Personality and comfort are two new priorities when it comes to getting dressed for the office. Today’s workplace isn’t as stuffy as offices of decades ago, and dress codes are much more relaxed. For the most part, plenty of us are free to wear whatever we want, within some reasonable confines.
But unless your office is your living room couch, you probably want something a little more polished than worked-in leggings to suit up in. Michele Rutigliano, cofounder of sustainable brand WE-AR4, a treasure trove of top-notch nine-to-five designs, offers Bazaar her thoughts on keeping workplace attire relaxed but still refined. “WE-AR4 is all about ‘drama in the details’ to give any RTW piece personality,” Rutigliano says. “We are creating modern workwear with an exaggerated cuff, double collars, an unexpected hood, or the mixing of materials. We hope to give customers options where their personality can shine through and they still feel comfortable in the workplace.”
Oversize blazers, super-breezy trousers, and even statement sneakers fit the mold here. When you’re thinking through curating a capsule for the workweek, try playing with juxtapositions and contrasting pieces to create looks that are effortlessly stylish. “I love the tension between masculine and feminine, casual and polished,” Rutigliano says. “I always wear a hoodie-and-blazer combo, or soft suiting with a sneaker. Adding one element of casual to a polished look gives attitude to a tired workwear look.”
Ahead, 9 items with just the right amount of attitude to get you started.
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WE-AR4 Hooded Blazer
Hooded Blazer, $740, WE-AR4
WE-AR4’s sustainable ethos translates into luxury fabrics rescued from the cutting floor of fashion houses and turned into wardrobe essentials that don’t take themselves too seriously, like this hooded blazer.
DL1961 Hepburn Wide Leg High Rise Vintage Jeans
Hepburn Wide Leg High Rise Vintage Jeans, $315, DL1961
Trade the pencil skirt for the bottoms you really want to wear: vintage jeans. This wide-leg style from DL1961 is crafted from sturdy and comfort-stretch denim. They are soft to the touch and won’t stretch out after you’ve sat in front of a computer all day.
Victoria Beckham Asymmetric Tie-Detailed Cady Midi Dress
Asymmetric Tie-Detailed Cady Midi Dress, about $1,300, Victoria Beckham at Net-a-Porter
When the day calls for ladylike flair—or on those days when buttons, seams, and hard pants make you want to scream—reach for this dreamy midi, cut from supersoft cady fabric. Leave it to Victoria Beckham to make a simplified tee-shaped dress the poshest piece in your closet.
J.W. Anderson Exaggerated Collar Chain-Link Trench
Exaggerated Collar Chain-Link Trench, about $2,098, JW Anderson at Hampden Clothing
It’s trench season again. But rather than add another traditional take on the rainy-day staple to your wardrobe, why not think outside the box? J.W. Anderson’s sophisticated twist on the classic plays up the collar and embellishes the belt, adding panache to everything it’s worn over, from sundresses and jumpsuits to trousers and denim.
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COS Exaggerated-Collar Jersey Shirt
Exaggerated-Collar Jersey Shirt, $175, COS at Zalora
Every capsule workwear wardrobe will most likely include a crisp white button-up. And trust us, the perfect white shirt is a must. But the smooth, relaxed fabric and neutral, goes-with-everything tone of this COS top is really calling our name.
Alaïa Archetypes Stretch-Knit Bodysuit
Archetypes Stretch-Knit Bodysuit, about $1,313, Alaïa at Net-a-Porter
Inject your all-black basics with a jewel tone that works for every season and every palette. A classic piece from Alaïa, the arbiter of structure and style, this bodysuit is casual yet elegant. It’s a statement but also versatile. It is exactly the kind of piece that can elevate every pair of jeans, trousers, and joggers you throw on over it.
TWP New Didi Wide-Leg Trousers
New Didi Wide-Leg Trousers, $1,083, TWP at Farfetch
Tailoring is an artform. Ensuring the bottom of your trousers only slightly brush the tops of your shoes? A skill! But sometimes you just want baggy, breezy, billowy britches that feel like a dream to float from meeting to meeting in. These Didi trousers are your dream come true.
Bottega Veneta Monsieur Loafer Pump
Monsieur Loafer Pump, about $2,049, Bottega Veneta at FWRD
Mesh ballet flats, embellished sneakers, and the polarising kitten heel are some of the biggest spring 2024 shoe trends. But perhaps none are better than the loafer. Treat yourself with this Bottega pump, made all the comfier with a stacked heel and wide toe.
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The Row Park Leather Tote Bag
Park Leather Tote Bag, $3,649, The Row at Mytheresa
These days, it’s all about the carryall—not the briefcase. And the Olsens, of course, know carryalls. They also know that the more relaxed and worn-in your carryall looks, the chicer it really is. So don’t think twice about throwing your computer, journal, water bottle, and commute snack into this Park tote. The dings will only add to its cred.
This article originally appeared in Harper’s BAZAAR US.