Consider This Your Cheat Sheet to Fall Office Dressing
From button-downs to blazers, these basics get the job done.


With September in full swing, I’ve got my mind on fall work outfits. Since my personal style is quite simple, I want to refresh my office wardrobe with sleek pieces that focus on comfort. After all, my schedule is always full with fashion previews and team meetings, so I don’t have time to worry about what to wear.
To make my nine-to-five routine a bit simpler this season, I’ve assembled a straightforward edit of basics that will instantly upgrade my office wardrobe. For days when I want to project a strong corporate vibe, I’ll wear a tailored vest, matching trousers, and preppy horsebit loafers. Meanwhile, for post-work happy hours, I’ll style a pleated midi dress with a trench coat and knee-high boots.
No matter the work-related event, I have everything I might need. Ahead, follow my lead with 20 carefully chosen items that are sure to earn you endless compliments from your colleagues. Feel free to thank me later!
A button-down shirt is an essential part of workwear. I like to pair mine with a soft sweater for a nice layered look.
Plaid might be popular this season, but honestly, the checkered pattern has always been in fashion. I’m rocking the print with Madewell’s tailored vest.
I can’t resist fashion’s tempting chocolate brown color trend. So, it's no surprise that this midi dress from Zara ended up in my shopping cart.
Yes, you can wear white after Labor Day. Just pair these slacks with autumn essentials, like cashmere cardigans and ankle boots, to give your outfit a fall vibe.
Suede shoes are fall’s must-know footwear trend. Now is your chance to try out the velvety style with Everlane’s ballet flats.
You can’t build a workwear wardrobe without including a simple black skirt. Dress it up with a sleek blouse and slingbacks or go casual with a sweater and sneakers.
I just ordered this luxurious suede tote bag from & Other Stories. It’s practical enough to hold my essentials, but also fashionable enough to wear outside of the office.
On chilly fall days, I’ll bundle up in Aritzia’s luxe trench coat, made with a water-resistant exterior and an insulated lining.
What I love most about Everlane’s cardigan is its cropped hem. This piece will pair perfectly with my favorite high-waisted jeans.
Ask me about the must-have work shoe for fall, and I’ll wax poetic about loafers. Sam Edelman’s bestselling pair features a cushioned sole for maximum comfort.
If you’re looking for a desk-to-drinks dress, this polished number from Reformation is your answer.
Swap your plain old tee for Banana Republic’s boatneck top, featuring an asymmetrical hem and an intricate sash.
When it comes to office jewelry, I usually opt for a simple pair of gold hoops. My favorite? Jenny Bird’s Florence earrings.
I’m quickly falling for fashion’s English country style trend. I plan to give my fall work outfits an outdoorsy touch with this barn jacket, designed in collaboration between Barbour and Tuckernuck.
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Lauren K. Tappan is the Fashion Editor at Marie Claire, where she covers trend forecasting and shopping stories, highlighting runway-inspired styles and a blend of emerging and established brands. Prior to joining Marie Claire, she worked as a freelance editor for Harper’s Bazaar and ELLE, specializing in e-commerce content and curating seasonal trend reports. Earlier in her career, she worked at Town & Country, developing a strong portfolio of fashion roundups and designer profiles.
Lauren holds a bachelor's degree in communications with a minor in journalism from the University of Pennsylvania. While at Penn, she served as editor-in-chief of The Walk, the university's fashion magazine, and completed internships at Philadelphia Style Magazine and EveryStylishGirl.