46 Womens Workwear Pieces To Make A Fresh Start This September
From the most flattering tailored trousers to oversized blazers that mean business, scroll to shop our back-to-work edit of the best women’s workwear pieces this season…
The best workwear looks are those that make you feel confident, are appropriate, timeless, and work outside the office when mixed with your weekend pieces or if you’re heading off for dinner or drinks in the evening. The key is to keep it simple – classic shapes, great knitwear, and flattering basics that can be interchanged throughout the year and from outfit to outfit.
There are some mid-market brands doing great things with work-appropriate pieces right now. Check out Marcela London for impeccable oversized tailoring – Frankie Shop vibes but a fraction of the price – and ME+EM for boardroom-worthy pieces that don’t feel boring but will transcend seasons.
On the high street, COS, ARKET and John Lewis always nail the basics, from leather belts to tie looks together to crisp white shirts to lay the foundations of a great ‘big meeting’ outfit. It’s also worth checking out the menswear section, as going to a more oversized can look cool and a bit more fashion-led.
From there, pepper your workwear wardrobe with some high-end accessories that will stand the test of time and see you through your career trajectory.
Scroll to shop three looks we love and all the best women’s workwear pieces in store now.
Look 1
The Modern Power Suit
You can’t go wrong with a power suit if you instantly want to feel pulled together and confident. The Frankie Shop’s Insta-worthy duos bridge the gap between boardroom and high fashion, thanks to their exaggerated shoulders and oversized pleats.
If you love a white suit but don’t feel right wearing one post-summer, this beige, off-white colour is ideal to see you into the autumn months. Pair with simple accessories like point-toe boots, a chunky chain necklace and classic black leather belt.
The Frankie Shop’s super oversized suit is 2023’s answer to the ’80s power suit.
Look 2
The Full Midi Skirt
Parisian-based stylist and influencer, Sylvie Mus, toughens up her ME+EM full midi skirt with a more masculine white tee and shirt combo. Simple kitten heels bring the whole look together but are comfy enough for the commute too.
Look 3
Tailored Trousers & Ballet Flats
Boardroom-worthy looks needn’t be all tough tailoring and power shoulders, if you want to bring a softness to your workwear wardrobe but still mean business, look at soft lines and fine knits all in the same colour palette to keep everything polished and pulled together.
We love how Instagram star Felicia Akerstrom has paired a pair of loose, slightly cropped tailored trousers with this season’s hero shoe – the ballet flat – to create a more wearable way to work the “wrong shoe theory”.
Look 4
Culottes & Knee-High Boots
Add a 1970s-inspired feel to your weekday wardrobe with a pussybow blouse and tailored culottes. You don’t have to go head-to-toe tonal but we love the milky, caramel and butterscotch hues of this look.
Finish with a snakeskin bag from affordable designer bag brand, Atelier ATP, and big gold hoops for a point of interest.
Best of the Rest
Shop our edit of women’s workwear pieces below, from the perfect trench to see you through raining commutes to flattering tailored trousers and accessories that will elevate all your office looks.
The products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however, The Handbook may make a small commission on some products purchased through affiliate links.