Alternative Office Outfits for Every Season

I, like most corporate employees, have returned to the office four days a week. I cherish my now singular work from home day, but it’s actually been kind of fun to come back into the office, socialize a little every day, and have more of a routine built into my week.

There’s a catch, though – what does one even wear to the office in 2024? I work with some incredibly fashionable people, so I felt the need to step up my game (while remaining true to my own style) in recent months. So, if you’re like me, and totally tired of your same few pencil skirts and heels, or grey slacks and sweaters, I’ve found a functional balance of casual-yet-chic alternative outfits that you can feel both confident and comfortable in while working-from-cubicle (instead of working-from-couch).

Work from office outfits that provide an alternative to traditional business dress

Perhaps you want to show off more of your personal style at the office (which was my case), or maybe you just want to feel more comfortable in your clothes during a long day on the job – either way, you’re looking for alternatives to traditional office attire.

I’ve found that I can balance my personal style while still remaining professional and office appropriate in some of the following ways —

Winter weather: a comfy-but-edgy leather look

I’m in my 1997 Trent Reznor era, apparently, because the oversized leather jacket has been my go-to this winter in terms of cozy-yet-sharp office attire. I like to pair the (faux) leather jacket with a pop of color — perhaps a bright top underneath, or in this case a funky pashmina — and black slacks and boots. This outfit feels more “me” and allows me to feel 1.) like myself and 2.) actually comfortable when I’m in the office, without coming off as too “unprofessional” (I know, I know).

Spring and summer: color-on-color (because I’m sick of “greige”)

When spring has finally sprung, and summer comes into full swing, I find that pops of color lend way to full-blown neon overload in my wardrobe – and, not gonna’ lie, I love it. I love the confidence boost I get from feeling like my outfit is “brightening” a room, and I find that I still feel very “me” when I go for a more daring choice of color.

Fall: an alternative interation on the traditional blazer look

Now, I’m not going to dismiss the blazer completely in this piece — in fact, I’m a huge fan of the way this classic closet staple can “class up” an outfit, and add an heir of business to even the most casual outfit. So, if you’re going for comfy (but not too hot/stuffy) and business casual when the leaves start to change, a blazer is just the thing IMO. Bonus points if you can find a blazer with a funky pattern or fun texture, like my favorite blazer pictured here, to help you lean more into your own unique style.

Ditch that black turtleneck and scuffed up loafers routine and step into a style that’s more uniquely you, even if you work in large, corporate office.

Wanna see more examples of what I wear in my day-to-day? Follow me on Instagram (@firpanda) and let’s connect —

Xoxo,

MM.