My "Anti-Minimalist" Guide to Workwear—Because Office Outfits Don’t Have to Be Boring
From a former 9-to-5er who regrets not having more fun with the dress code.
Just three years ago, I transitioned from working in corporate beauty to a full-time content creator. And while I love working from home (business on top, sweatpants on the bottom), I have a confession: I miss getting dressed for the office. Not the rules of office dressing—but the ritual of it.
But if you’ve ever worked in a corporate setting, you know how easy it is to default to the same formula: neutral blazer, simple top, safe shoes. It works. But it doesn’t exactly feel like you. At least it never felt like me. At 24 and fresh out of college, I relied on Rent the Runway shipments to keep my wardrobe interesting within the confines of corporate dress codes. Even then, it still felt like I was playing it safe.
Since then, my style has evolved into something much more unapologetically maximalist. I’ve been especially inspired by creators like Asha Mode and her incredibly colorful work 'fits, and one of my favorite friends, StayGoldenGirl, who could write a dissertation on how to unleash creativity into your work wardrobe.
Which has me thinking: if I were getting dressed for the office today, I wouldn’t abandon personality, I’d build the outfit around it.
Here’s where I’d start.
Suits—But Make Them Interesting
A good suit will always make you feel powerful. But instead of defaulting to black, try a saturated color, an unexpected texture, or a slightly oversized fit. The structure is what makes it polished—the rest can be fun.
Really Good Pants (RGPs)
If you’re over jeans—or, like me, actively trying to retire your sweatpants (a shift I wrote about recently)—a great pair of trousers does all the heavy lifting. Look for drape, stretch, and a waistband you don’t have to think about. Comfort is non-negotiable—but so is looking put-together.
Statement Tops That Still Feel Work-Appropriate
This is where you can actually get creative. A sculptural sleeve, a bold print, or an unexpected fabric instantly changes the entire outfit—no extra styling required.
And Finally, a Bag That Does Something
You’re carrying it every day—your bag might as well make the outfit. Think colors, textures, or shapes that feel intentional, not just practical.
Workwear doesn’t have to be boring to be taken seriously.
Because getting dressed for work shouldn’t feel like editing yourself—it should feel like an extension of your personal style.
