6 Easy and Elegant, Transitional Workwear Looks to See You Through Autumn Too

As the weather hopefully begins to cool, autumn is slowly approaching and that means the transitional season is looming. The answer isn’t to pack away your summer wardrobe and replace it with chunky knits and big coats quite yet, but instead, integrating your wardrobes together to be ready for anything. Think: pairing a midi skirt with a light cardigan, or swapping your linen dresses and sandals for jeans and loafers with a floaty top.

The added element of having to go into the office does make dressing for it that bit harder. The key to nailing a transitional workwear wardrobe is to have a rotation of core capsule pieces that do all the hard work for you. It’s all about the smart, hardworking, hero pieces in your wardrobe that you can reach for and mix together to create an array of different looks each time.

Simplistic styles don’t have to mean boring—don’t be afraid to bring in texture and colour into a workwear wardrobe, from suede and leather, to bright blues and soft greens. Don’t feel that silhouettes have to be basic either— try pairing a fitted suit trouser with a slouchy oversized blazer, or a fitted longline waist cardigan with an A-line skirt to create a more structured look.

From crisp shirts to tailored trousers and sleek pointed court heels, I’ve scoured through the feeds of Instagram’s best dressed and rounded up six transitional workwear capsule wardrobe outfits that I’m convinced you’re going to love.

1. Relaxed Suit + Heeled Sandals

Style Notes: For me personally, a full suit is one of the most elegant workwear options out there. Worn together for as co-ordinated look with a simple satin cami, or as separates to curate an array of different work (and everyday) looks, this is a great option for those who need a smarter dress code. Lison’s outfit [pictured above] is the perfect example of how to wear heeled sandals to the office to keep them looking professional if you’re not quite ready to retire open-toed shoes just yet. Simply swap the clutch for a larger bag and you’re set.

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2. Crisp Shirt + Slim Indigo-Wash Jeans + Pointed Heels

Style Notes: Jeans can absolutely be worn to the office, it’s just about finding the right pair. A good style to lean towards is either an indigo or black wash, and a more slim or straight leg as opposed to baggy denim. This will help to make your look feel more structured and smart as opposed to too casual, just add a crisp shirt to add that smarter element.

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3. White Shirt + V-Neck Jumper + Tailored Trousers

Style Notes: Hannah’s look [pictured above] is the perfect transitional look for polished work-to-weekend style. The shirt layered under the v-neck jumper creates depth and texture to your look, and is ideal for those chillier autumn days. Tailored trousers are equally versatile, and her choice of grey gives a softer finish than black, making them ideal to mix and match with other tones. A trench coat is something most of us already own and is a great option to throw on top while still looking smart yet stylish.

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4. Bright Shirt + Black Midi Skirt + Loafers

Style Notes: Marilyn’s look [above] feels like a more conventional office style but that doesn’t make it stuffy. Teaming a shirt and a midi skirt is nothing new, but opting for a brighter style makes it feel more directional, and is an easy way of bringing colour into a simple look. Adding a loafer instead of a heel gives it a more practical element while still feeling office appropriate, and is ideal for a long day on your feet without having to change your footwear at your desk.

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5. Long-Sleeve Top + Suede Skirt + Bright Jumper

Style Notes: Shirts aren’t the only office top option, and a simple white long-sleeve top is also appropriate if styled up to formality. Tucking it in to a sleek skirt does the job, and suede styles are the stylish option that brings texture into an autumnal look (not to mention that shade of chocolate brown). Inject a pop of colour by adding a bright jumper, even if it’s just over your shoulders if it’s not quite cold enough to wear it.

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6. Longline Cardigan + A-Line Skirt + T-Bar Heels

Style Notes: This is much more of a minimalist outfit, but it still makes such a lasting impact. By styling a longline or cinched waist cardigan with an A-line skirt, it creates a more structured silhouette that gives a refined, polished finish. Keep accessories simple and opt for a classic T-bar heel and black leather bag for a boardroom-ready look worthy of a promotion.

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