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    1. Fashion
    2. Fall fashion

    Consider This Your Cheat Sheet to Fall Office Dressing

    From button-downs to blazers, these basics get the job done.

    Lauren Tappan's avatar
    By Lauren Tappan
    Published 11 September 2025 In Buying Guides

    When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

    women wearing fall work outfits
    (Image credit: Launchmetrics)
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    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!

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    shirt

    J.Crew
    Jules Classic-Fit Shirt in Striped Cotton Poplin
    $98
    $98 AT J.CREW

    A button-down shirt is an essential part of workwear. I like to pair mine with a soft sweater for a nice layered look.

    vest

    Madewell
    Crewneck Shell Vest
    $128
    $128 AT MADEWELL

    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.

    High-Rise Bootcut Trouser

    Madewell
    High-Rise Bootcut Trouser
    $168
    $168 AT MADEWELL

    For a coordinated look, I’ll pair these bootcut trousers with the matching vest listed above.

    Zw Collection Pleated Midi Dress

    Zara
    ZW Collection Pleated Midi Dress
    $60
    $60 AT ZARA

    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.

    Zw Collection Pleated Midi Dress

    Zara
    High-Waisted Straight Leg Pants
    $60
    $60 AT ZARA

    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.

    The Day Glove | Russet - 5

    Everlane
    The Day Glove
    $148
    $148 AT EVERLANE

    Suede shoes are fall’s must-know footwear trend. Now is your chance to try out the velvety style with Everlane’s ballet flats.

    Midi Layer Skirt

    Zara
    Midi Layer Skirt
    $60
    $60 AT ZARA

    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.

    Houndstooth Double Breasted Blazer

    Mango
    Houndstooth Double Breasted Blazer
    $100
    $100 AT MANGO

    Although I already own a thorough collection of blazers, there’s no harm in adding one more. Mango’s double-breasted blazer features a lively houndstooth print.

    bag

    & Other Stories
    Large Suede Tote Bag
    $199 AT & OTHER STORIES

    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.

    trench coat

    Aritzia
    The Finch Trench Coat
    $248 AT ARITZIA

    On chilly fall days, I’ll bundle up in Aritzia’s luxe trench coat, made with a water-resistant exterior and an insulated lining.

    Cashmere Cropped Cardigan | Heather Light Camel - Xxs

    Everlane
    Cashmere Cropped Cardigan
    $198
    $198 AT EVERLANE

    What I love most about Everlane’s cardigan is its cropped hem. This piece will pair perfectly with my favorite high-waisted jeans.

    Loraine Bit Loafer

    Sam Edelman
    Loraine Bit Loafer
    $60
    $170 AT NORDSTROM

    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.

    Dl1961 Dl Aura Hepburn Wide Leg High Rise Jeans

    Dl1961
    Dl Aura Hepburn Wide Leg High Rise Jeans
    $96
    $97 AT SHOPBOP

    Designed with a trouser-like silhouette, Dl1961’s elevated denim bottoms are ideal for the office.

    The Muscle Sweater in Cotton Linen | Black - Xxs

    Everlane
    The Muscle Sweater in Cotton Linen
    $64
    $64 AT EVERLANE

    A few weeks ago, I bought Everlane’s sweater vest, and I’ve been wearing this chic layer nonstop. It’s made me an outfit repeater, and I’m not ashamed.

    Taylor Short Sleeve Pointelle Polo Sweater

    WAYF
    Taylor Short Sleeve Pointelle Polo Sweater
    $40
    $40 AT NORDSTROM

    With short sleeves and a lightweight build, WAYF’s polo sweater is perfect for transitional weather.

    Harlie Dress

    Reformation
    Nikki Cashmere Crew
    $248 AT REFORMATION

    If you’re looking for a desk-to-drinks dress, this polished number from Reformation is your answer.

    Cotton Poplin Boatneck Asymmetrical Top

    Banana Republic
    Cotton Poplin Boatneck Asymmetrical Top
    $80
    $80 AT BANANA REPUBLIC

    Swap your plain old tee for Banana Republic’s boatneck top, featuring an asymmetrical hem and an intricate sash.

    Jenny Bird Mini Florence Earrings

    Jenny Bird
    Mini Florence Earrings
    $128
    $128 AT SHOPBOP

    When it comes to office jewelry, I usually opt for a simple pair of gold hoops. My favorite? Jenny Bird’s Florence earrings.

    Nikki Cashmere Crew

    Reformation
    Nikki Cashmere Crew
    $178
    $178 AT REFORMATION

    Although I’m not partial to patterns, I’ll always make an exception for timeless stripes.

    Black Barbour X Tuckernuck Miley Quilt

    Barbour x Tuckernuck
    Black Barbour X Tuckernuck Miley Quilt
    $440
    $440 AT TUCKERNUCK

    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.

    Marie Claire Newsletter

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    Lauren Tappan
    Lauren Tappan
    Social Links Navigation
    Fashion Editor

    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.

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