Last updated on October 27th, 2021 at 10:17 pm

For most of us, it’s been a long time since we set foot in the office. Whether you’re already back or will be soon, I am sure you’ve started thinking about how to retire those yoga pants and about “how fashion goes back to work”.

It’s a new era.  From what I’ve been reading, there will be two camps.  One that wants to stay in comfortable and casual clothing and the other, the one who wants to return to dressing more formal.  With this blog, I, of course, work from home.  But that doesn’t mean I am not in on these two camps, I definitely am.  I am dying to dress up again and if I was going back to the office that’s what I would be doing. 

I set up this guide for both camps. There are options for both casual and dressy looks and options if you just want to start small, just updating your accessories.  No matter which camp you’re in, I hope you find something that suits your style.  Let me know in the comments below.

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Updating Your Wardrobe for Back to Work

You’ve probably been looking in your closet to see what you already own.  If you’re like me, you’ve also asked yourself “Is that still in style”?  Even with all the reading and researching I do, I am not always sure.  But I did try to do some of the work for you with the items below.  

Dress Pant Yoga Pants 

I read about these pants from Betabrand and had to check them out.  I haven’t purchased a pair but they sound amazing.  They have a faux button and zipper to look like dress pants, but with the comfort of yoga pants!  I love their “cats tooth” pattern as shown below.  The anti “hounds” tooth.  So cute!

They come in all different styles and colors/patterns. As of this writing they were having a big sale, so hoping that is still going on with you check them out.

The Classic Work Look with a Twist

I love this casual take on a pants suit – could it look more comfortable? I love everything about it. This entire outfit is from Banana Republic.

Easy Seersucker Blazer: $159.00

Slim Seersucker Pants: $63.00 (sale) Reg: $79.50

Fitted Ribbed White Tank: $29.50

White Leather Essential Sneaker: $138

The Classics

I fell in love with this jacket mostly because of the way they have it styled in this picture.  It’s a perfect reminder that this type of jacket can be worn with anything, including shorts. It would look just as good with jeans or dress pant yoga pants.

This skirt screams fun and comfort to me.  With the elastic waistband and bright red color it looks like something you can wear all summer long.  Pair it with a classic white shirt like the one below and you’ll be cool and comfortable.

This shirt has just the right amount of updating to make it both classic and modern. The slight puff sleeve adds just enough to make it current yet still professional.

Puff Sleeve Madison Shirt from newyorkandcompany.com

$15 on sale, regularly $36.95

Available in 10 colors.

I’ve mentioned these slim ankle pants from New York & Company in a previous post – I just love them. They are a pull on pant so you get a nice smooth look with whatever you are wearing with them.  I did size down which gave them a nice sleek fit.

Whitney High Waisted Slim Leg Ankle Pant from newyorkandcompany.com

Available in 20 colors

$34.96 on sale, regularly $49.95

Dressing Up

As I mentioned, this is where I would be, but I also know that not many people dress this way anymore.  I am still a product of the “Dress for Success” thinking of the 1980’s. 

That said, I do think it’s a good idea to have at least one dress like this in your closet.  It’s the perfect “just in case” dress. Just in case you get tapped at the last minute to make a formal presentation or having dinner with clients.  I picked this particular dress because it looks great for under $40.  Yes, I said under $40.  It’s unlined, but the quality is still good, especially for “just in case”.

I would also purchase this one as well, it’s feminine, yet business-like. It looks like something out of “Mad Men”, whose fashion I was obsessed with! If you click the link you will see lots of different styles and colors.

Ultra Casual

If you are able to wear jeans to work, especially the more trendy styles, I suggest finding a cute standout top. My top is from a local Detroit business, Dallas & Dottie. They have a really great selection but they sell out fast, including this awesome shirt. I did find something similar that you may like at target.com for just $20.

Top it Off

If you want to add a fun new jacket for fall, then I love both of these, also from New York & Company. The trench coat comes in seven colors, including the classic camel and black. The faux leather jacket also comes in a rich chestnut brown color.

And in case you have no idea where you last left your umbrella, you can pick up this cute bubble umbrella from amazon.com.

Available in four different colors and clear for $16.99 (as of 7/21/21)

Accessories

As I mentioned, if you’re just looked to update a few small things, here are a couple of small suggestions! Starting off with some basic hoop earrings. If you’re read my post on signature accessories, then you know that I claim hoop earrings to be mine. This trio from amazon is perfect – there is one each of gold, silver and rose gold, and they come in assorted sizes.

A new necklace can also update any outfit. These two classic necklaces are both from stelladot.com. I love them both!

One of my newest favorite online shops is mango.com. They remind me a lot of Zara. If you’re a Zara fan, then I would definitely check them out. If you want to just test their products, then I would start with this fun scarf to add to an existing outfit.

New Kicks

We’ve written about our love for Keds before and we really love these collabs that they’ve done with Kate Spade and Rifle Paper Co. I think you will too, they are a fun add to your sneaker collection.

Carry-Alls for Back to Work

Most of your files have found their way into your home office, but what will you do now that you are possibly part-time in the office and at home? Find a sleek way to take them back and forth. The first bag is just for files and the second is a traditional laptop bag. Just in case you wanted an update, especially in a unique color.

I just love the color of this laptop bag, but it comes in 13 colors so your favorite might be included as well!

Last But Not Least

So, we’ve all been struggling with a few extra Covid pounds. If you love what’s in your closet, but maybe need a little bit of help fitting into them right now, here are some affordable options – because it is temporary!

First up is the cami from Assets by Sara Blakely. What I like about this more affordable line from Spanx is not just that it cost less, is that the products are not as tight, especially if you’re going to be in the office all day. But I noticed that some of the negative reviews on Amazon were because some people wanted a tighter fit. So it might just be personal preference.

This next piece is from Bali, also affordable.

I selected this full body piece from Miraclesuit because it is something I already own and it is surprisingly comfortable. Remember that sheath dress above? Well this is under it. It’s a little more of an investment, but I don’t think you’ll be sorry it’s in your drawer.

And finally, I searched for a different brand that has great reviews because of the mixed reviews on Assets by Sara Blakely. I haven’t tried this brand, but the reviews are promising.

Well that’s everything. If you’re getting ready to go back to work, I hoped this gave you some ideas. If you’re going to be working from home for a little while yet, maybe splurge on that new necklace for those Zoom meetings. Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.