As summer comes to a close, so too do our summer Fridays, Euro summers, and email-free days on the beach. Once again, we return to regular office hours. A “back to school” moment, if you will, but for adults. That said, being at the office doesn’t have to come with a sense of dread—sartorially speaking, at least.
It’s no secret that the style world loves to romanticize office fashion. Corporate sirens, corp-core trends, and @katfromfinance make the office a runway. After all, you spend the majority of your time working; why not have fun with it?
“Stylistically, everyone is mixing business with pleasure,” says Ryan Kleman, accessories director at Moda Operandi. “It’s all about being casual enough for the coffee shop, but also appropriate for corporate.”
To get you back into school office spirit, we’ve rounded up our favorite fall officewear trends to shop this season. The real runways love a menswear moment, an optical lens, and of course, a blazer, so it’s easier than ever to translate what you see to what you wear every day. We might be back to the office—but we’re back and better than ever. Shop the must-have trends below.
Sculptural Jackets
Hourglass shapes were hot, hot, hot on the fall runways, from Emilia Wickstead to Givenchy to Schiaparelli. Sculptural blazers translate the trend into office attire, adding a sleek silhouette while still keeping you covered.
Kitten Heel Boots
Store away your mesh flats and flip-flops—fall is the time to start protecting your feet from the elements. A kitten heel boot is the perfect transitional shoe that’s both chic and practical for your commute. “Accessories are the way to take an outfit from the beach to a boardroom, or at least a showroom,” says Kleman. “A kitten heel, a minimal belt, and a lady bag, and you are ready for business.”
Optical Lenses, No Prescription Required
Optical eyewear dominated the fall runways, from Gucci to Calvin Klein to Stella McCartney. Whether you wear prescription or blue-light glasses, a pair of frames will elevate your office look and give you some serious sophistication. “It might not help your vision, but will ensure you aren’t likely to be missed,” adds Kleman.
Transitional Shorts
Long, pleated shorts were a must-have for summer officewear—and they still are for fall. Style with a minimal belt and smart shoes (maybe a cardigan on cooler days), these shorts are the perfect transitional piece that also happen to still be office appropriate.
Relaxed Tailoring
Oversized blazers and wide-leg trousers are essential office attire. Sleek and professional, these styles also offer a relaxed comfort that helps you stay focused throughout the day. No more red marks, here.
Menswear-Inspired Belts
From A. Roege Hove to Balenciaga, men’s belts were also all over the runways. This style is marked by simplicity: a minimal silver or gold buckle, black or brown leather, and that’s it. These belts can be paired with your favorite relaxed trousers, fitted denim, or over a dress to create shape.
Suede Work Bags
Suede started making its comeback last year, but this fall, we’ll be seeing more than ever. The rich, soft texture is perfect for a fall work bag as the weather turns colder and your mindset cozier.
Polka Dots
Polka dots also had their moment over the summer, but who says they can’t transition to fall? Polka dots are one of those patterns that are both cute but office appropriate—classy, yet quirky.
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