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best outfits for work and the office© Supplied

16 work outfit essentials for 2025: Go to work in style without stressing over what to wear

Struggling with what to wear to the office in 2025? Let us inspire you

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Leanne Bayley
Director of Lifestyle & Commerce
Updated: February 6, 2025
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We're edging closer to spring and with a brand new season comes a brand new struggle for what to wear to work. Whatever your current work situation is; whether it's a hybrid work model, or in the office full time, you might be struggling with what to wear for work in the morning. 

You might also just be in the mood for some new 2025 additions to your work wardrobe, and we're here to help. Choosing what to wear for your morning commute is no mean feat - here are some ideas for your daily work outfits. 

What's more, we reached out to Gemma Rose Breger, a fashion and celebrity stylist and the co-founder of This Is Mothership, to get her tips on how to have a super stress-free morning while getting ready for work.

Top tips for having a million dollar morning on a work day - according to a stylist

It's all in the prep work. Nothing will ever go to plan if you are attempting to do it last minute, whilst stressed out and trying to wrangle yourself and/or kids out the door on time. 

  1. Allocate some time for a clear out: "You can't see what you've got if it's all crammed into your wardrobe so invite over some friends, or put on a podcast whilst doing a wardrobe cleanse. The simple rules are, only keep what you need, what you love, and what makes you feel a million dollars when wearing it."
  2. Categorise: "Once you've done your clear out you need to organise what you are keeping. Hang or fold it in categories - dresses, trousers, jeans, skirts, blouses, knitwear. A general rule of thumb, hang the lighter pieces (dresses, blouses) and fold the heavier (knitwear & denim)."
  3. Outfit plan the night or week before: "Build a few work outfits you feel great in and hang them altogether on one side of your wardrobe. or in a separate space. Accessories, shoes, bags, the works - hang it all there so when you are short on time you can grab it and go."
  4. If in doubt, blend: "If you haven't had a chance to outfit plan then pull out a few pieces from your wardrobe in similar shades of one colour. For example, brown trousers, a camel jumper, a beige jacket, brown boots. Tonal dressing instantly makes you look chic, and can make an outfit look more expensive than it is." 
  5. If in a state of panic, wear black: "Head to toe black looks effortless (and it usually involves very little effort!) Depending on how smart you have to be for work you could wear black leggings, black knee high boots, a black t shirt or blouse and black blazer. Add some jewellery (and a bold lipstick if you want to feel more pulled together) and you are good to go."

Gemma Rose Breger, fashion & celebrity stylist and the co-founder of  This Is Mothership.

How we chose the best work outfit ideas

  • Our own experience: The HELLO! office is rather relaxed - we can wear jeans and trainers (and most people do!) but we've also worked in more corporate environments so we were keen to keep this edit as professional looking as possible. We realise some people must wear formal office wear so we hope you find what you're looking for below. 
  • Comfort: While we haven't tried on all of these garments, we have included items we know strive to be comfortable, such as wide-leg trousers and mid-heel shoes. The office isn't a place for pain-inducing footwear or restrictive clothing. 
  • Catering to all budgets: We know that work is different for everyone, and everyone's salary is different. Some women would prefer to shop savvy when it comes to their workwear - opting for cheap brands such as Primark, Matalan and Vinted. While others would prefer to invest, leaning towards the likes of Reiss, Boden and sustainable fashion brands. We've tried to do a nice mix of it all. 
model wearing a grey work suit© Spotlight
Sorry boss, just running fashionably late

What is the 3-3-3 method for a capsule work wardrobe?

The 3-3-3 method for a capsule wardrobe was created to make choosing outfits easier, and to be more sustainable. It involves selecting 33 items of clothing and wearing only these items for three months. The goal is to streamline the decision making and make more mindful choices about your daily looks. The trend has gone viral on Instagram and TikTok with fashion girls proving the theory works. Keep scrolling for some ideas on your workwear wardrobe whether you try the 3-3-3 method or not. 

Shop the best work outfit ideas for 2025

If you work in a corporate environment, we're here to help! If you're in a more relaxed office, we want to give you some ideas, too. All of the options below are classy, let's just put it that way.

1/16

Florere Longline Waistcoat

Florere Longline Waistcoat© Florere

Sizes available: UK 8-16

Colours available: Black

A sharp waistcoat is a must-have for the office. We're loving this Florere one. We'd pair it with a crisp white shirt and a pair of smart cigarette trousers, teamed with a chunky gold necklace and a pair of small-heeled work shoes.

2/16

Boden Fashion Ponte Shirt Dress

Boden denim dress© Boden

Sizes available: UK 4 - 22 (Petite, Regular)

Colours available: Navy, Red

Shipping: Free over £50

Returns: Free within 90 days

A midi dress is a must for any workwear wardrobe. They're airy enough to keep you feeling comfortable throughout the day and smart enough that you feel well put together with minimal effort. We love this bold denim midi from Boden.

3/16

John Lewis Cotton Relaxed Shirt In White

John Lewis Cotton Relaxed White Shirt

Sizes available: UK 8 - 20

Colours available: White

Shipping: Free click and collect or free on orders over £50

Returns: Free within 28 days

Finding the perfect white shirt is not easy. If you're a fan of a fitted blouse or a loose, oversized look, you simply cannot go wrong with this beauty. We love this John Lewis shirt because it's perfect for the office, with your jeans at the weekend, or tucked into your tulle skirt come party time.

4/16

River Island Black Wide Leg Trousers

River Island work trousers© River Island

Sizes available: UK 6 - 18

Colours available: Black

Shipping: £4 Standard Delivery or free on orders over £50

Returns: Free within 28 days

Tight trousers are a no-go when you're working at a desk - a pair of wide-leg trousers are an absolute must. We love these from River Island, and they look excellent with loafers. 

5/16

M&S Relaxed Single Breasted Blazer

Marks and Spencer blazer for work© M&S

Sizes available: UK 6-24

Colours available: Cornflower, black, beige

Shipping: Free for orders over £60

Returns: Free within 28 days

Every workwear wardrobe needs a smart blazer. This M&S blazer will look incredible with a white top or blouse, or it can be layered under a knit on colder days, or for those chilly air conditioned offices.

6/16

Kate Spade New York Hudson Commuter Laptop Bag

Kate Spade laptop bag© Kate Spade

Colours available: Black

Shipping: Free for orders over £150

Returns: Free within 14 days

You'll need a gorgeous bag that's chic enough for the office. We love this Kate Spade New York laptop bag in black - it'll work all-year round. If you're on the look out for a different style laptop bag that will make a statement, check out this edit of stylish laptop bags.

7/16

& Other Stories Relaxed Knit Jumper

& Other Stories Relaxed Knit Jumper© & Other Stories

Sizes available: UK XS - L

Colours available: Multiple

Shipping: £3.95 Standard Delivery or free for orders over £50

Returns: Free within 28 days

With your chilly offices you might need something cosy in your wardrobe. The long-sleeve knit jumper from & Other Stories has a relaxed silhouette, and will look so nice draped over the shoulders.

8/16

Hawes & Curtis Navy Satin Pussybow Blouse

Hawes & Curtis pussybow blouse

Sizes available: UK 6 - 22

Colours available: Navy, Cream, Red, Black, Taupe

Shipping: £4.95 or free on orders over £175

Returns: Free within 28 days

This elegant satin blouse ideal for the office - and it's available in lots of other colours. Team with black trousers, loafers and a stylish laptop bag. One happy verified shopper reviewed the shirt, saying: "The blouse fits perfectly and is really well tailored. Excellent value for money."

9/16

Mango Belted Coat

Mango camel coat© Mango

Sizes available: UK XXS - 4XL

Colours available: Medium brown, Black

Shipping: Free for orders over £30

Returns: Free within 28 days

We're eyeing up this belted coat from Mango. It will be a stylish addition to your new-season edit. Throw it on over any outfit and you're ready to head out the door. Also, it can be worn relaxed or as a funnel neck. 

10/16

Mint Velvet Maxi Skirt

mint velvet maxi skirt© Mint Velvet

Sizes available: UK XS - XL

Colours available: Black

Work skirts don't have to be boring. Mint Velvet's calf-length crinkle skirt has a crinkle texture which adds a bit of interest to the look.

11/16

New Look Belted Trench Coat

New Look coat© New Look

Sizes available: UK 6 - 22

Colours available: Beige

Shipping: £4 Standard Delivery or free for orders over £35

Returns: Free within 28 days

A trench coat is a must for your work wardrobe - especially when you have to deal with unpredictable weather! This premium looking design from New Look will be your go-to for years to come.

12/16

H&M Black Loafers

H&M Loafers© H&M

Sizes available: UK 2 - 9 

Colours available: Black

Shipping: £3.99 Standard Delivery or free for orders over £30

Returns: Free within 28 days

Our work heels have been switched up for a more comfortable style these days. These H&M loafers have an on-trend snaffle detail on the toe. Loafers are having a moment right now. Wear yours with a belted blazer and ankle-grazing trousers this season.

13/16

Cos Slim Leather Belt

Cos Slim Leather Belt© Cos

Sizes available: XS-L

Colours available: Black 

Shipping: £4 Standard Delivery or free for orders over £80

Returns: Free within 30 days

Smarten up any outfit with a slim belt. This one from Cos is perfect! It's crafted from leather with a silver-tone bar in place of a classic buckle.

14/16

The Diamond Store Stellato Diamond Encrusted Huggie Earrings

The Diamond Store Stellato Diamond Encrusted Huggie Earrings© The Diamond Store

Colours available: Gold

Shipping: Free worldwide delivery

Returns: Earrings are excluded for returns

You can't go wrong with these simple, but stylish, hoops. Elegant, classy and chic - what's not to love? If you want more options, check out this edit of the best gold hoops.

15/16

Wyse London Fleurine Scallop Tank

Wyse London Fleurine Scallop Tank© Wyse London

Sizes available: UK XS - XL

Colours available: Multiple options

Shipping: Free for orders over £125

Returns: Free within 30 days

The humble sweater vest is fast-becoming the ultimate workwear essential. The chic and versatile layering piece is ideal for the office.

16/16

M&S Ankle Boots

Marks & Spencer boots© M&S

Sizes available: UK 3 - 8

Colours available: Black

Shipping: Fee for orders over £60

Returns: Free within 28 days

These boots, with their 2-inch kitten heel and a zip along the side, are perfect for the office. You'll feel supported in them while walking around the office or if you're on your commute to work. Plus, they're from the wide-fit collection, happy days.

Meet the expert

Gemma Rose Breger - stylist© Gemma Rose Breger

Gemma Rose Breger is a fashion and celebrity stylist and the co-founder of This Is Mothership, alongside beauty director Samantha Silver. Their goal is to give fashion tricks and speedy beauty tips for busy women. You can pre-order their first book, This is Beauty. This is Fashion. This is Life: The Expert Guide For People Short On Time, now. 

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