The Foolproof Basics for Different Office Dress Codes

Everlane is one of the most dependable retailers for workwear due to its high quality and minimal designs. This cotton shirt is slightly boxy and is the perfect cropped length hitting right at the waist. Wear it on its own for a dressier setting or open with a top underneath for more casual ones. ($88, Everlane)

We recently said in another work-related clothing guide that we tend to notice a difference in the quality of blazers the more expensive they get. Our only caveat in this statement is any blazer from Uniqlo. This one has a relaxed fit, looks expensive, and is under $80. ($79.90, Uniqlo)

Peplums are slowly but surely coming back and we’re not totally skeptical. If you’re looking for a new black top or want to change up your T-shirt rotation, add this one to your cart. Because it has the added peplum, it’ll work for most dress codes and feel like a step up from more casual blouses. ($118, Shopbop)

Finding the right T-shirts and tank tops that are office appropriate can be weirdly hard. Our tip is to opt for thicker fabrics. We love pointelles because their lacier design makes a T-shirt look more like a fancier top or sweater. ($78, Shopbop)

Believe us when we say that these pants are worth all of their online hype. They’re under $100, come in tons of colors, and they even have petite and tall lengths. Our editors wear them outside of the office, too. ($90, Abercrombie & Fitch)

If you’re looking for an alternative to those iconic Gucci loafers, allow us to nudge you towards Sam Edelman’s rendition. They have similar gold detailing across the front and are made of leather that’ll get softer with time. Our editor also raves that the insoles are bouncy and comfortable. ($150, Sam Edelman)

We’re constantly trying to figure out how to look put together on rainy days at the office. While a practical raincoat is great, we’re still looking for something that’s nicer for work. One editor recently put us on to this hooded trench coat from J.Crew. At 5’1, she claims that she can wear the regular-sized option, but it comes in a petite version, too. The hood is detachable, but we’re keeping it on just in case. ($249.99+, J.Crew)

A standard trench is something that you can wear most seasons. Our editors love to layer theirs all the way into late fall, early winter, and even at the start of spring. This one from Gap has a relaxed fit, but if you want a more fitted look, go for a size down. It comes in petite and tall lengths and we’re obsessed with the chocolate brown color. ($168, Gap)

You can’t go wrong with investing in a thin cashmere sweater. It’s ideal for chilly office days in the summer, or days in the winter when you’re overheated from all the layering. This one is made of 100% cashmere, comes in three neutral colors, and has a simple crewneck. Psst…we also love to bring this one on every trip we take. ($380, Moda Operandi)

Quince makes some of our favorite inexpensive sweaters. We love their pieces because they look on-trend and expensive, but they’re a fraction of the cost of their designer versions. This one is made of 100% Mongolian cashmere. One editor claims that it feels soft and fluffy without any itchiness. ($99.90, Quince)