With many of us finally heading back to the office for the first time in over a year, it’s going to take time to get acclimated to the world we knew before. Some of us may be dreading commuting again or packing lunches, but the thing that’ll take the most time adjusting to? Ditching the sweats. However, real clothes that you’ll want to wear exist, and we’ve found the best ones so you can head back to the office in style and comfort.
While everyone’s work dress code varies, with shifts in how office life looks post-COVID, it’s likely that office casual will be the new norm for many. Heels are out, comfy flats are in. Bras? It’s all about the bralette.
Whether you’re looking for the perfect little black dress that you can dress up or down, Oprah-approved pants that are just as comfy as your beloved sweats, or a super comfy bralette that you’ll actually forget you’re wearing, we’ve found all the must-have work wear pieces everyone’s wardrobe needs as we return to the office this year.
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Flowy Skirt
An easy-breezy skirt is way comfier than pants and possibly even sweats! This versatile floral midi skirt can be dressed up or down with heels or sneakers, since transitioning from work-to-play will be a thing we’ll have to think about again.
Relaxed Blazer
Returning to #officelife means pulling out the blazer again, but it doesn’t have to be stuffy and itchy. Upgrade your standard jacket with this chic, yet relaxed version of the workplace staple. The dreamy blush color is also a modern take on boring black.
Oprah’s Favorite Spanx Pants
We rave about these Oprah-loved leggings-in-disguise pants so much, we know we sound like a broken record. But they’re that good! These “Perfect Pants” feature a pull-on design to make getting dressed a breeze, and the tailored back creates a sleek, elongating effect. They’re so comfy, you may never want to take them off.
The Perfect Shirt
You’ve got the perfect pants, now you need the top to match! Gap’s full of timeless and affordable work staples, including this aptly named white shirt.
Meghan Markle-Approved Dress
Markle’s a fan of Cuyana’s jewelry and bags, but you should also check out their effortlessly chic clothing too. This gorgeous asymmetrical dress appears to be two pieces, but it’s actually one. Genius! It’s the ultimate elevated basic to reach for again and again.
Washable Flats
Who wants to wear heels again? No one. Swap out uncomfy heels for these equally dressed-up flats, which are made with recycled plastic. Better yet, they’re even machine washable, so you can rewear them for years to come. If these features sound familiar, it’s because they’re a lookalike of Meghan Markle’s favorite Rothy’s flats!
T-shirt Dress
If you have a more casual office dress code, you’ll want to pick up a few of these luxe T-shirt dresses from Everlane. They offer the breathable comfort of your favorite tee, in a more elevated silhouette.
The Little Black Dress
Suitably offers a curated selection of upgraded workwear essentials that won’t make you dread going to work in the morning. Everyone should have the perfect LBD that moves with the—and this one fits the bill.
Cloudlike Bralette
ICYMI, bralettes are back and they’re anything but the flimsy ones you wore as a teen. One of our favorites is from Knickey—this one boasts double-lined cups that are supportive but not constricting. This is one of my go-tos—I wear it almost every day!
The Only Jeans You Need
Another Oprah favorite, these jeans are the only ones you’ll need in your drawer. Despite what Gen Z says, skinny jeans are here to stay—especially in the office.
Essential Tote
Of course, no work wardrobe is complete without a trusty bag to carry everything from your laptop to an extra pair of shoes. No one designs an efficient and beautiful tote better than Dagne Dover. This roomy bag has tons of compartments to make grabbing items in a pinch a breeze—there’s even a pocket for your water bottle and a padded laptop sleeve.
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