5 Ideas for Comfy but Put-Together Work Outfits

5 Ideas for Comfy but Put-Together Work Outfits

Wearing professional attire is crucial in many workplace settings. It not only shows that you mean business, but also helps you feel more confident and put-together. In fact, certain studies have found that dressing professionally can boost one’s performance since it signals the brain that it’s time to work.

Granted, professional attire isn’t usually associated with comfort. Tight pencil skirts, stuffy blazers, and uncomfortable heels are often what come to mind when women think about work-wear. However, fashion has progressed considerably over the years. There are now a wide variety of clothing and footwear options that don’t require you to sacrifice comfort for professionalism.

Creating a Cozy Yet Stylish Work Wardrobe

Professional attire doesn’t have to be limited to button-down shirts, trousers, pencil skirts, and heels. While it’s still important to use these essentials for some occasions, other closet pieces can also be used to keep you looking sharp without being restrictive. All you need to do is modify everyday wardrobe items to conform to your workplace’s professional standards. This is often done by pairing casual pieces with more formal ones to achieve a balanced ensemble. Alternatively, you can search for formal-wear made from soft and elastic materials.

With a bit of creativity, you can easily come up with cozy yet sophisticated outfits. To help you get started, below are five winning combinations that will keep you comfortable all throughout your workday:

• Loose Button-down and Stretchy Bottoms

For the most part, loose-fitting tops don’t violate workplace regulations. As such, you can take full advantage of the comfort that an oversized button-down provides. Pair it with stretchy yet structured bottoms, and you’ll have a well-composed look that will get you through hours of sitting at a desk. Stretchy trousers and fashion leggings make for great bottoms. They come in elegant cuts and designs that are suitable for the workplace, and their elastic fabrics allow for greater freedom of movement.

• Knit Sweater and Wide-Leg Trousers

Knitted fabrics are generally great for work, as they’re stretchy and soft. A dressy knit sweater made from cashmere or merino wool will keep you warm in a workplace with cold temperatures. A wide-leg palazzo-style trouser is the perfect complement to this piece. Its loose cut provides maximum comfort but still manages to look professional.

For a sleek silhouette, be sure to choose trousers that are high-waisted. Black trousers are a timeless classic, but if you’re feeling a little daring, you can also get them in bold prints. As long as the designs are suitable for work, this can add some flair to your overall look.

• Blouse and Wrap-Skirt

If you’re looking for an alternative to the traditional pencil skirt, consider adding a wrap-skirt to your work wardrobe. They offer a flattering silhouette without the tight fit, thanks to their free-flowing design. To keep your style office-appropriate, select a midi-length skirt in classic colors like tan, dark red, or olive green. You can also wear pieces with simple checkered or pinstripe designs. Pair your skirt with a blouse of your choice for a fresh and classy look.

• Satin Camisole, Joggers, and Blazer

Joggers might not seem like a suitable clothing option for work, but they can be. You just need to choose the right design and fabric. When it comes to professional attire, joggers made for exercise are definitely off-limits. However, many brands now offer them in understated designs with posh cuts and heavier fabrics. As a result, you can enjoy the plush comfort of joggers without looking like you just came from the gym. Pair a high-waisted black jogger with a satin camisole, which adds a touch of luxury to your ensemble. Then, throw on a tailored blazer to create a smart and polished outfit.

• Maxi Dress and Cardigan

Like joggers, maxi dresses can look incredibly put-together in the right designs. Sleeveless dresses with floral patterns are best reserved for summer days with friends, but crew-neck dresses with short or long sleeves are viable options for work. Wear them alone or dress them up with a soft cardigan for extra comfort. Long cardigans, in particular, are a versatile addition to your wardrobe as they can be worn year-round and paired with other outfits.

• Picking the Right Shoes

Stiletto heels, while beautiful, aren’t the most comfortable shoes for work. Luckily, there’s a variety of stylish footwear that offers proper support for long days at the office. Try pairing any of the outfits above with refined flats like loafers and driving shoes. Mules are also a good choice, as they’re comfy, easy to wear, and come in a wide range of styles. If you still want to sport some heels, opt for those in block or platform styles, as their larger surface area offers more support for the feet.

Remember, you don’t have to sacrifice comfort to be taken seriously. In fact, comfort plays a key role in maintaining productivity. By incorporating the outfits above into your wardrobe, you can look and feel good while bringing your A-game to work.

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