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This may be my personal opinion, but work outfits always tend to be the most frustrating outfits category. Not only do you have to get your office’s official dress code correct, but then there’s the unspoken dress code. On top of that the weather outside never matches the weather inside. Finally, if you commute via public transportation, you have to be ready for rain at basically any point. All of this seems to be exacerbated in the Spring when it’s 40 degrees in the morning and 70 by the time you’re done at work. It’s enough to make you want to take a remote job for life.
In my last few posts we’ve talked about the complications of getting dressed in the spring, but in this post, we’re really going to dive into spring work outfits. Or rather, comfortable office outfits that are also stylish. It’s the perfect time to refresh your wardrobe by cleaning out those heavy winter pieces and replacing them with lighter layers.
Spring Work Outfit Ideas
The Must-Have Spring Workwear Staples
The good thing about the must-have spring workwear staples, is that there’s a lot of overlap with general spring essentials. First, you want to focus on your lighter outer layers. For example, stylish cardigans, lightweight blazers, and trench coats (for commuting to work). To maximize the use of each piece, you want to stick to neutral colors or different pastel shades. Both of neutrals and pastels will also carry over well for summer outfits, so it’s important to pick colors you like and will actually wear.
For pants, skirts, and dresses, the key is easy and breezy (does anyone else finish this phrase by saying “beautiful Cover Girl”? Just me? Is my millennial showing?) Wide leg pants and midi dresses will help with the contrasting weather environments. Inside, the longer length will help keep you warmer, but the wide legs of the trousers and midi length dresses will allow that breeze in when you’re outside.
Finally, my favorite category, the shoes! It may also be the easiest category? Spring is all about the cute flats and block heels. Really, we just want shoes that are comfortable enough to wear all day, but still chic.
To make things easier, I put together a whole list of great items perfect for the office in Spring.
Outfit Ideas for Different Work Environments
Based on what we just discussed, I wanted to share a few examples of outfits that are stylish, incorporate spring trends, AND fit different office dress codes.
Blazer, Top, Pants, Tote, Earrings, Pumps
Corporate Office
I have to admit, the one time I worked in a corporate office, it was actually a clothing company, so the dress code was a lot more casual. However, in a typical corporate office it’s time to bring out the structured blazers, silk blouses, and tailored trousers. While the key is to keep your look a little more conservative than you typically would, you can still have fun with colors! Try out a pastel blazer, a cute printed top, or heels with a pattern.
Sweater, Skirt, Shoes, Tote, Bracelet, Earrings
Business Casual
There’s a little more room to play with your outfit when it comes to business casual. You typically don’t have to wear a blazer, so it’s a great time to break out the lightweight sweaters and cardigans (or sweater cardigans!). You can also try out silk or satin skirts in prints and fun colors. A business casual outfit is also a great place to wear loafers, cute flats, or mules.
Blazer, Vest, Pants, Earrings, Shoes
Creative Workspaces
I love creative workspaces because you can have a lot of fun with the outfits. Now, you could wear this suit set to a corporate office, but I paired it with this fun vest and woven heels to make the look a little more fun (and don’t forget the statement accessories). If you like the all blue look, but you want to avoid the suit, then aim for a monochrome set (I love this vest with the matching pants in red or gingham).
Sweater, Pants, Shoes, Tote, Earrings
Remote/Hybrid Work
Okay, I know that I’ve been talking about in-office looks, but hey, remote work and hybrid work stills exists! For me, this outfit feels like an outfit that could go either way. It’s comfortable enough for home (and being on zoom), but you wouldn’t be ashamed to go out in this outfit. Also, if you have a more casual office, this outfit can work both ways.
Color & Print Trends for Spring Workwear
I touched on colors for your spring workwear earlier, but there’s no harm in going through them again! For each of the different categories, I’ll share examples of different pieces that fall into that category.
Pastels: If you’re ever confused about what someone means when they say pastels, just think about Easter Eggs. So soft pinks, baby blues, lavender, mint green, and butter yellow.
Neutrals: The easiest category! In the spring, I typically suggest sticking to beige, ivory/white, light gray, and navy blue. If you’re a big on wearing black clothing, you can obviously stick with that, but navy makes a great substitute for black in the spring.
Prints: What prints you want to wear can really come down to what you’re comfortable with, but I thought I would offer a few suggestions for spring prints. Obviously, florals are the first print we all think of and for good reason. Now, you can go with big bold florals, but that always feels a little more summery to me. For Spring, I think it’s better to go for a more subtle floral in more pastel colors. Second, you can try out a minimal geometric pattern. The best example of this? Polka dots! Finally, pinstripes (and stripes in general) are always going to be a slam dunk when it comes to spring outfits.
Styling Tips for Staying Comfortable Yet Chic
Before we jump straight into where you should go to buy your spring work wear, let’s do a quick over view of what fabrics you should be looking at. Now, this would normally be the time where I tell you to stay away from wool at all costs….but I recently learned about “tropical wool” and I’m fascinated. So tropical wool is an incredibly lightweight wool that’s become popular for work wear because it breathes really well AND it’s wrinkle resistant. But because it’s so convenient (especially if you travel for work), it doesn’t come cheap. Right now, you’re more likely to find it at more upscale brands like Judith and Charles, MM LaFleur, and Calvin Klein.
Don’t worry though, tropical wool is by no means your only fabric option.
For spring, the best fabrics for fluctuating temperatures are breathable fabrics like cotton and linen (or a linen blend). Both of these will stand up to the office AC, but provide relief when it’s warm outside. It’s also a great time to start incorporating crepe and satin materials into your wardrobe.
These different fabrics will also allow you to include a mix of structured and relaxed pieces into your wardrobe. By mixing the two, you’re guaranteed to have a comfortable outfit (thanks to the relaxed pieces), but still appear polished, thanks to the structured pieces.
Where to Shop for Chic Spring Workwear
It’s finally time to shop! But where are you going to look? One of my favorite bloggers, Capitol Hill Style, defines her prices ranges by your position in an elected official’s office, so they were: elected official, legislative aid, and front desk. But in our case, let’s go a little more corporate with the positions.
C-Suite ($250+)
M.M. La Fleur, Judith and Charles, Iris Setlakwe, Brooks Brothers, Lafayette 148, Nordstrom
Manager ($100 to $250)
Everlane, J.Crew, Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Boden, Mango, Nordstrom, Talbots, Reformation
Intern (Under $100)
Old Navy, Gap, Loft, Quince, Nordstrom Rack, Abercrombie and Fitch
I know that that may have seemed like a lot of information, so let me just quickly recap the most important things to remember: you want to look for easy and breezy pieces, in pastels and neutrals. You also get bonus points for cotton and linen pieces. I even put together a whole list of items you can wear to work in the Spring. That makes things a lot easier, right?
What pieces are on your to-buy list? Let me know in the comments!
