Office-Ready Fall Outfits for Women – Business Casual 2025 Ideas You’ll Actually Want to Wear

It is that magical time of year when the pumpkin spice reigns, the AC is shut off, and our closets are saying: sweaters weather is coming. But if you’re like me—someone who adores fall but dreads that tricky workwear transition—you might be asking: what actually works for the office in 2025?

Are fall business casual outfits still about layering? Can we now wear sneakers to the office without looking as if we forgot our heels in the car? And—big one—is there room for jeans at all? Now, let us discuss the items that are not only fitting the dress code but also enhance it.

I’ll walk you through outfit-by-outfit styling ideas—each one based on a visual cue you’ll love. One autumnal look at a time, let us update our wardrobes.

Understated Power with a Soft Shoulder

This look has something to say, something like, I have arrived, but I do not have to scream about it. A jet black off-the-shoulder top with a ribbed style is worn with high-waisted taupe trousers, whose center crease is clean. It’s structured, but fluid. The collarbones are framed beautifully by the top and the pants lengthen the leg with a neat fall. There is a contrast of a small white handbag and minimalist white sandals? Quiet luxury. It’s the perfect vibe for fall business casual outfits office wear when you’re transitioning between presentations and dinner dates.

This ensemble is functional in that every piece is heavy lifting and not loud. The top is a forever-piece that can be worn in any season and the trousers are a must-have of any person who is trying to create a capsule wardrobe. This fits all the boxes in case you are into fall business casual outfits no jeans. The white leather bag gives it a clean polish and the gold earrings give it the right touch of personality to take to a boardroom or brunch. Also — those sandals? They’re a modern take on women work shoes with an elevated but comfy twist.

The last time I wore something similar was last fall, when I wore it to a marketing panel in downtown and felt quietly confident all night. I was not overdressed or underdressed, simply put together. It is the kind of outfit that people would say, wow, you look great, but they could not tell why. That’s when you know it’s good.

What could round this out even more? A cozy, editorial energy would be achieved by a soft camel wool coat slung over the shoulders. And if it’s office wear rainy season? Change the sandals to ivory-leather block-heel boots, still chic, but weatherproof.

The Neutral Luxe You Didn’t Know You Needed

It is fall dreams made of monochrome tones in soft, oatmeal-adjacent shades, overlaid with elegance and warmth. The slouchy knit, casually tucked into pleated wide-leg trousers, is exuding all of that effortless professor meets creative director vibe. It is smart-casual in that it is topped with a caramel belt and completed with classic white sneakers, as the best business casual fall outfits to wear to work always are.

I can not stop looking at the trousers, they are so beautiful to wear and give that classic 90s boss-girl vibe. This silhouette is ideal on women both plus size and midsize in that it does not stick; it flows. The knit is relaxed but elevated — it’s exactly what you reach for on those early chilly mornings when you want to look like you tried (but didn’t). The leather belt gives it form and character and the sneakers? Chef’s kiss for women with sneakers in mind.

It makes me think of what Matilda Goad once wrote in The Cut, that the most stylish women tend to wear the same thing over and over again, just in a different way. It is one of those basic outfits that could be worn up with heeled boots or down with trainers.

Of course it is possible to add custom beige or rust blazer in order to polish the temper. I’d also throw on some tortoiseshell frames (even fake ones) for a touch of office intellectual chic. Remember, soft makeup and a statement watch would make it fall into women business casual with no effort at all.

Sporty Meets Smart: The Updated Preppy Look

Let’s talk comfort with polish. This outfit, a big white shirt over a cropped cable-knit vest, with black leggings, is an easy, campus-chic outfit, which can be taken to a more creative or a more casual office. It can be completed with white sneakers and it is a transition between weekend and workwear. It is one of those fall business casual looks that women have been pinning madly and it makes sense.

I love the unexpected layering of proportions here. The shirt that is long and peeks out under the vest gives the vest depth and the leggings anchor it to simplicity. This combination is comfortable and shape-conscious to curvy women. This is an excellent way to find the structure and stretch balance in the office when your office permits fall business casual attire jeans or leggings. The sneakers keep it young and completely wearable, perfect for the people who want to look styled but still want to be comfy.

I’ve worn this combo while working from a café and then sliding straight into a Zoom meeting. It gives you that put-together feel without sacrificing mobility — perfect for women who need flexibility (literally and figuratively). And you never have to be too far away to get a cute coffee date look either.

To dress up the ensemble to be more suitable to more conservative workplaces, simply replace the leggings with tapered ankle trousers or straight women jeans in black. And perhaps add a trench or oversized blazer on top when it is cooler and office-appropriate classy.

Retro Houndstooth and Polished Denim

A houndstooth blazer, a fitted turtleneck, dark-wash skinny jeans, and tan ankle boots, this outfit is a checklist of all the fall staples. It is classic but not hoary, and that texture-on-texture thing is just so melodious in October light. The ankle boots make it chic, and the blazer is sharp to balance out the soft knit underneath. This is what I will term as a fool-proof fall business casual outfits jeans formula.

It is one of those staples that you can recreate over and over again. And, as a woman over 40 who is seeking women 2025 wardrobe updates, this silhouette is super flattering, the high-rise jeans add shape, the blazer adds structure and the boots add elegance. Additionally, houndstooth pattern is never out of rotation in the case of office wear professional.

I’ve leaned on variations of this combo for years, especially for team meetings and first-day-back vibes. The blazer makes you look pulled together, and the boots give you that boss-lady click as you walk in. (Don’t underestimate the psychological power of a good heel sound.)

Want to push this further? Instead of the turtleneck, wear a silk blouse, or instead of the jeans, wear camel trousers, in case your office is more of a no-denim environment. A structured tote would complete the power-dressing trifecta.

Muted Grays with Maximum Polish

Less is more sometimes, and this look is a good example. A cropped gray cardigan with a white tee, high-waisted black wide leg trousers, and cream pointed-toe flats. It is discreet, subtle, and just right when you are looking to be casual and classy at the same time during a workday. These are the items that exude cool girl in finance who secretly has a style blog vibes aka: goals.

The charcoal-gray cardigan is a go-with-everything piece that is warm and slightly sophisticated. The pants are perfectly dramatic but not too dramatic, i.e., wide-legged but not excessive, and they are perfect fall business casual 2025. The flats are very good choice of women work shoes that would like to keep it stylish and comfortable to their feet.

I wore something similar to a design client lunch last fall and I swear I got compliments on it by three different people, including someone I have never seen not wearing a hoodie. That’s when I knew I’d nailed it.

Could we level it up? Sure. A longline wool vest or a chunky silver cuff would make this minimalist mood a statement moment. And if you’re eyeing this for fall business casual outfits black women, don’t shy away from bolder lip color — oxblood or terra cotta would be divine here.

Everyday Ease with Utility Layers

It has a certain informal elegance that immediately seems to be work-day attainable in early fall. A beige top with ribs serves as a clean base, and it is tucked into high-rise white jeans with the perfect crop. On top of that, an olive utility shirt provides it with a structure but not bulk. White sneakers form the foundation of the outfit, which is casual, friendly, and yet completely stylish. And, if you happen to be a fan of fall business casual outfits jeans, then this is pretty much your golden ticket.

The combination is so successful since it adds neutrals in a muted, contemporary palette that does not scream of trying too hard. White denim for fall? Absolutely. It is written in a style that makes it feel fresh rather than out of context. The olive shirt pays minor tribute to functionality and tenderness – and the clean sneakers are shrieking women with sneakers power in the right way. I also adore the fact that this combo is so versatile, you can take off the overshirt inside, and you still look fully dressed.

I also wore the same thing to a casual Monday meeting, and I found myself wearing it throughout the day as it flowed with the beat of things. It is accessible, friendly, and the kind of dress that a midsize or curvy woman would wear to get that combination of structure and fluidity. It’s also one of those no-fuss looks that keeps working, whether you’re doing a full office day or popping out for errands after.

Feel like making this up to go to work in professional environments? Change the denim to ecru tailored trousers and wear a chunky gold cuff. Boom — instant power without losing ease.

Tailored Comfort with a Modern Twist

This minimalist ensemble, tight black top and a pair of neutral high-rise pants contrasted with clean white sneakers and a structured black handbag makes Slim look soft. It is subtle, yet definitely not accidental it is the type of ensemble that occupies space without screaming. If you’re hunting fall business casual outfits for women that don’t overdo it, this is exactly that.

I love how wearable each element is here. The trousers were straight-leg but not too wide, not too comfortable but also not too sharp to walk into a client meeting. The tee is a basic, but fitted perfectly. And the bag? Structured, professional, elevated. It’s giving women business casual without the stiffness. Put on the sneakers and it is perfect in a fall business casual attire mid size office where creativity and casual go hand in hand.

This reminds me of that quote from Jenna Lyons: “When everything fits perfectly, you don’t need to add much else.” She wasn’t wrong — this look proves it.

To add a bit more fall into the equation, I would add a plaid oversized scarf or a camel trench. They are still wearable, still minimal, but a bit warmer to wear in the early mornings.

Relaxed Elegance with Structured Edges

Nothing is more gratifying than combining classic masculine tailoring with soft and loose silhouettes. In this case, we have charcoal wide-leg trousers with a tucked-in black crewneck and white athletic sneakers. It is providing weekday warrior a person who knows where to go, and how to look good doing it. This is at the top of the fall business casual outfits no jeans scale.

The charcoal trousers are superb to wear by the women who are more than 40 years old and yet they want to feel modern without making a step too far towards the trendy. The belt adds refinement and a waist-defining moment. The sweater is not too much, not too little, not too floppy. And those sporty sneakers? They turn this into something modern, not matronly. It is particularly ideal among women workers who are busy all the time.

And to be honest, I never wanted to wear pleated trousers because I thought they would make me look bulkier, but it is all about the cut. Such tailoring is, in fact, flattering to the curves and allows you to move more freely during the day. And, when you go to office wear classy, you are half way there by simply having a pair like these.

This would be immediately night-out ready with a sleek ponytail, a bold lip, and a structured trench. If you’re heading from boardroom to drinks — this is the bridge look you need.

Leather & Knit: A Power Duo for Fall

A leather jacket and soft knitwear are the best way to say you are ready to fall. The combination of a gray turtleneck sweater, jet black wide-leg trousers, and a structured black leather jacket are complemented by white sneakers and a structured top-handle bag. It is daring, it is crisp and it should be on all the fall business casual looks 2025 moodboards.

So, what does it mean? The knit is warm and lightweight, so it is good to layer. The pants counter the jacket weight with a free flow and the sneakers add a good portion of comfortable functionality. The jacket and bag are so office-like, yet the ensemble is casual. It makes a wonderful staple to women who are plus size or curvy women due to how it manipulates lines and drape without clinging.

I tried a variation of this at a branding workshop, and I swear I felt more assertive as soon as I put it on. The knit keeps it warm and the leather jacket makes it confident and they simply work.

To make this even more transitional where it is cold, perhaps think about wearing sheer tights under or instead of heeled boots instead of the sneakers. A red lip would put it into boss mode.

Classic Check with a Modern Belted Twist

Check trousers are always a bit edgy, and this pair, with pleats and a heavy fabric belt, wins the prize. It is a smart feminine picture, with a fitted black turtleneck and heeled black boots on top. The stark top contrasts well with the neutral check and is refined and seasonal. The skirt-alternative is one of the best fall business casual outfits I have seen in a long time.

I love a check pattern in autumn, it is nostalgic but never out of date. The pants are particularly excellent in no jeans situations or when women are in need of fall business casual looks black women inspiration with classic tailoring. The belt gives it a retro touch and the shiny boots maintain the sophistication.

I occasionally put on such looks on days when I feel like I want to be a bit more put-together, even on my quiet work-from-home days. It is something about putting on a heel and a fitted pant that changes your entire way of thinking. As InStyle once put it, “A good check pant does what caffeine can’t.”

Need to layer? Throw in a sophisticated blazer, a dark chocolate wool overcoat. This would even pass in a women wedding event that is more on the creative or business side with the help of the right statement earrings.

Knit & Skirt Harmony with Street-Ready Ease

This ensemble is the happy medium between soft and structure. A beige cardigan with a chunky knit is worn over a plain white T-shirt on top of a sleek ribbed midi skirt in deep black. The outfit is complete with new white sneakers, giving it a casual yet fully office-friendly vibe in less formal workplaces. It is a perfect fall business casual outfit skirt look that is adored by those who love mixing textures.

The cardigan in this case brings that early-fall comfort to it, something that is easy to achieve when you are sitting by the window with a cup of coffee in your hand. The skirt? It adds polish. And combining the two with white sneakers adds a bit of women with sneakers comfort to the whole ensemble so that it is wearable and practical even on days when you have to run errands or make back-to-back calls. It also fits women plus size or midsize very well, with the right amount of hugging and forgiveness in the right places.

The combination of soft layers and curve-skimming knits is somehow modern and nostalgic at the same time, as though taking the styling tips of the 90s minimalism and breathing new life into it. All of these items are likely to be worn more than once during the season.

To bring more polish into this look? Throw in a crossbody leather bag or a little necklace mix & match. And yes, this look can extend to a casual women wedding rehearsal or after-work gallery opening.

Monochrome Minimalism with a Luxe Belt

This outfit is what I would think of when it comes to an outfit that speaks volumes without making noise. Smooth black fitted turtleneck, tucked into pleated beige trousers, belted at the waist, and finished off with white sneakers. It is simple, neat, and this is how fall business casual work outfits should be in 2025.

There is something strong about neutral combinations and this one is rich without being too loud. The belt outlines the waist and adds shape and the fitted trousers provide length to your entire figure. In the meantime, the sneakers mellow out the atmosphere and make it more friendly, which is an ideal reference to comfortable women work shoes that are still extremely stylish.

One of the stylists I interviewed once in a fall capsule feature of Harper Bazaar stated that black and beige is the quickest way to look expensive. This outfit is living proof. I have worn versions of this to a team brainstorm and a lunch date and it never fails to draw a, Where did you get that?

On colder days, a camel overcoat or an oversized scarf would be cozy and still allow that clean base to do all the talking. In case your office is more of a creative type, you can replace the belt with a statement one to add a little extra.

Urban Cool Meets Fall Function

Here’s a look that bridges fashion-forward and weather-prepped effortlessly. A white hoodie is seen under a fitted camel coat, and black faux leather leggings add edge and structure. It is topped off with white sneakers and black structured bag. This combo is both functional and fashionable, in case you have to commute outdoors during your workweek or require some office wear that is rainy-friendly.

It’s all about high-low pairing here. The hoodie brings comfort, the coat brings structure. The leggings provide a visual interest and the look is sharp. You would be able to wear this on black women, midsize or curvy women and it would look just as polished due to the balancing of the shapes. And, this outfit is an easy one to wear during transitional weather when you need to layer up.

I had a variation of this one on a very cold November day and I felt like I was in a street style reel. It is evidence that hoodies can be worn to office, provided the rest of the ensemble is up to par.

To take the entire appearance to the next level, replace the hoodie with a turtleneck or knit pullover. Or wear a silk scarf at the neck to give it a touch of old-fashioned glamour.

Feminine Utility with a Flirty Finish

Other times, a fitted knit and a statement mini is all it takes to find the balance between power and polish. This outfit consists of a ribbed taupe turtleneck and an A-line mini skirt in olive that is belted at the waistline with gold accents. The outfit is completed by sheer tights and ankle boots, which are cute and office-appropriate without even trying. This is one of the best fall business casual outfits skirt styles in case you want a little leg but you want to keep it classy.

This is particularly awesome on women who are beyond 40 years and want to remain contemporary without being too much. The top fits in and tucks in to show the waistline and the length of the skirt makes it playful and yet decent. The boots bring the outfit to earth and provide that fall feel that we all desire, perfect when you have to get to work early or take a client out to lunch.

It is so 2025 to combine girlish silhouettes with utility details. The belt here does not serve only as an ornament, but it holds the whole outfit together. I would even imagine having it with another layer such as a cropped blazer or trench to further create more dimension.

Personally? I would wear this on one of those cool-yet-sunny October days when the air has the aroma of cinnamon and the office atmosphere is still efficient, but a bit more fun. It’s flirty, but smart.

Green Blazer Energy: The Statement We All Need

A structured green blazer thrown over an all-black base? Yes. Always yes. This ensemble is a perfect combination of daring color and customized sophistication – and the combination is a winner in the fall business casual outfits 2025 collection. Throw in some cropped black trousers, a black turtleneck, and white sneakers, and you have something that can be used both in power meetings and downtown walks.

The cropped pants make it contemporary, the monochrome underlayer makes it clean, and the white sneakers add a surprise element. The style is particularly ideal when it comes to fall business casual attire black women or curvy women who want to play with color but still have structure. The brown structured mini-bag? A classic accent. Chef’s kiss.

I have to confess that I was not so fond of green in the beginning. However, whenever I am dressed up in my emerald blazer, I get stopped. Color can be so empowering when it is customized this way. Even Vogue has its fall forecast that included jewel-tone tailoring in the top trends of 2025, so you are not only stylish, you are ahead.

Want to push this even further? Sandale vers-le sneakers remains Bootie à la-loaf. Or put on some statement gold earrings and a red lip. Either way — this blazer means business.

Chic Monochrome for a Sleek Start

It is so easy to feel strong when you begin the week with a clean monochrome color scheme. In this case, a long belted coat in warm taupe cascades over tailored trousers in a very similar shade, simple, sophisticated, and quietly assertive. The structured black handbag and the pointed-toe pumps make this outfit brunch-friendly to executive-chic. The color scheme is a mumble of “peaceful assurance” which I think is particularly appropriate in fall business casual attire at work when your clothing needs to do the talking before you do.

This style is all about the fundamentals you likely already have in your closet but when put together with a purpose, they are new. This type of belted wrap coat is structured but can be layered underneath as well. Combining it with wide-leg trousers brings contemporary dynamism, and the entire neutral palette helps to draw attention to the shape and material. When you are creating a capsule of fall business casual looks in 2025, items such as these are essential.

Personally, I adore monochrome in transitional weather, it just feels put-together without thinking too much about it in the morning. Talia Byre, stylist and fashion editor once stated, neutral dressing is the reset button to your wardrobe. I couldn’t agree more.

One thing I’d tweak for cooler climates? SWAP OUT YOUR SHOES by doing away with heeled boots for flat ankle boots, patent leather or suede. It retains the elegance and makes it office wear that is also rain friendly.

Relaxed Elegance with Fall Texture

It is all about textures in this outfit the buttery soft beige knit layered under a rust colored trench is a silent masterpiece in comfortable office wear. This outfit is perfect in creative offices or casual corporate settings because of the high-waisted trousers of a soft gray-blue color and sleek white sneakers. It ticks all the boxes of fall business casual outfits jeans-optional modern, breathable, and can actually be worn Monday through Friday.

The beauty of this outfit lies in its balance. The dramatic oversized trench is balanced by the comfort of the knit. The straight-cut trousers and sneakers were the right spot of women business casual, fashionable and practical. If you’re curating fall business casual outfits for women who favor minimalism, this one deserves a permanent spot.

This year, I have seen many of my friends grabbing shiny sneakers even the ones who were loyal to heels before 2020. According to Jessica Radloff, the editor of Glamor, the new office uniform is all about flow, i.e. shoes that allow you to move through your day with ease. Such types of attires demonstrate to us that women in sneakers can still dominate the boardroom.

To keep the sleek lines, I would suggest a cropped wool scarf or a fine-knit beanie in a tonal color to keep the sleek lines in the morning when it is colder.

Modern Uniform with a Feminine Twist

In case you are in the mood to simplify, this ensemble will do the trick, a boxy grey jacket on top of a soft lavender turtleneck, and wide-leg trousers in cream. The tones are layered enough to make the outfit interesting but not too much out of the professional area. It is the modern solution to the classy office wear, particularly in the case of women past 40 years of age, who are looking to have a more elevated basic without being a complete trend chaser.

Wool blazer: A wool blazer is a smart investment in 2025: It is warm, has a silhouette and polish all at once. The knit is light purple and gives the outfit a little personality and takes the edge off of the formality. These slacks would be able to turn through a few fall business casual outfits mid size wardrobes, as they are so forgiving and flattering in the cut.

I like that this look is quietly confident the most. It states that you are knowledgeable and you are not screaming it. Also, fun fact, lavender is a trend this fall as a seasonless pastel, according to Who What Wear. Consider it a style wink.

On warmer days, I could replace the slacks with a fall business casual outfits skirt and leave the upper combo. A midi of the same tone would also be professional but with a bit of feminine spirit.

Elevated Neutrals for Transitional Days

This is the type of outfit that can be worn in all sizes, ages and even dress codes. A rich camel turtleneck tucked into cream paperbag-waist trousers, paired with a mid-weight trench and gold-accented loafers—it’s smart, simple, and gives major CEO-on-the-go energy. This is a bright example of trying to create fall business casual outfits plus size friendly without resorting to dark colors.

Everything about this outfit speaks to a well-thought-out wardrobe. The neutral color scheme makes it mix and match and the silhouette is flattering on everyone. Paperbag trousers on curvy women are my favorite, especially the ones that are tight in the right places and have space to breathe. The gold loafers are the type of detail that causes one to do a double take-quiet luxury at its finest.

I also wore something very similar to a networking brunch last fall, and I was equally put-together and comfortable. It is that kind of feel that you desire when dressing to work in women schedules that require versatility.

Depending on where you live, you may add a scarf or even a beanie to this mix. Think tonal textures—nothing too bold, but just enough to hint that you’re in control of your layers.

Statement Trench with Bold Contrast

This look pulls no punches. Bold navy trench coat over cream midi dress, dual tone boots and structured leather tote, is a mastersclass in transition dressing. It has an editorial touch that makes it a perfect fall business casual outfit office wear that is more creative or client-facing. It’s what I’d wear to a pitch meeting, honestly.

The trench in this case does all the hard work- it outlines the outfit, adds color and provides structure. The cream dress keeps things soft and professional underneath. I think this type of contrast is very flattering on midsize and women no jeans wardrobe. It is deliberate, current, and can be worn even when the temps are falling.

Color-blocking with outerwear is having a real moment. Stylist Allison Bornstein refers to it as the shortcut to drama of the working woman. No fancy prints are required, but clean cuts and powerful shades are.

To further make this seem more practical to wear on a rainy day, I would include a wide-brimmed wool fedora or an umbrella with gold hardware- because yes, even your rain gear can be fashionable.

Striped Comfort with Polished Power

This outfit is an amalgamation of comfort of knit ad wear in the fall and the poise of a smoothly-fitting pair of trousers. A cream colored ribbed turtleneck with thick black stripes is part classic and part up to date. It is neatly folded into a pair of high-waisted, structured black trousers that lengthen the leg line- clever, minimal, effective. Throw on a pair of black sock boots and a structured black handbag and you have one of the most versatile fall business casual outfits office wear looks of 2025.

The knit is working some heavy-duty magic here chunky, but not so chunky that it will get you through an over-air-conditioned office, and refined enough to maintain its shape. The vertical ribbing and horizontal stripe combo form flattering dimensions, and I consider this particularly useful when dressing up fall business casual ensembles on plus size or midsize bodies. The pants have a smooth seam along the leg that is perfect on both tall and short figures, giving them clean lines that can be worn easily in the day to night.

The question I get a lot is whether stripes that are bold are too casual in the workplace, but I think it is all about balance. When you combine a statement knit with traditional black tailoring, and select high quality textures, it becomes not only acceptable but outstanding. As fashion editor Justine Carreon puts it, the secret to business casual is strategic contradiction: relaxed and rigid go together. This look does exactly that.

To make this work in more conservative offices, replace the boots with black loafers or kitten heels. In women, you can add a wool blazer in camel on top of it to add polish and warmth to the outfit in women over 40.

Soft Layers with Smart Ease

I look at this outfit and think of the solution to the question of what to wear when I want to look put-together but not too hard. There is a button-down in powder-blue and a wide-leg beige trouser to create a clean and relaxed silhouette that is ideal during the transitional weather. The cool and warm tones contrast gently, and this is a simple choice to wear in a fall business casual outfits for women rotation, particularly when commuting, or when you have errands to run before work, or just do not feel like heels.

I adore the way the baggy pants in this example do not engulf the frame. They are flattering on curvy women, women plus size and midsize figures due to the pleated waist and wide hem. The shirt is loosely-fitted, which does not make it feel rigid, and the rolled sleeves give it that casual appeal everyone secretly desires. This outfit is complete with clean white sneakers and it shows that you can be stylishly appropriate in the workplace without wearing heels. Yes, it is one of those fall business casual outfits with sneakers that actually works in a meeting.

I had something similar on last September, a rainy Monday and I felt comfortable and capable, a rare combination. Even my team asked if I’d started “dressing French” (take that as a compliment). It is the type of appearance that you will want to repeat.

To give it an added dimension, I would include a longline trench or an oversized cardigan in soft oatmeal. Or replace the sneakers with loafers in case your office is more conservative.

Chunky Boots Meet Clean Tailoring

This is one of the ones that we need a little bit of an edge to our polish. The casual elegance is achieved with a cropped cardigan in soft beige over a classic white tee, and the outfit is balanced with the sharply tailored black ankle trousers. The finishing touch? Slim, thick-soled black boots with the perfect level of I-don t-mess-with-me attitude. It is one of those fall business casual outfits no jeans looks that still exudes cool-girl vibes–without ever being inappropriate in the workplace.

I really like how this outfit plays with proportions. The cardigan is a little big, to balance the cropped pants. The boots keep the look down to earth, but not too heavy, and the neutral color scheme keeps it all office-friendly. Perfect to wear to the office, professional or to a job where you can show off your style muscle.

These boots are a good choice when it comes to work shoes that are comfortable to wear, particularly when you have to walk a lot. They provide height, support and a bit of flair which is more than I can say about most work flats.

When editing this look to attend a serious meeting, I would add a fine chain necklace or hoop earrings to attract the eye upwards and a structured tote bag in leather to substitute the crossbody.

Color Pop with Tailored Calm

So, power colors, and this deep cerulean blue sweater proves the point so eloquently. It is hidden away in beige wide-leg pleated trousers, which hit the right balance between looking like it is not cold, but like it is about to be Q4. It is one of those fall business casual work outfits that are Instagram-worthy as well, which we both know never hurts.

The good thing about this outfit is that it suits almost all body shapes. The trousers are tied at the waist and fall over the hips- which is perfect for midsize, curvy women and women plus size. The blue pop gives the energy without shouting. It is best to match it with nude pumps to keep the look clean and lengthen the leg. I could imagine this being equally successful with women wedding guest brunches as it is with Monday team meetings.

This brings me to the advice given by celebrity stylist Kate Young, which is: when your outfit is neutral, make one item stand out. If it’s bold, make everything else invisible.” Such a tip makes getting dressed to work seem like a creative task- not a burden.

To take it to the next level, I would add a coat made of camel wool and a navy or oxblood tote bag. Keep your makeup neutral and your confidence high.