9 Fall Office Outfits That Will Get You Weirdly Excited to Dress for Work (2024)

As kids, fall symbolized back to school. As adults, it's when work feels like…well, work again. Even if you don’t jet set to an island in the sun —let alone take a vacation at all — something about summer makes the world feel hazy and lazy. Then the return of fall brings brisk days and sweater weather —and of course, new outfits.

Whether you’re on the hunt for fall business casual outfits or ensembles that meet formal corporate standards, we’ve got you covered as you head into the office. Ahead, seven stylists break down the looks they expect to see in the workplace this upcoming season.

Elevated Minimalism

According to stylist Naina Singla, a classic minimalist approach to dressing favoring luxury materials like silk and cashmere will be popular this fall. The style expert goes on to cite Givenchy’s F/W 2023 collection, in which elevated basics were highlighted.

“Some of the ways to integrate elevated basics [into the workplace] this season is to wear a refined silk high-neck bow blouse or a crisp white tailored button-down with dark grey trousers with an oversized blazer,” says Singla. “This traditional work look works well with classic black pumps or a pointed black ankle boot.”

A Classic Blazer Outfit Made Modern

As Jordan Stolch, personal style advisor for MiKADO Personal Styling, states, “You can never go wrong with a blazer for the office." Better yet, the stylist points out, "As we enter fall, and temperatures start dropping, we can finally start thinking about layering again,” Stolch clarifies that the blazer of 2023 is “all about the longline cut, in a structured but not overly fitted silhouette.” As far as styling the updated garment, the stylist recommends opting for “some dark wash denim, layered over a simple T-shirt — top it off with your favorite white tennis shoes and you’ll be perfectly put together in any business casual environment.”

Quiet Luxury Goes Corporate

It should come as no shock that quiet luxury isn’t going anywhere soon, and celebrity stylist Tiffany Briseno says we have Succession to thank. “This trend will stay with us right into Fall fashion and is simple to embrace,” Briseno tells InStyle, noting lux fabrics like cashmere, Pima cotton, and Vicuna wool, as well as “expensive-looking items that are not branded or flashy in any way” will be especially popular. “These rich textures in muted colors and jewel tones bring new life to the go-to pantsuit and silk button-up.” Briseno continues, “To jazz it up try doing a full tonal look in a range of creams or browns.”

A Circle Skirt Moment

If Prada and Balmain’s runway presentations are any indication, Singla predicts full skirts will make a full comeback for fall 2023. “This sophisticated style is a fun option for any type of workplace that works for almost any occasion. It's the perfect combination of both feminine and flattering,” says Singla. “To create a chic work look, I recommend styling a full midi skirt with a fitted knit cashmere sweater and knee-high tall boots or ballet flats. To transition from work to happy hour after, throw on a black leather jacket for an element of edge to take this look from work to casual while staying on trend.”

A Cool Statement Coat

Coat outfits are almost as good as one-and-done outfits because all of the attention is going to your outer layer. Celebrity stylist Mickey Freeman is a fan of the look, and claims maxi-coats are going to be miniskirt’s new BFF this season. “[The pairing] gives a nod to the no pants trend, without compromising a professional appearance,” explains Freeman. “A demure silk blouse complete with a puss* bow would be the final component to achieve this on-trend look.”

A Matching Set

As far as celeb stylist Philippe Uter is concerned, the ideal workplace outfit is a matching set of pants and a shirt, period. “This coordinated ensemble offers a polished and put-together look that's perfect for any professional setting,” Uter explains, who recommends pieces from his own brand, UTER. "[Plus, you can] effortlessly transition from work to evening events [with a pantsuit] by switching from sneakers or loafers to high heels," he says, adding that the look is "Versatile, chic, and appropriate for every situation.”

Playful Proportions

Fall is a transitional season, which means layers are a must if you want to be prepared for the flip-flopping weather forecasts. Taking this into consideration, one of Stitch Fix Styling Team Supervisor Alicia Lloyd’s favorite fall workwear outfits speaks to the Proportion Play trend, in which longer hemlines with oversized looks are key.

“A maxi skirt over a tall boot creates a fun feminine look that is perfect for a more casual or creative business setting,” Lloyd tells InStyle. “According to [Stitch Fix’s] annual Style Forecast, we can expect to see longer silhouettes this season as suggested by the Hemline Theory Index, which draws parallels between hemlines rising and falling with the economy." She adds that florals are expected to be a big trend as well, and says, "I love this BA&SH skirt to complete this style.”

Go Bold With Printed Boots

Freeman highly recommends reptilian-printed leather boots. "Worn with a precisely tailored skirt suit that includes subtly edgy details such as cutouts, [this fall work outfit] will hit the mark every time," says the stylist, adding, "Especially worn with a luxurious intarsia wool sweater as the underlay.”

Mix Unexpected Details

For someone who is a tad bit more romantic in the way they dress, style therapist Christina Stein says “a white button-up with lace details added with a pair of red trousers can give a nod to minimalist but in a personalized way.” Finish off the look with a tailored leather corset to said white button-up and a tweed skirt. Then, as far as Stein’s concerned, “you have participated in power dressing, but used juxtaposition to make it your own.”