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.
So, layers and transitional pieces that can carry you from the morning’s cooler temperatures, a heatwave during lunch, and last throughout 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, scarves, 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 favorite 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 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 color
- Blouses – great layering pieces, that add 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 dresses, wrap dresses, and shift dresses are all work-appropriate and are 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 makes 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, and multicolor to spice things up
- Flats – neutral for versatility, mix it up with prints
Dress pants
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.
4 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
shop the look:
paper bag pants | turtleneck | black pumps
Outfit #2. Polka dot pants + sweater + nude heels
shop the look:
polka dot pants | sweater | nude heels
Outfit #3. High waist pants + blazer
shop the look:
high waist pants | blazer | tank top
Outfit #4. Sweater + high waist pants + nude pumps
shop the look:
sweater | high waist pants | nude pumps
Outfit #5. Statement blouse + skinny pants + flats
shop the look:
statement blouse | skinny pants | flats
Jeans
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.
4 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 color
- Tuck your shirt in
Outfit #1. Blouse + jeans + sweater
shop the look:
blouse | dark wash jeans | sweater
Outfit #2. Monochromatic jeans + t-shirt + heels
shop the look:
white jeans | t-shirt | coat
Outfit #3. Statement coat + dark wash jeans + ankle boots
shop the look:
coat | dark wash jeans | ankle boots
Outfit #4. Blazer + skinny jeans + pumps
shop the look:
blazer | skinny jeans | flats
Outfit #5. Coat + t-shirt + jeans + heels
shop the look:
coat | t-shirt | jeans | heels
Dresses
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 favorite 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.
4 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
shop the look:
Outfit #2. Dress + button-down shirt
shop the look:
Outfit #3. Shirt dress + flats
shop the look:
Outfit #4. Sleek dress + flats
shop the look:
Outfit #5. Knit dress + stockings + pumps
shop the look:
knit dress | stockings | pumps
Skirts
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.
5 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
shop the look:
pencil skirt | sweater | heels
Outfit #2. Animal print top + skirt + pumps
shop the look:
Outfit #3. Floral pencil skirt + sweater + heels
shop the look:
floral pencil skirt | sweater | heels
Outfit #4. Button-down shirt + plaid skirt
shop the look:
button-down shirt | plaid skirt |shoes
Outfit #5. Midi skirt + fitted sweater
shop the look:
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 favorite? Share in the comments!
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