JoshFor many of us, the pandemic shifted our working lives in ways we couldn’t have imagined. Almost 6 years ago (yes, six!), we settled into remote routines, cozying up in sweatpants and oversized sweaters, and free from all the constraints of strict dress codes. These days, however, more and more companies call their employees back to the office or adopt a hybrid work arrangement, so the question of what to wear in a professional setting has surfaced again. But the rules of office wear have evolved, and instead of sticking to the same old “white button-down shirt and midi skirt” combinations, they lean towards a balance of comfort, style, and professionalism. So, what does this new era of office style look like, and how can you make it work for you?
Say Goodbye to Heels
Heels were once considered the only work-appropriate pair of shoes – do you remember the scene in The Devil Wear Prada when Miranda’s employees were rushing to swap their flats for high heels before her arrival? Nowadays, however, heels are not the default choice for women, with flats, loafers, and sneakers becoming accepted, and sometimes even preferred, in many workplaces. These shoes have the same polished vibe of their predecessors, and they pair just as beautifully with your work outfits, but without the discomfort. On some days, like the ones when you have important meetings with clients, you will be expected to put on some classic pumps, but otherwise, stick to the chic low block heels, high-end sneakers, and leather loafers.
Sweaters Are the Go-To Tops
Before the pandemic, most offices considered the white button-down shirt as the only acceptable top, but those days are thankfully long gone. Nobody wants to spend their entire day in an uncomfortable shirt, especially during wintertime in a cold office, so it was only natural that your favorite oversized sweater became the new normal. Irish knit sweaters made of fine merino wool in neutral tones and muted colors are now the go-to piece for every corporate girl, since they keep you warm and stylish, making them a perfect choice for the modern office. You can wear them by themselves, underneath a tailored blazer, or thrown on top of a shirt. Irish knit sweaters come in a wide range of styles, from fitted cardigans to crewnecks and mock necks, so you’ll have a lot of fun discovering different textures, silhouettes, and rethinking your office wardrobe.
Loungewear-Inspired Pieces are the New Normal
One of the biggest shifts in post-pandemic office attire is the influence of loungewear. We have spent so much time in oversized and cozy clothes at home that it was only natural for some of that comfort to make its way back into our professional wardrobes. But don’t take it literally, as there is still a fine line between loungewear and office wear that shouldn’t be crossed. Instead, look for pieces like comfy knit sets in neutral colors, loose-fitting trousers, and relaxed dresses that are cozy, but still look professional enough to not stick out in the office.
Denim All Day Long
A few years ago, wearing denim to the office might have been a Friday-only benefit, if acceptable at all, but today this fabric has found its way into your work outfits on more than just the end of the week. Of course, not all denim is created equal, and some pieces like distressed jeans have no business (pun intended) in your work wardrobe, but tailored jeans in a dark wash can easily be incorporated without breaking any dress code rules. The key is in the fit: you need to fit the right structured fit that works for you and pair with your tops, such as high-waisted straight-leg or wide jeans. And if you still feel reluctant to wear denim to work, consider getting a pair of chambray trousers, as they have the same look of denim, but come in more refined cuts.