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16 work outfit essentials for autumn 2024: Go to work in style without stressing over what to wear

Struggling with what to wear to the office in 2024? Let us inspire you


workwear sos
Leanne Bayley
Director of Lifestyle & Commerce
Updated: September 24, 2024
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It's official - fall fashion is perfect for the office, and whatever your current work situation is; whether it's a hybrid work model, or in the office full time, you might be struggling with what to wear for work in the morning - especially when the all-too-familiar 'back to school' feeling strikes in September. You might also just be in the mood for some new 2024 additions to your work wardrobe, and we're here to help. Choosing what to wear for your morning commute is no mean feat - here are some ideas for your daily work outfits. 

What's more, we reached out to Gemma Rose Breger, a fashion and celebrity stylist and the co-founder of This Is Mothership, to get her tips on how to have a super stress-free morning while getting ready for work.

Top tips for having a million dollar morning on a work day - according to a stylist

It's all in the prep work. Nothing will ever go to plan if you are attempting to do it last minute, whilst stressed out and trying to wrangle yourself and/or kids out the door on time. 

  1. Allocate some time for a clear out: "You can't see what you've got if it's all crammed into your wardrobe so invite over some friends, or put on a podcast whilst doing a wardrobe cleanse. The simple rules are, only keep what you need, what you love, and what makes you feel a million dollars when wearing it."
  2. Categorise: "Once you've done your clear out you need to organise what you are keeping. Hang or fold it in categories - dresses, trousers, jeans, skirts, blouses, knitwear. A general rule of thumb, hang the lighter pieces (dresses, blouses) and fold the heavier (knitwear & denim)."
  3. Outfit plan the night or week before: "Build a few work outfits you feel great in and hang them altogether on one side of your wardrobe. or in a separate space. Accessories, shoes, bags, the works - hang it all there so when you are short on time you can grab it and go."
  4. If in doubt, blend: "If you haven't had a chance to outfit plan then pull out a few pieces from your wardrobe in similar shades of one colour. For example, brown trousers, a camel jumper, a beige jacket, brown boots. Tonal dressing instantly makes you look chic, and can make an outfit look more expensive than it is." 
  5. If in a state of panic, wear black: "Head to toe black looks effortless (and it usually involves very little effort!) Depending on how smart you have to be for work you could wear black leggings, black knee high boots, a black t shirt or blouse and black blazer. Add some jewellery (and a bold lipstick if you want to feel more pulled together) and you are good to go."

Gemma Rose Breger, fashion & celebrity stylist and the co-founder of  This Is Mothership.

How we chose the best work outfit ideas

  • Our own experience: The HELLO! office is rather relaxed - we can wear jeans and trainers (and most people do!) but we've also worked in more corporate environments so we were keen to keep this edit as professional looking as possible. We realise some people must wear formal office wear so we hope you find what you're looking for below. 
  • Comfort: While we haven't tried on all of these garments, we have included items we know strive to be comfortable, such as wide-leg trousers and mid-heel shoes. The office isn't a place for pain-inducing footwear or restrictive clothing. 
  • Catering to all budgets: We know that work is different for everyone, and everyone's salary is different. Some women would prefer to shop savvy when it comes to their workwear - opting for cheap brands such as Primark, Matalan and Vinted. While others would prefer to invest, leaning towards the likes of Reiss, Boden and sustainable fashion brands. We've tried to do a nice mix of it all. 
model wearing a grey work suit© Spotlight
Sorry boss, just running fashionably late

What is the 3-3-3 method for a capsule work wardrobe?

The 3-3-3 method for a capsule wardrobe was created to make choosing outfits easier, and to be more sustainable. It involves selecting 33 items of clothing and wearing only these items for three months. The goal is to streamline the decision making and make more mindful choices about your daily looks. The trend has gone viral on Instagram and TikTok with fashion girls proving the theory works. Keep scrolling for some ideas on your workwear wardrobe whether you try the 3-3-3 method or not. 

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Shop the best work outfit ideas for 2024

If you work in a corporate environment, we're here to help! If you're in a more relaxed office, we want to give you some ideas, too. All of the options below are classy, let's just put it that way.

1/16

M&S Collection Tailored Double Breasted Waistcoat

Marks and Spencer waistcoat© M&S

Sizes available: UK 6-24

Colours available: Black

Shipping: £3.99 Standard Delivery or free for orders over £60

Returns: Free within 35 days

A sharp waistcoat is a must-have for the office. We're loving this M&S one. We'd pair it with a crisp white shirt and a pair of smart cigarette trousers, teamed with a chunky gold necklace and a pair of small-heeled work shoes.

2/16

Boden Aubrey Cord Midi Shirt Dress

Boden office dress© Boden

Sizes available: UK 4 - 22 (Petite, Regular)

Colours available: Multiple Prints

Shipping: Free over £50

Returns: Free within 90 days

A printed midi dress is a must for any workwear wardrobe. They're airy enough to keep you feeling comfortable throughout the day and smart enough that you feel well put together with minimal effort. We love this bold cord midi from Boden.

3/16

John Lewis Cotton Relaxed Shirt In White

John Lewis Cotton Relaxed White Shirt

Sizes available: UK 8 - 20

Colours available: White

Shipping: Free click and collect or free on orders over £50

Returns: Free within 28 days

Finding the perfect white shirt is not easy. If you're a fan of a fitted blouse or a loose, oversized look, you simply cannot go wrong with this beauty. We love this John Lewis shirt because it's perfect for the office, with your jeans at the weekend, or tucked into your sequin skirt come party time.

4/16

River Island Black Wide Leg Trousers

River Island work trousers© River Island

Sizes available: UK 6 - 18

Colours available: Black

Shipping: £4 Standard Delivery or free on orders over £50

Returns: Free within 28 days

Tight trousers are a no-go when you're working at a desk - a pair of wide-leg trousers are an absolute must. We love these from River Island, and they look excellent with loafers. 

5/16

Whistles Pinstripe Blazer

Whistles Pinstripe Blazer© Whistles

Sizes available: UK 4-20

Colours available: Navy

Shipping: Free for orders over £150

Returns: Free within 28 days

Every workwear wardrobe needs a smart blazer. This Whistles blazer will look incredible with a white top or blouse, or it can be layered under a knit on colder days, or for those chilly air conditioned offices.

6/16

Kate Spade New York 'Morgan' Laptop Bag

Kate Spade laptop bag© Kate Spade New York

Colours available: Black, Navy

Shipping: Free for orders over £150

Returns: Free within 14 days

You'll need a gorgeous bag that's chic enough for the office. We love this Kate Spade New York laptop bag in black - it'll work all-year round. If you're on the look out for a different style laptop bag that will make a statement, check out this edit of stylish laptop bags.

7/16

& Other Stories Relaxed Knit Jumper

cream jumper© & Other Stories

Sizes available: UK XS - L

Colours available: Multiple

Shipping: £3.95 Standard Delivery or free for orders over £50

Returns: Free within 28 days

Autumn weather has arrived, which means you need something cosy in your wardrobe. The long-sleeve knit jumper from & Other Stories has a relaxed silhouette, and will look so nice draped over the shoulders.

8/16

Hawes & Curtis Navy Satin Pussybow Blouse

Hawes & Curtis pussybow blouse

Sizes available: UK 6 - 22

Colours available: Navy, Cream, Red, Black, Taupe

Shipping: £4.95 or free on orders over £175

Returns: Free within 28 days

This elegant satin blouse ideal for the office - and it's available in lots of other colours. Team with black trousers, loafers and a stylish laptop bag. One happy verified shopper reviewed the shirt, saying: "The blouse fits perfectly and is really well tailored. Excellent value for money."

9/16

New Look White Striped Cotton Poplin Shirt

New Look White Striped Cotton Poplin Shirt© New Look

Sizes available: UK 6 - 22

Colours available: White

Shipping: £4 Standard Delivery or free for orders over £35

Returns: Free within 28 days

We're eyeing up this shirt from New Look. Designed in a cool pinstripe design, it will be a stylish addition to your new-season edit. Throw it on over any outfit and you're ready to head out the door.

10/16

Phase Eight Pleated Maxi Skirt

Phase Eight work skirt in leopard print© Phase Eight

Sizes available: UK 8 - 18

Colours available: Neutral

Shipping: £2.95 Standard Delivery or free for orders over £150 

Returns: Free within 30 days

Work skirts don't have to be boring. Phase Eight's calf-length pleated skirt has an understated animal print design which adds a bit of interest to the look.

11/16

NEXT Belted Trench Coat

NEXT trench coat© NEXT

Sizes available: UK 6 - 22

Colours available: Camel, Black

Shipping: £4.95 Standard Delivery or free for NEXT Unlimited customers

Returns: Free within 28 days

trench coat is a must for your work wardrobe - especially when you have to deal with unpredictable weather! This premium looking design from NEXT is also available in black and will be your go-to for years to come.

12/16

H&M Premium Leather Loafers

h&m leather loafers

Sizes available: UK 2 - 9 

Colours available: Black

Shipping: £3.99 Standard Delivery or free for orders over £30

Returns: Free within 28 days

Our work heels have been switched up for a more comfortable style these days. These H&M loafers have an on-trend snaffle detail on the toe. Loafers are having a moment right now. Wear yours with a belted blazer and ankle-grazing trousers this season.

13/16

Cos Classic Leather Belt

Cos Classic Leather Belt© Cos

Sizes available: XS-L

Colours available: Black, Brown, Dark Brown

Shipping: £4 Standard Delivery or free for orders over £80

Returns: Free within 30 days

Smarten up any outfit with a buckled belt. This one from Cos is perfect! It's crafted from leather with a gold-toned buckle. 

14/16

Abbott Lyon Large Twisted Hoops In Silver

abbott lyon silver hoops

Colours available: Silver, Gold

Shipping: £2.99 Standard Delivery or free for orders over £70

Returns: Earrings are excluded for returns

You can't go wrong with these simple, but stylish, hoops. Elegant, classy and chic - what's not to love? If you prefer gold, check out this edit of the best gold hoops.

15/16

Jigsaw Cotton Blend Crew Tank

Jigsaw tank top

Sizes available: UK XS - XL

Colours available: Black, Ivory, Grey, Purple, Green, Navy, Forest Green

Shipping: £4 Standard Delivery or free for orders over £80

Returns: Free within 30 days

The humble sweater vest is fast-becoming the ultimate workwear essential. The chic and versatile layering piece is ideal for the office.

16/16

Mint Velvet Ankle Boots

Mint Velvet boots© Mint Velvet

Sizes available: UK 3 - 8

Colours available: Black

Shipping: Fee for orders over £100

Returns: Free within 28 days

These boots, with their almond-shaped toe, 2-inch kitten heel and a zip along the side, are perfect for the office. You'll feel supported in them while walking around the office or if you're on your commute to work.

Meet the expert

Gemma Rose Breger - stylist© Gemma Rose Breger

Gemma Rose Breger is a fashion and celebrity stylist and the co-founder of This Is Mothership, alongside beauty director Samantha Silver. Their goal is to give fashion tricks and speedy beauty tips for busy women. You can pre-order their first book, This is Beauty. This is Fashion. This is Life: The Expert Guide For People Short On Time, now. 

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