What to Wear to Work: How an Editor Dresses for the Office

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So you just landed the job of your dreams and everything is finally falling into place. That is until a very important question pops up in the back of your mind—what to wear? Whether you’re a seasoned office siren or more of a newbie like me, there’s nothing more difficult than putting together the ideal work outfit. After all, what is the secret formula to looking professional yet totally yourself at the same time?

For me, the concept of a work ‘fit is pretty new. Up until this point, I’ve always had a strict work uniform. And sure, it made getting ready for work way less time-consuming—but who likes wearing the same thing every day? Since transitioning to office work, I’ve discovered that the most important part of curating your work wardrobe is focusing on the staples. It’s definitely smart to invest in a few good pairs of pants and possibly a light jacket to keep you warm in the cold AC air. I like to think I have my own sense of personal style, but when it comes to office wear, I don’t exactly wear the outfits I frequent on my days off.

The best part of dressing for work is experimenting. Surprisingly enough, I’ve come to enjoy the stress of picking out an outfit for work. Not only does it allow me to try out new things and put together combinations I’ve never even thought of, but it’s also a great way to exercise my fashion muscles. And rather than dressing like an entirely different person at work, I try to think of my work outfits as just one variation of my personal style. I ask myself, “If I was looking and feeling my absolute best at the office, what would I be wearing?”

This is all to say, the perfect work outfit looks completely different for everybody. Some jobs have stricter dress codes, while others encourage you to wear jeans every day. And although it seems overwhelming, use the opportunity to have fun with your look. Personally, I like wearing classic pieces like slacks or a collared blouse and adding elements like hair clips or chunky platform boots to really make it my own. Frankly, it’s 2024 and there’s no shame in being a little more “out there” with your work outfits—as long as you’re not getting any disapproving glares from your coworkers.

What to Wear to Work