Office Style 2021: 8 Outfit Ideas For Work

With months of working from home, many of us have forgotten what it’s like to be in an office every day wearing actual work clothes. 2020 workwear was the year of sweatpants and hoodies, however with restrictions starting to ease, many of us are looking to get back in the office for at least some of 2021. If you’re wondering how on earth to make the transition from sweatpants to office chic, don’t panic! The following guide is packed full of our top outfit ideas for work, guaranteed to have you re-entering the office in style.

Belted Shirt Dress

One of our top outfit ideas for work has to be the belted shirt dress. It’s a versatile piece that always looks professional in a working environment whilst perfectly capturing the smart casual vibe. What’s great about this outfit idea for work is that you can style it to suit your personality as well as the weather. Whether you go for animal print, classic neutrals or chic leather you’re going to feel smart, and during the winter you can wear a long sleeve shirt underneath to keep yourself nice and toasty!

Formal Joggers

Yes they are actually a thing (yipee!) and yes they are the solution to the home/ office transition. ‘Formal joggers’ as they’re referred to, are soft, tailored trousers usually made of cotton that have an elasticated, drawstring waist. If you’re not quite ready to pull out your tight fitted trousers, joggers are a perfect ‘in- between’ that look just as smart as cigarette trousers or chinos. For more casual office environments, joggers look great worn with a pair of trainers, however to dress them up, they also look really smart when paired with heels and a fitted top.

Oversized Blazer

Sticking with the comfy theme, an oversized blazer will be your best friend in the post lockdown working world. A blazer never fails to make a powerful statement and choosing an oversized fit will be a lot more comfortable to wear than a tight, fitted blazer. Choosing a colourful or patterned design is an easy way to inject some colour into your outfit and looks great when worn over dresses, trousers or pleated midi skirts.

Roll Neck Sweater

Nothing nails smart casual quite like the iconic roll neck. It’s a classic work wardrobe staple that will last you a number of years without going out of fashion. Roll neck sweaters look great worn in their own right with a pair of tapered or cigarette trousers, however you can also layer them to bring a bit of personality into the office. They look great when worn underneath a jumpsuit or cardigan or when paired with a blazer or a waistcoat.

Chunky Loafers

Our list of outfit ideas for work wouldn’t be complete without mentioning one of the most important parts of an outfit- the shoes! Gone are the days when smart work shoes= heels and only heels. There are so many flat shoe options that complete a cute business casual outfit, all whilst keeping your feet comfortable throughout the commute and working day. Our favourite pick for 2021? The chunky loafer. Making more of a fun statement than the classic loafer, the chunky loafer is just as elegant as it’s predecessor but with heaps more comfort and personality.

Pleated Midi Skirt

The midi skirt has become a wardrobe hero in recent years and so it’s not surprising that we’ve chosen to feature it in our top 8 outfit ideas for work. Effortlessly chic, the pleated midi skirt is one of the comfiest items of clothing you can wear, but also one of the most elegant. Perfect for keeping you cool during the spring and summer, you can also make a midi skirt winter friendly by pairing it with some knee high boots and a cable knit jumper. You can find a midi skirt in pretty much any pattern or colour from florals to plain neutrals, and so it’s easy to make this look suit your individual style.

Backpacks

The best work bags are as practical as they are fashionable which is why a backpack is one of our favourite outfit ideas for work 2021. The daily commute is a lot easier (and comfier) when all your belongings are carried on your back rather than being crammed into a small handbag. What’s great about Zatchels’ handmade leather backpacks is that they look great whilst functioning perfectly as a practical work bag. Available in a range of colours from pastel violet to classic chestnut, all our handmade leather backpacks are fitted with detachable straps allowing them to be worn as a backpack or shoulder bag - perfect for those days when you’re going out in the evening straight from work. They also provide plenty of space for you to transport your laptop around hands free.

Statement Earrings

There’s no easier way to add a touch of finesse to a workday outfit than by wearing a pair of statement earrings, particularly when you’re wearing all black. You don’t have to go over the top, but a pair of funky earrings such as gold geometric or orange tassel designs add a little personality to your work day look with minimum effort required. After all, an outfit isn’t complete without the accessories which is why statement earrings are one of our top outfit ideas for work.