Office Chic

September 1st always feels like the unofficial return to routine, and with it comes a renewed enthusiasm for getting dressed for the day ahead. While I’m a self-employed fashion editor now, I started my career in New York City, first working in finance and later as a major donor fundraiser for several charities, so I’m very familiar with the realities of dressing for the corporate world, including putting together an outfit that still looks polished after a train commute. Consider this your 9-to-5, styled: a collection of workwear staples that make weekday dressing feel effortless, from crisp button-ups and classic shift dresses to laptop-friendly totes, loafers, kitten heels, and beautifully tailored layers.

As offices continue to become more casual, looking pulled together certainly doesn’t have to fall by the wayside. Whether your workplace calls for a blazer and trousers or your version of office dressing is a great top with lounge pants for a zoom meeting, these are the versatile pieces that can carry you from Monday meetings straight into the weekend. I was especially inspired after visiting the ME+EM flagship in London, where I tried on much of their new collection. ME+EM has consistently been one of the top ten places my readers shop over the past year, and it’s easy to see why: their pieces strike that elusive balance of exceptional quality, thoughtful construction, and week-to-weekend versatility at a relatively approachable price point. So read on for my edit of office-chic essentials to carry you through the workweek in style.

I'm interested to know, what is the dress code like where you work?

• This structured black maxi dress is the ultimate desk-to-dinner piece. The boucle fabric and elasticated waist give it a polished silhouette, and I love the button-front detail. Pair with kitten heels (I love these in leopard!) and chunky diamond huggies (on sale!) like I did above.
• I'm obsessed with the rich prussian blue of this silk long sleeve dress. It feels special enough for client meetings but works beautifully on weekends with tall boots and a crossbody bag.
• If you need one reliable office dress, the Chloe dress is it. The textured moire fabric and trapunto stitching make it look so polished with minimal effort. Style with kitten heels and gold earrings for a polished Monday outfit.
• A chocolate brown wrap midi like this one is endlessly versatile for fall. (I have last year's version and it's fabulous.) The wrap silhouette is universally flattering, and I'd wear it with pointed-toe boots and a structured tote all season long.
• This black pleated shirtdress is the ultimate desk-to-dinner piece. The nipped waist and crisp poplin are so flattering, and I love that it has pockets.
• Puff sleeves and a flattering fit make this denim denim dress a standout for the office. Pair with heeled slingbacks or pumps to up the dressy factor.
• This classic shift dress belongs in every woman's closet. (And 96% wool with just a hint of stretch!) Perfect for work presentations or after hours parties with a swap of your shoes.
• An investment-worthy wool dress with the most flattering square neckline and belted waist. I have a red velvet version of this dress from 5 years ago and always look forward to wearing it during the holidays. It's expensive but one of my favorite dresses of all time. Wear it to client meetings with heels now, then throw a turtleneck underneath when temperatures drop.
• Merlot is the color of the season and this midi dress with subtle fringe trim is such a statement. Perfect for office days that lead into evening plans, no outfit change needed.

• ME + EM sources tweeds from Linton tweeds, the same UK Mill that Chanel has relied upon for their iconic jackets, but Me + EM somehow offers these beautiful pieces for a fraction of the price. I tried on this and this, and I brought the blue one home. (My mom wants the red one.) It's insanely beautiful and so easy to dress up for the office or a party, and dress down with a sweater and jeans.
• There's a reason the Kensington trench coat is iconic. This honey trench coat is the ultimate office commute layer. (Note: it runs large, so consider sizing down for a sleeker fit.) If you're looking for a trench at a friendlier price? I own and love this khaki trench coat and this fabulous trench for under $300.
• I'm obsessed with this brown plaid tweed blazer, which has the most beautiful heritage feel. Layer over a cream silk blouse and dark trousers for an effortlessly pulled-together Monday.
• If you want one blazer that works from boardroom to weekend brunch, this herringbone double-breasted blazer is it. The slightly relaxed silhouette looks incredible over a simple turtleneck and jeans too. (I have two of these and they're really the best!)
• A navy wool blazer with gold buttons is the definition of office chic. I'd wear this with cream trousers now and throw it over a white tee and denim on weekends.
• This sleek black crepe blazer has the most flattering nipped waist and beautiful button detail. Perfect for client meetings, dinners out, or any moment you want to feel instantly polished.
• I love the warm autumnal houndstooth on this blazer. The relaxed fit makes it easy to layer over knits, and it pairs beautifully with straight-leg trousers or even a slip skirt.

• Lightweight sweaters in cotton, silk, and cashmere are dressier than a tee but lighter than a heavy knit. A few favorites I own and love in multiple colors include this cotton-silk tee, this slim fitted sweater (15% off with STACIE15), and this cashmere option.
• At this price point, this cashmere structured cardigan is a steal. The tailored silhouette reads like a jacket, so wear it buttoned with trousers as a modern suit.
• Luxe and understated I love a cashmere polo. This ivory polo and this navy johnny-collar sweater are the kind of pieces that elevate everything. Tuck either into tailored trousers for the office or wear it untucked with jeans on the weekend.
• Throw this cherry red cardigan over absolutely everything. It's the cotton cashmere layer that works draped on your shoulders at the office, paired with the matching shell and a great pair of trousers, or buttoned up with jeans on weekends.
• This belted wool cardigan is a 7-day a week staple. I love it paired with trousers or a high waisted skirt.
• I love a statement sweater with solid colored trousers, whether you opt for this intricate knit cardigan or this nautical-inspired knit jacket.

• Crisp, classic, and endlessly wearable, I have tried so many white collared shirts and there are three that I come back to again and again. (I do recommend you iron your shirts, not steam them. Steam works in a pinch but there's nothing better than a crisp, ironed shirt.)
  • This white cotton boyfriend shirt is my #1. It has a slim cut perfect for layering under sweaters and blazers, and a tulip shaped hem that stays tucked no matter what. The arms do run a bit small so you may want to size up.)
  • This stand collar shirt is a new addition to my wardrobe, but I already know I'll be buying it in several colors. The collar is perfect for framing a statement necklace and the French cuff inspired sleeves are the perfect amount of dressy.
  • Lastly I love this relaxed button-up. The sleeves have an interesting, generous cut to them that looks fabulous with the cuffs rolled up and tucker into a skirt or high waisted pants.
  This white cotton boyfriend shirt is my #1. It has a slim cut perfect for layering under sweaters and blazers, and a tulip shaped hem that stays tucked no matter what. The arms do run a bit small so you may want to size up.) This stand collar shirt is a new addition to my wardrobe, but I already know I'll be buying it in several colors. The collar is perfect for framing a statement necklace and the French cuff inspired sleeves are the perfect amount of dressy. Lastly I love this relaxed button-up. The sleeves have an interesting, generous cut to them that looks fabulous with the cuffs rolled up and tucker into a skirt or high waisted pants.
  • This white cotton boyfriend shirt is my #1. It has a slim cut perfect for layering under sweaters and blazers, and a tulip shaped hem that stays tucked no matter what. The arms do run a bit small so you may want to size up.)
  • This stand collar shirt is a new addition to my wardrobe, but I already know I'll be buying it in several colors. The collar is perfect for framing a statement necklace and the French cuff inspired sleeves are the perfect amount of dressy.
  • Lastly I love this relaxed button-up. The sleeves have an interesting, generous cut to them that looks fabulous with the cuffs rolled up and tucker into a skirt or high waisted pants.
• Ruffle detailing at the neck and cuffs makes this white cotton shirt feel special without trying too hard. The ruffle looks great peeking out from the collar of your favorite sweater or blazer, and this shirt has the same look at a more wallet friendly price.
• This cotton-silk bow-neck shirt adds a feminine touch, and it looks incredible tucked into trousers or layered under a blazer for a desk-ready look.
• You can never go wrong with a saturated silk blouse to brighten up your work wardrobe. The weight of this crepe de chine is luxurious, and it pairs beautifully with navy, camel, or black trousers, or more colorful options for parties and events. (Also love the other colors like light blue!)
• I love a draped silk blouse whether it's a draped shell (perfect under a blazer by day, and on it's own for date night), an asymmetric blouse, or a bow neck blouse. (Swoon!)
• Romantic yet office-appropriate, a floral silk blouse elevates even the simplest black trousers and heels.

• Wide leg trousers are a cornerstone of any work wardrobe and super flattering paired with a pointed toe, whether you opt for pinstripes or a pair in a beautiful saturated hue. Wear with a fitted turtleneck and pointed-toe boots now, or a silk cami and blazer when you want something more polished.
• Black cigarette trousers are your desk-to-dinner secret weapon. A few of my favorites:
  • Sleek and slightly cropped, these tux trousers have just the right amount of edge for the office. Style with ballet flats and a button-up, or kitten heels for after-work drinks.
  • These black kick flare pants (15% off with STACIE15) have a flattering slight crop and subtle flare that looks fantastic with pointed-toe flats or kitten heels. (Size up a size or two!)
  • These slim cut black trousers are a flattering and affordable option. (Size up.)
  Sleek and slightly cropped, these tux trousers have just the right amount of edge for the office. Style with ballet flats and a button-up, or kitten heels for after-work drinks.These black kick flare pants (15% off with STACIE15) have a flattering slight crop and subtle flare that looks fantastic with pointed-toe flats or kitten heels. (Size up a size or two!) These slim cut black trousers are a flattering and affordable option. (Size up.)
  • Sleek and slightly cropped, these tux trousers have just the right amount of edge for the office. Style with ballet flats and a button-up, or kitten heels for after-work drinks.
  • These black kick flare pants (15% off with STACIE15) have a flattering slight crop and subtle flare that looks fantastic with pointed-toe flats or kitten heels. (Size up a size or two!)
  • These slim cut black trousers are a flattering and affordable option. (Size up.)
• I love a flared midi skirt for the office, especially with a kitten heel. Whether you opt for one in stone colored twill, dark denim, or an insanely beautiful suede version or corduroy, you can't go wrong. Tuck in a slim knit, bow blouse or crisp white button-up and add tall boots for a polished fall office look that feels effortless. (These skirts also look great with cropped lady jackets!)
• Floral for fall? Absolutely. This silk midi skirt has a gorgeous drop-waist silhouette that pairs beautifully with a fitted turtleneck and tall boots or heels for the office.

• Sarah Flint's bestselling perfect pumps 85mm are endlessly versatile. The arch support and padding make these genuinely comfortable for a full day at the office, and Forbes recently named them as the #1 shoe CEOs and founders actually wear all day. So good I own them in 5 colors, and especially love them in suede.
• A leopard print pump is practically a neutral in my book. The 70mm heel is comfortable enough for a full office day, and they look incredible with black trousers, navy dresses, or dark denim. (These cap toe slingbacks are fun for a hint of leopard.)
• So chic, these tan suede t-strap heels have a perfect mid-height that works all day long. T-straps are a timeless look that are big for fall, and I especially love them peeking out at the hem of a wide leg trouser.
• These suede ballet flats with the dainty bow detail are the kind of shoe you'll reach for every single workday. Polished enough for meetings, comfortable enough for your commute.
• These suede ankle boots are a perfect pairing with wide leg trousers or denim. I love them so much I have them in two colors.
• For more office-ready shoes see my full edit here.

• This yummy suede bag (12% off with STACIE12) is reminiscent of The Row and stunning quality for a fraction of the price. (The 35 holds a 13" laptop, the 38 holds a 15" laptop.)
• Last month I got to see this bag made by hand in a family-owned factory in Italy and it comes in 7 stunning colors and finishes. Hidden magnetic snaps on the sides transform teh bag silhouette into three different shapes to match your day's agenda.
• I tried on this gorgeous suede hobo bag in London and love how the espresso handle and suede body reminds me of one of Chanel's new styles without the logos. It fits up to a 13" laptop and whatever else you might need to navigate your workday in style.
• Suede for fall is always a good idea, and this shoulder bag has the most beautiful whipstitch detailing. Fits a laptop sleeve and looks stunning with warm tones all season.
• Laptop, lunch, and everything in between fits in this gorgeous brown suede tote. The perfect work bag that feels luxurious without being precious. I'd carry it daily through fall and winter.
• How stunning is this burgundy flannel crossbody bag? The brand makes elevated versions of the boat and tote and the wool fabric feels so autumnal and fresh. Perfect for carrying your essentials from the office to dinner without switching bags.

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