. Over the years, I've come to realise the key to wearing prints lies in strategic deployment.

At the start of my legal career, my confidence at work was often shaky. Wearing prints and patterns seemed like a risky affair, especially when surrounded by a sea of suits. I remember distinctly wandering around Portobello Market one weekend, having just bought a floral dress I loved. A thought lingered: If only I could wear this to work on Monday. Immediately followed by another: Does this look too Little House on the Prairie? Will I stop being taken seriously the moment I walk into the office?

That hesitation speaks volumes about how we’re conditioned to interpret professionalism, particularly as women in corporate spaces. We internalise the idea that seriousness must mirror severity. That personality weakens authority.

However, as I progressed in my career, I realised the issue was never the print itself. It was how it was styled.

Over the years, the formulas that have consistently worked for me are simple:

Style Prints With Tonal Layers:

A harmonised look is essential when adding prints and patterns to your wardrobe. As a base, I usually choose a statement blouse and work my way around it.

Add Polish To Prints With Tailoring:

Rather than investing in neutral-toned sartorial pieces, why not invest in printed versions instead? This helps elevate your wardrobe staples while keeping your workwear outfits more interesting.

Anchor Bold Prints With Neutral Tones:

Another expert tip when looking to balance out loud prints, is to style these with other neutral pieces, or accessories, in order to keep the look sharp.

So did I wear the floral dress the following Monday? Yes, I did. It required a small internal push. But paired with a neutral, structured blazer cinched at the waist with a belt, it felt intentional, not whimsical. Polished, not performative.

And, no one blinked twice. If anything, I felt more myself, which translated into greater ease throughout the day. And ease, I’ve since learned, is a direct route to confidence. When you prioritise how you want to feel in the office rather than dressing purely to pre-empt judgement, it shows. It translates into clearer speech, steadier posture, and the ability to articulate ideas with conviction.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Hands up if your workwear wardrobe wins the least of your attention. Everyone? I'm not surprised. Because while the fringed bags, statement sunglasses and summer-ready accessories—a silk headscarf, this season—get us excited for our lives in the sun (read: more fun, more daring and a little less covered-up), what we wear to the office each day doesn't quite drum up the same enthusiasm. Don't worry, your hatred of spreadsheets is very safe with me.

But it doesn't have to be this way. With many brands now crafting more modest, formal-fitting collections, the office dress code is actually quite easy to master without feeling like you're sacrificing your personal style to stick to strict rules. And Jigsaw's edit of new-in workwear finds only strengthens the argument.

Take a striped knit dress with a fringed hem that would fit into your suitcase as easily as it would the C-suite. A handful of cotton shirts with a playful print. A sleek suede mule that pairs with almost any outfit you can conjure together. Each one proof that office dressing can break away from the basic black trouser and scratchy starched shirt. And there are plenty more pieces proving the same point below.

Shop Jigsaw's Sleek Workwear

One of the most common questions we fashion editors are asked is: How can I instantly make an outfit feel more elevated without too much effort? Our fashion director, Lily Russo-Bah, has a simple answer: keep an oversized blazer to hand. Any outfit, whether it’s jeans and boots, a dress, or even tracksuit bottoms, will instantly feel more refined, without the need for fuss. Simple.

Now that you have the secret, the next question is naturally where to find the best styles, and we’re here to help with that, too. From sharply structured silhouettes to soft suede finishes, below you’ll find our edit of the very best oversized blazers.

When shopping, focus on three things. Colour: choose a shade that will slip seamlessly into your existing wardrobe. Cut: a slightly longer length, a roomier fit and even subtly padded shoulders will help create that effortless, ‘borrowed-from-my-boyfriend’ feel. Fabric: wool offers warmth, cotton feels lighter for transitional dressing, while polyester blends are often easier to care for.

Scroll on to discover the oversized blazers truly worth the investment.

Shop Best Oversized Blazers

Mariko Kuo is a London-based lawyer and content creator. Born in Japan, Mariko moved to London at 18 to study and has lived there ever since. She has always had a love of fashion, but when she started out as a junior lawyer, she felt the pressure to conform and wear very traditional versions of what workwear was thought to be.

She began sharing her outfits 10 years ago as she navigated the corporate world, gradually finding the confidence to dress in a way that reflected her personality and love of fashion. I first came across Mariko’s Instagram page a couple of years ago and was inspired by her unique ability to style workwear outfits that felt modern and unexpected, often accessorising with pieces many would only deem appropriate after dark.

Her signature style is a mixture of tailoring and timeless separates, combining sculpted blazers, mannish suits, effortless silk blouses, and pencil skirts that can be interchanged with ease. She pairs these with accessories that elevate even the simplest of outfits.

From a choosing Stella McCartney knitted coord with XL buttons worn as an alternative to a traditional suit, to carrying an additional Toteme pouch in her Demellier tote bag, and investing in a colourful Loewe cardholder for her security pass—a formal dress code, doesn't stop Mariko from having fun with her outfits.

I was given exclusive access to her work wardrobe and got to hear all of Mariko’s top tips for building a workwear wardrobe you love. Most importantly, her advice helps you not only own the room, but also be your most authentic self—even in the boardroom.

Shop Mariko's wardrobe

There are few wardrobe challenges quite as universal as the search for the perfect workwear dress. It has to master a complex equation: polished yet effortless, smart without skewing overly corporate, comfortable enough to wear from early-morning meetings to late-afternoon catch-ups, and elevated enough to make you feel like the most confident version of yourself. Really, it's far from simple.

For many of us, the daily question of "What am I going to wear to today?" can quickly turn into a wardrobe stand-off. It’s far too easy to fall back on the same rotation of trousers and knits. But a great dress, once you find the right one, can actually make getting dressed a whole lot easier. Just throw it on, add boots or flats, and you’re out the door.

Luckily, there's no shortage of workwear dress options to shop. Just one look at Cos, Massimo Dutti or Victoria Beckham makes that clear. So you need to refine your search to the styles that will make you feel the most confident. For some, that may be a chunky knit dress, for others a more floaty polka dot pick, or you may be part of the camp that prefer a more formal feeling structured shape.

Whatever workwear dress you fancy, I've found the chicest options to shop below, because there's enough on your agenda without worrying what to wear.

Shop the chicest workwear dresses

While there are many things I remember fondly about my school days, the uniform is not one of them. Largely consisting of polo tops and starched shirts paired with either tailored trousers or, on rare sunny days, a skirt, finally ditching my school uniform at 18 years of age felt like being set free. It’s surprising, then, that many of the pieces I once viewed as uninspiring in the classroom, have now made their way proudly into my adult wardrobe.

Take the gingham trend, which evokes memories of summers spent in the playground, yet now brings a playful touch to the best spring summer wardrobes. Similarly, cardigans that once felt twee and uninspiring now have the cool girls' seal of approval in cropped lengths and sheer iterations as well as more classic styles. And, it seems our love for school-yard inspired pieces doesn’t stop there, as this season, there’s another staple returning to our wardrobes. The pleated skirt is shaking off its sartorial stuffiness and fast becoming the chicest skirt style to wear right now.

Why the revival? Well, the pleated skirt actually dips its toe into several trends which have been growing in popularity in recent months. Of course, at the forefront is the dark academia trend, which offers a grown-up twist on traditional school style. Think tweed and tailoring worn alongside pleated skirts and loafers. Alternatively, for those who excelled outside the classroom, summer’s tenniscore trend provided a sporty twist on the pleated skirt with elasticised minis showing up paired with T-shirts and trainers.

For Autumn Winter 2025, however, the pleated skirt is set to be embraced in even more variations. Take Michael Kors and Alaïa, where pleated skirts were paired with fluffy jackets for an elevated twist, or Burberry, where check pleated skirts felt reminiscent of Scottish kilts and vintage punk designs.

Most recently, at Copenhagen Fashion Week, the pleated skirt proved a firm favourite among street stylers in attendance. Leaning into the styles preppy origins, Abi Marvel paired her mini style with a barn jacket, T-shirt and loafers, while, many took a more colourful approach in printed styles in fun colour ways.

So, what should you look for if you’re planning to invest in a pleated skirt this season? As I mentioned, when it comes to pleated styles, there are many different options to choose from. Black and grey tones will always have a nostalgic feel, as will check and tartan prints. Alternatively, there’s space to have fun with different fabrics, like denim or leather, for a more statement update on the classic style.

And, it doesn’t stop there. Keep scrolling to see even more of my favourite pleated skirts ready to shop right now.

Shop the best pleated skirts

Whether your office dress code leans towards boardroom formality or a creative studio with a coffee in hand, the right workwear dress is the quickest route to feeling pulled-together before 9am. Striking that balance between smart-casual and chic, however, isn’t quite as simple as ordering your morning flat white.

First, consider your environment. In more traditional offices, a modest approach often wins—think longer hemlines, higher necklines and a colour palette that blends seamlessly among a sea of suits. When the rules are clearly defined, shopping becomes refreshingly straightforward: midis, maxis and shirt-dress styles quickly rise to the top of your wishlist. And opting for lightweight fabrics such as linen and cotton will see you through even the sweatiest of commutes with minimal effort.

Then there’s the middle ground: the smart-casual dress code, where the lines blur and inspiration is often borrowed from colleagues. Here, the classics rarely fail—a loose-fitting slip, a sharp shift, or a collared style that’s polished but with just enough playfulness to sidestep monotony.

And if you’re still in need of style persuasion, look to the 'corpcore; revival that dominated the Autumn/Winter 2025 runways. Stella McCartney led the charge, proving workwear can be anything but predictable, with power-shoulders, high-shine fabrics and classic court shoes that looked just as at home in the C-suite as they did on the catwalk.

Whatever your 9–5 setup, our edit of summer work dresses covers every style scenario. Each piece earns its place in your weekly rotation—because if you’re going to spend most of your life at work, your wardrobe might as well be working hard for you, too.

Shop Chic Summer Work Dresses

As we enter yet another heatwave, temperatures are showing no sign of easing this summer. We're talking clear skies, blazing sun, soaring temperatures and plenty of opportunities for warm-weather dressing. But delightful as the current meteorological situation may be, it does come with a few challenges. Namely, what to wear to work.

In an ideal scenario, we'd spend the duration of this weather in a beer garden sipping Aperol Spritzes or sunbathing in the park. But alas, there are only so many holiday days going round, so to the office we go—taking on the usual commute while simultaneously trying to stay cool and comfortable.

It is possible, I promise. Years of warm-weather office working, plus a handful of office-ready outfits from some of the best-dressed women on the internet, prove it. Just keep a few simple tips in mind: lightweight cotton and linen fabrics, sleek sandals and a curated edit of wardrobe basics will make warm-weather work dressing a literal breeze.

Keep scrolling for easy outfit ideas for every kind of office environment.

What to Wear for Work in a Heatwave

Linen Shirt + Tailored Shorts

Shorts may not be the first item that comes to mind when imagining workwear, but a tailored longline cotton or linen pair can easily feel formal. A lightweight shirt and suede pump only adds to the work appropriate feel.

Bold Linen Dress + Thin Knit

Neutral shades or all-black outfits may feel more fitting for formal environments, but there's some fun to be had with colour in a heatwave. A bold hue linen dress will inject a little bit of joy into any office. Though it's always wise to have a thin knit to hand to battle an over-active air-con.

White Shirt + Balloon Trousers

If skirts and dresses aren't quite your style, turn your attention towards one of the most popular trends of the moment: balloon trousers. A linen style will see you through even the warmest of days with ease, especially when worn with a crisp cotton shirt and sleek clutch.

Black Dress + Sandals

You may remember us talking about the easy warm weather workwear dressing hack the women of Milan Fashion Week leant into: black and white colour palettes. This simple black midi dress and sandals outfit is a great one to pin to your moodboard.