Summer is officially fading into fall, and while some are back to school, others are off to work. For some recent college graduates, it might just be their first post-grad or in-person role. It’ll be their first time developing a workplace wardrobe and dressing for the 9-to-5 lifestyle. 

Figuring out what to wear can be a process. It’s all about striking a balance between professionalism and comfort. After all, you’d hate to look sloppy or not put together. You don’t want to wear pants that are too tight or heels that make your feet ache. Also, if you are a social butterfly, you’ll also want outfits that translate easily from day-to-night. There’s no better time to build a workplace wardrobe than during the fall. The changing seasons can be your inspiration.

According to personal stylist and film customer, Tiffany Daniels-Harris, since no two company policies are the same, there are many nuances to a work-appropriate wardrobe. 

“However, when you are clear about the message you want to send through your work wardrobe, there are guidelines for dressing,” she said. 

How to Build a Workplace Wardrobe 

For a recent graduate who has started their first “big kid job,” Daniels explained that it is important to spend a large amount of time observing your company’s culture.

Ask yourself: How do typical employees dress day-to-day? How do they dress for presentations? What clothing accommodates the nature of this job? 

As a basic rule-of-thumb for a professional wardrobe, Daniels recommended a neutral-toned, solid-colored blazer and slacks, a neutral top, comfortable, flat shoes, and simple/non-distracting accessories. 

“Choosing pieces that reflect the company’s culture sends the message that you’re a part of the team, and your work is intended to enrich the company,” she added.

Balance Comfort and Professionalism

According to Daniels, there are several ways to be comfy, stylish, and professional. The key is to ensure your pieces don’t “stick” to the skin, but instead flow with your movement. This ensures your outfits are professional (aka not too tight or form-fitting) and comfortable.

“It’s all about breathable materials and the length of your pieces,” she explained. “I stay away from tight pants and form-fitting skirts, but I embrace wide-leg slacks and A-line skirts.”

What to Avoid Wearing

Gen Z is all about a crop top, and lately, a modern version of this trend has been showing up in the workplace. While Daniels believes that a professional crop top exists, she doesn’t necessarily consider it to be a staple piece in her professional closet. 

However, she did share that you can play with the fabric of the top and other pieces of your outfit to compensate for the short length. This will totally transform the look! 

“A fine-knit crop top that ends where the waist of your trousers begins can certainly be tasteful,” she said. 

When zooming out to other office no-nos, Daniels encouraged to avoid short-length clothing. That includes dresses, skirts, or shorts that come four inches above the knee. Cut-outs in clothing that reveal body parts are also something to stay away from. 

“The goal with workwear is to strike a balance between seriousness about your hygiene and your work,” Daniels explained. “You want to look clean and well-kept, however, overly revealing clothing sends the message of not being serious.” 

Outfit Ideas for Younger Employees

For simple yet stylish office looks for the fall, Daniels recommended a chocolate brown structured blazer, a cream U-neck fine-knit blouse, wide-legged slacks, and a flat shoe. A second office look she recommended for Gen Z employees is an oversized Oxford shirt, dark-washed boyfriend jeans, and loafers.  

Daniels’ office staples that she swears by are structured blazers (try a good bar jacket or double-breasted blazer), loafers, and a leather tote bag.

“These three pieces can elevate any office look while keeping it professional!” she said.

Daniels recommended that Gen Z builds a capsule work wardrobe with these pieces since they can also make their rounds in any closet. You can pair them with jeans, skirts, and dresses and achieve the same chic look but in different plays on volume and length.