The advent of work-from-home, remote, and hybrid working setups over the past few years has left an indelible mark on the way we approach the office sartorially. Shoulder pads have been shunned, lining has been shed, and stiff silhouettes have loosened. That’s not to say we’ve converted to the Silicon Valley-esque tech company uniform of jeans, t-shirts, and sneakers — no, in the wake of traditional corporate clothing lies a new take on office wear.
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A contemporary take on smart casual dressing, women’s work wear is defined by timeless pieces that extend beyond the office. Think tailored wide- or straight-leg trousers, dark wash denim, poplin and silk shirts, tissue thin turtlenecks, tweed skirt sets, and a blazer or two thrown in for good measure. As for the suit? It remains, albeit reinvented in a more louche, flowy form that makes sitting through that two hour meeting that could have been an email a little more comfortable.
Far from dull, these are the best chic women’s work clothing brands to simplify the process of getting dressed each morning.
1. Bassike
Defined by its neutral tones, clean cuts, and tailored forms, Australian label Bassike creates agelessly elegant basics that are able to be effortlessly mixed and matched. The brand’s new uniform capsule collection furthers this concept, with a curated selection of pieces designed to serve as the foundations of your wardrobe.
2. Cue
Fun meets function in Cue, with classic silhouettes rendered in bold colours and splashed with a pattern or two. Replete with flattering silhouettes — such as shirt dresses, pleated trousers, and pants suits — Cue is the go-to destination for those looking to inject a little flair into their office style.
3. Cos
Appointing itself as a “destination for timeless design,” Swedish brand Cos creates considered, functional wardrobe staples. Timeless cuts in elevated fabrics such as wool and cashmere reign supreme; for failsafe office wear staples, look to the brand’s knitwear, pleated trousers, blazers, and waistcoats.
4. Friend of Audrey
Easy does it. Sometimes the best office wear comes from brands that don’t market it as such. Sydney-based label Friend of Audrey creates thoughtful garments that adhere to the tenets of simplicity, comfort, and sophistication, making them the ideal addition to your work wardrobe. Look to the label for knitwear and relaxed suiting.
5. Maggie Marilyn
New Zealand brand Maggie Marilyn creates sustainably produced pieces that stand the test of time, evidenced by their Forever collection. From colourful midi dresses to tailored suiting, Maggie Marilyn designs are simultaneously elegant and playful, imbuing your office wardrobe with an element of interest.
6. Henne
Creating wardrobe essentials suffused with a relaxed sensibility, Australian brand Henne exudes a distinctly global energy — drawing inspiration from Nordic sensibility, Italian expression, and Australian effortlessness. Pieces are designed to seamlessly transition from boardroom to bar, with the range defined by core wardrobe essentials that form a unique ‘uniform’ (oxymoronic, we know) for each wearer. Failsafe styles to try include Henne’s vegan leather pants, cinched or boxy blazers, tailored trousers, and elevated cut-out tops and knits. If you’re in need of styling inspiration, the brand has several office wear-inspired style edits to inform your work wardrobe.
7. Max Mara
Italian luxury fashion house Max Mara is a go-to for sophisticated capsule wardrobe essentials that last a lifetime. For true investment pieces, look to Max Mara’s outerwear; from trench and woolen coats to cotton, silk, and linen blazers in both neutral and bold shades, there’s something for every style.
8. The Frankie Shop
Founded by Française-turned-New Yorker Gaëlle Drevet, The Frankie Shop has become a favourite among younger office goers. Initially serving as a curated concept store before launching its own line, The Frankie Shop has become known for its smart, oversized suiting that’s the perfect fit for contemporary era workwear. Effortlessly cosmopolitan, you’ll want to wear pieces from The Frankie Shop long after you clock off for the day.
9. Anna Quan
Though not a dedicated work wear brand, Australian designer Anna Quan’s clean, minimalist approach to design makes her eponymous label’s garments well-suited for the 9 to 5. Transeasonal knitwear, classic shirting, and contemporary takes on the humble suit are among our favourite office-ready pieces from Anna Quan.
10. Camilla and Marc
A mainstay in many Australian women’s wardrobes, Camilla and Marc has a singular approach to office attire. Polished yet comfortable, Camilla and Marc’s always-chic pieces are perfect for desk-to-drinks dressing; in addition to contemporary suiting, highlights include blazer dresses, knit shirt dresses and co-ord sets, and basic tees and tanks.
11. Sandro Paris
For a sophisticated, quintessentially French approach to office wear, look no further than Sandro Paris. The brand’s modern takes on quintessentially preppy staples like tweed and boucle skirt sets and blazers make for striking statement pieces in your work wardrobe.
12. St. Agni
Founded in Byron Bay, Australian brand St. Agni takes an archetypally Australian approach to dressing, expressed in relaxed silhouettes and soft, drapey fabrics. While not a dedicated office wear brand, St. Agni is replete with work-appropriate pieces, including midi skirts, knit shirts, contemporary waistcoats, and louche suiting.
13. The Fable
A silk shirt has the ability to elevate any outfit, effortlessly transitioning from desk to dinner. The Fable’s selection of machine washable crepe de chine silk make for the ideal addition to your work wardrobe, with their versatile nature allowing them to be paired with suiting and separates alike.
Words by Arabella Johnson and Esmé Duggan
