There is a stark difference between what you wear to work and what you wear elsewhere. Although some may argue that workwear is dismal, those people are simply unimaginative. Let’s take a look at the runway trends that you can take to work with you, and make your officewear fashionable and appropriate.

Basic Blouse

The basic blouse is an officewear staple that can be dressed up a little for a more fashionable approach. Jenni Kayne and Brunello Cucinelli featured basic button-ups with simple patterns for styles that can be paired with anything, while Dice Kayak utilized mutton sleeves on a white button up to add a dash of style to any ensemble. Escada’s simple striped button up features a mandarin collar, a simple and stylish detail, and LaDouble J features a pussy bow blouse with a conversational print, perfect when worn with a dark pantsuit or to the office holiday party.

Brunello Cucinelli | Spring 2019 Ready-to-Wear

Dice Kayak | Resort 2019

Escada | Resort 2019

Jenni Kayne | Resort 2019

LaDouble J | Pre-Fall 2019

Pick these fabrics for the perfect basic blouse:

Navy Luxury Cotton Shirting with Multicolor Spots

Light Blue 100% Pima Cotton Broadcloth

Blazer

The blazer is the perfect professional piece, ideal for keeping warm in a chilly office or dressing up a simple ensemble. Alessandra Rich’s pinstripe style is in desperate need of matching pants, but the pleated skirt looks nice too. Burberry’s white blazer looks ideal for heading to a coworker’s wedding, while Chanel and Re/Done create the perfect blazers for going to work. Karen Walker’s stunning velvet blazer would work well for a more laid-back office, but not so well if you’re working in a law firm.

Alessandra Rich | Spring 2019 Ready-to-Wear

Burberry | Pre-Fall 2019

Chanel | Spring 2019 Ready-to-Wear

Karen Walker | Spring 2019 Ready-to-Wear

Re/Done | Resort 2019

Dress for the job you want with these fabrics:

Italian Black 100% Cashmere

Royal Blue Stretch Velour

Bodycon Sheath Dress

Dresses are an important part of the closet, but often look too casual or flirty for regular office wear. The body-conscious sheath dress is professional and pretty, just like me. St. John and Elie Tahari go for very simple silhouettes that can be paired with a variety of work appropriate blazers, cardigans, and shoes, while Brooks Brother’s green and pink dress is definitely a summer style. Calvin Luo adds sleeves and a lowered hemline for the ideal work ensemble, and Valentino adds a subtle pleat in the front of the dress for a stylish office look.

Brooks Brothers | Spring 2019 Ready-to-Wear

Calvin Luo | Spring 2019 Ready-to-Wear

Elie Tahari | Spring 2019 Ready-to-Wear

St. John | Spring 2019 Ready-to-Wear

Valentino | Resort 2019

Work it out with these fabrics:

Navy Stretch Woven Cotton Pique

Black Stretch Nylon-Rayon Ponte Roma

Cigarette Pant

The cigarette may be long out of style, but the cigarette silhouette will never fade and are perfect for work. A.L.C. makes their model work-ready with a simple white blouse paired with dark cigarette pants, while Schiaparelli and Emporio Armani’s cigarette pants are ideal for grabbing drinks with a coworker, after hours of course. Rosetta Getty’s trousers feature a lovely belt and would pair beautifully with a blue button up, and Sarah Battaglia’s brown cigarette pants are high-waisted and fully functional for a day at the office, especially when paired with a pale pink pussy bow blouse.

A.L.C. | Spring 2019 Ready-to-Wear

Emporio Armani | Resort 2019

Rosetta Getty | Resort 2019

Sara Battaglia | Resort 2019

Schiaparelli | Pre-Fall 2019

Fashion cigarette pants from these fabrics:

Italian Black on Black Herringbone Wool Blend

Charcoal and White Pinstriped Super 150 Wool Suiting

Pantsuit

The pantsuit is fashion’s favorite trend, for now, but they’ll always be in style when you’re heading to work. Alessandra Rich makes my dreams come true with a beautiful, pinstriped ivory pantsuit, perfect for looking powerful at a business meeting, while Derek Lam and Ralph Lauren go for more casual professional prints. Orla Kiely’s wool suit and burnout velvet button-up are perfect for a chilly day in the office, and Valentino creates a simple style with a grey suit, quintessential business attire.

Alessandra Rich | Spring 2019 Ready-to-Wear

Derek Lam 10 Crosby | Resort 2019

Orla Kiely | Resort 2019

Ralph Lauren | Resort 2019

Valentino | Resort 2019

Pick out these fabrics for a pantsuit:

Black and White Pinstriped Super 150 Wool Suiting

Blue and White Windowpane Check Spill Repellent Super 150 Wool Suiting

What will you be wearing to work? I need to get my hands on a pantsuit! Let me know in the comments!