20 Trendy Fall Outfit Ideas For Work

Dressing for work during the fall can be tough. Putting together fall outfit ideas for work this time of year is difficult because the weather is often unpredictable and you want to be comfortable, stylish and work-appropriate all at the same time.

outfit ideas for work fall

So, layers and transitional pieces that can carry you from the morning’s cooler temperatures, a heatwave during lunch and lasts the workday are essential.

What do I wear to work in the fall?

This time of year, it’s about staying warm, layering and looking good while doing it.

So, it’s a great time to mix fall staples like cardigans, sweaters, jackets, tapered pants, boots, booties, coats, scarfs, midi skirts and dresses into your fall workwear.

You can layer your short-sleeved and long-sleeved shirts underneath your cardigans, and sweaters, over your favourite summer tops, styled with skirts, pants, dresses, you name it.

The possibilities are endless once you know what you’re looking for and you’ve established that it’s work appropriate.

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Basic work staples for fall

Tops 

  • Turtlenecks – lightweight, long-sleeve turtlenecks are perfect for layering 
  • Basic t-shirts and tanks – perfect for layering all year round
  • Sweaters – great for adding layers and colour
  • Blouses – great layering pieces, adds versatility

Bottoms 

  • Denim – high-waisted medium to dark wash, cropped and straight-leg 
  • Dress pants – tapered, high waisted, skinny or wide-leg flatter most shapes
  • Skirts – pencil, midi, a line
  • Dresses – shirt dress, wrap dress and shift dresses all work appropriate and perfect for layering during fall

Outerwear 

  • Blazers – a staple for most professionals
  • Jackets – leather or moto for more casual looks
  • Long coat – keeps you warm and make awesome statement pieces think trench coats

Accessories

  • Scarves – style with dresses, jackets and coats to add interest and warmth 

Shoes 

  • Ankle booties – popular for fall and work-appropriate
  • Pumps –  black and nude get the job done, use prints, leopard, multicolour to spice things up
  • Flats – neutral for versatility, mix it up with prints 

Fall outfit ideas for work


How to style dress pants during Fall

In the work world, a great pair of dress pants is the best blank canvas you can have. Cropped, wide-leg, straight and slim pants are all great choices all year round.

When choosing dress pants, choose a pair in a neutral shade for versatility, like black or tan. However, if you’re looking for more excitement change it up with work-appropriate prints.

The key to stylish and modern dress pants is in the silhouette. With the right cut, fabric and fit it can become your most dependable workwear staple. Aim to have one or two of these silhouettes in your closet.

Tips for styling dress pants for work during Fall

  • Slim fit straight-leg pants are flattering for most women, a tapered leg is super easy to wear and looks great with heels
  • Skinny pants emphasize your legs so opt for a bit of stretch so you’re comfortable
  • High-waisted wide-leg pants will show off your shape and elongate your legs.
  • When wearing culottes choose a pair that can give you a detailed waistline and style with a fitted top.

Outfit #1. Paper bag pants + turtle neck + pumps

Fall outfit ideas for work
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20 Trendy Fall Outfit Ideas For Work 1

paper bag pants | turtleneck | black pumps

Outfit #2. Polka dot pants + sweater + nude heels

20 Trendy Fall Outfit Ideas For Work 2
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20 Trendy Fall Outfit Ideas For Work 3

polka dot pants | sweater | nude heels

Outfit #3. High waist pants + blazer

20 Trendy Fall Outfit Ideas For Work 4
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20 Trendy Fall Outfit Ideas For Work 5

high waist pants | blazer | tank top

Outfit #4. Sweater + high waist pants + nude pumps

20 Trendy Fall Outfit Ideas For Work 6
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20 Trendy Fall Outfit Ideas For Work 7

sweater | high waist pants | nude pumps

Outfit #5. Statement blouse + skinny pants + flats

20 Trendy Fall Outfit Ideas For Work 8
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20 Trendy Fall Outfit Ideas For Work 9

statement blouse | skinny pants | flats

How to style jeans during Fall

It’s becoming common to wear jeans to work even if it’s only on Fridays. However, your jeans are for dressing up, not dressing down. So here are a few tips for wearing your jeans to the office.

Tips for wearing jeans to work during Fall

  • Darker is usually better – dark wash says you mean business
  • Wear heels – you transform your jeans into workwear when you style it with heels. Boots are perfect for this time of year
  • Add a blazer – a blazer is a workwear essential, and the same goes for wearing it with jeans. It’s also a great way to add colour 
  • Tuck your shirt in

Outfit #1. Blouse + jeans + sweater

20 Trendy Fall Outfit Ideas For Work 10
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20 Trendy Fall Outfit Ideas For Work 11

blouse | dark wash jeans | sweater

Outfit #2. Monochromatic jeans + t-shirt + heels

20 Trendy Fall Outfit Ideas For Work 12
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20 Trendy Fall Outfit Ideas For Work 13

white jeans | t-shirt | coat

Outfit #3. Statement coat + dark wash jeans + ankle boots

20 Trendy Fall Outfit Ideas For Work 14
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20 Trendy Fall Outfit Ideas For Work 15

coat | dark wash jeans | ankle boots

Outfit #4. Blazer + skinny jeans + pumps

20 Trendy Fall Outfit Ideas For Work 16
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20 Trendy Fall Outfit Ideas For Work 17

blazer | skinny jeans | flats

Outfit #5. Coat + t-shirt + jeans + heels

20 Trendy Fall Outfit Ideas For Work 18
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20 Trendy Fall Outfit Ideas For Work 19

coat | t-shirt | jeans | heels

How to style dresses during Fall

Although pants are a great option for work during the fall, dresses add diversity to your look. Simply be sure you pick appropriate styles, like a pencil, wrap or A-line, and that the length and fit are appropriate for work.

You can continue wearing your favourite spring and summer dresses in the fall. The trick is layering; combining the short sleeveless, lightweight dresses from the summer with the heavier pieces you need during fall. Here are a few ways to do that.

Tips for wearing dresses to work during Fall

  • Layer over or underneath sweaters, jackets, cardigans or button-downs 
  • Add boots and a scarf –  for warmth and a touch of chic 
  • Wear tights and boots
  • Wear a light jacket to keep you warm

Outfit #1. Black dress + jean jacket + pumps

20 Trendy Fall Outfit Ideas For Work 20
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20 Trendy Fall Outfit Ideas For Work 21

black dress | jean jacket

Outfit #2. Dress + button-down shirt

20 Trendy Fall Outfit Ideas For Work 22
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20 Trendy Fall Outfit Ideas For Work 23

dress | button-down shirt

Outfit #3. Shirt dress + flats

20 Trendy Fall Outfit Ideas For Work 24
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20 Trendy Fall Outfit Ideas For Work 25

shirt dress | flats

Outfit #4. Sleek dress + flats

20 Trendy Fall Outfit Ideas For Work 26
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20 Trendy Fall Outfit Ideas For Work 27

sleek dress | flats

Outfit #5. Knit dress + stockings + pumps

20 Trendy Fall Outfit Ideas For Work 28
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20 Trendy Fall Outfit Ideas For Work 29

knit dress | stockings | pumps

How to style skirts during Fall

It might be fall but there’s no need to put away your skirts just yet or at all. Skirts can be worn all year round if you style them correctly. The trick is to layer up and ensure you’re fully covered and staying warm.

Having a few skirts in your workwear will instantly make nailing the business casual dress code easier. Not only are skirts stylish; they’re versatile.

When shopping for skirts for the office, pencil skirts are always appropriate but don’t rule out A-line and pleated styles. Instead, simply ensure the length and slit, if it has one, are suitable for your work.

Tips for wearing skirts to work during Fall

  • Wear with opaque tights – you can also vary the tights’ thickness depending on how cold it is
  • Style with long jackets 
  • Wear knee-length and midi skirts with tall boots 
  • Mix skirts with knits and warm jackets
  • Wear lighter fabrics with weather-appropriate layers

Outfit #1. Pencil skirt + sweater

20 Trendy Fall Outfit Ideas For Work 30
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20 Trendy Fall Outfit Ideas For Work 31

pencil skirt | sweater | heels

Outfit #2. Animal print top + skirt + pumps

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animal print top | skirt

Outfit #3. Floral pencil skirt + sweater + heels

20 Trendy Fall Outfit Ideas For Work 34
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20 Trendy Fall Outfit Ideas For Work 35

floral pencil skirt | sweater | heels

Outfit #4. Button-down shirt + plaid skirt

20 Trendy Fall Outfit Ideas For Work 36
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20 Trendy Fall Outfit Ideas For Work 37

button-down shirt | plaid skirt |shoes

Outfit #5. Midi skirt + fitted sweater

20 Trendy Fall Outfit Ideas For Work 38
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20 Trendy Fall Outfit Ideas For Work 39

midi skirt | shoes | fitted sweater

Final thoughts

Fall is here, and dressing for the season can be tough. Hopefully, this list of fall outfit ideas for work gave you some inspiration to create your own and remember the way to get through fall is to layer, layer, and layer some more. 

Which outfit was your favourite? Share in the comments!

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