It’s hard to find great tailored pieces, or even smart casual clothes, you can wear to work. The internet is crowded with cheap-looking polyester frocks and extortionately expensive blazers only a handful of people can afford.
Spending hundreds on fast fashion clothes to build your workwear capsule isn’t a sustainable option. Even though these clothes look decent at first sight, you’ll soon realise the vast majority is not designed with longevity in mind. Jumpers pile quickly, shirts lose buttons and shape, trousers look worn after a few washes,…
By the time you’ll want to dispose of them and invest in better pieces, you’ll find it hard to sell your fast fashion clothes. They don’t retain their value and, let’s be honest, they didn’t have much to begin with. If you’re interested in shopping with a slow fashion mindset and looking for ethical alternatives to fast fashion brands, I recommend becoming a member of my Slow Fashion Weekly newsletter.
Affordable and essential workwear options
In this article, I’ve rounded up key pieces to create office ready outfits and included some affordable options. They may not be as cheap as fast fashion but they’re better investments. Plus, they were made ethically, in fair working conditions for the people who made them, and using innovative materials that are kinder to the environment such as GOTS-certified cotton, linen, Ecovero/Modal, and recycled materials.
These brands are also smaller than their fast fashion counterparts. However, they still produce enough clothes (in various sizes) to please the vast majority of customers, which is why I chose these.
I originally did this research for a friend based in NYC and added loads of American-based brands on top of my regular favourites from Europe. The selection is tailored for people who work in corporate environment and need chic and comfortable clothes they can wear in the office and afterwork. I’ve avoided prints, sheer, short and complicated styles and favoured muted tones, effortless and elegant cuts instead.
Let me know if you found interesting workwear pieces to build your capsule in the comment section.
Foundational basics to wear underneath it all
These are great basic pieces to layer under a jumper or blazer.
Tailored trousers in comfortable materials
To wear with flats, boots or heels depending on the occasion.
A pencil skirt and a versatile dress
Midi length & high-knee boots is always a great combo in my opinion.
Chic blazers, jackets & outerwear
Probably your best investments as you’ll be able to rewear them over and over again.
A crisp shirt or blouse with an interesting detail
They’re a great way to convey your style in a corporate environment.
A pre-loved luxury designer bag
More like an asset than another liability.
Stylish knitwear pieces to keep you warm
Pick a colour palette and stick to it so all your tops and bottoms match.
Timeless shoes and accessories
A good tote bag, ankle boots and fine jewellery is all you need to finish the look.
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