How to Head Back to the Office Without Buying a Whole New Wardrobe

After years of teleworking or hybrid work, you've been told you must be in the office five days a week. This is a BIG change that may be affecting you regarding your schedule, your time, and your wallet. But I bet it's also affecting your wardrobe. Since 2020 and the increase in working from home, closets have gotten more casual. How to update your existing wardrobe for the office without spending a lot? I'm here to help.

How to Head Back to the Office Without Buying a Whole New Wardrobe

First of all, know that office culture in general has changed since PrePan. Dress codes have become a bit more relaxed, and even workplaces that used to feel like runways now are more casual with style more simple. While this doesn't apply to everyone, from what I've seen and heard from friends and members of the Wardrobe Oxygen community, there is likely no need to go out and buy a bunch of pantsuits and shirtdresses to look appropriate.

So the goal is to look polished, professional, but work with a lot of what you already own, or items that can perform double duty as office attire and rest of life attire. My suggestions:

Black Heavyweight Knit Pants

Whether it's ponte, or another matte, refined, heavyweight knit, or a stretchy matte fabric, one to two pairs of them is all you really need. You don't get all sweaty and dirty at the office; if you do on your commute consider either packing or having at the office clothes to change into.

I suggest black because in general, it reads more professional and polished than other colors. Sometimes, you can find a winner in another dark color, but often, other colors, even navy and charcoal, can look more like sweatpants or athleisure.

These pants are best with a plain hem, a straight to wide leg silhouette, and no adornment. That means no little reflective logo or elasticized hems that scream “sweatpants.” They can be pull-on or have a proper fly and waistband; either way I recommend not showing the waistband because out of a knit, it likely won't look as structured as regular trousers. My picks:

• Universal Standard ‘Audrey' Pants: Made from ponte knit with a proper waistband and pockets, the ‘Audrey' pants from Universal Standard read “real pants” while being so comfy, you may wear on the weekend curled up on the couch. Available in sizes 00-40.
• Universal Standard ‘Stephanie' Pants: A personal favorite, the ‘Stephanie' is a wide-leg pull-on style. In solid colors, these have front slash pockets with zippers that don't read ‘athleisure.' I find these run a bit smaller than the version with the track stripes so if in doubt, size up. Available in sizes 00-40.
• Universal Standard ‘Smart Signature' Pants: Similar to the ‘Stephanie' in that it is a pull-on style with front zipper pants, the ‘Smart Signature' pants are more of a straight-leg style. Available in sizes 00-24 in two inseam lengths.
• Quince Ultra-Stretch Ponte Wide Leg Pants: A similar concept to the pants above, but with fake pockets, these are a budget-friendly alternative though I find they run a bit more snug than other Quince items. Available in sizes XS-XL in two inseam lengths.
• Lands' End Starfish High Rise Pintuck Pencil Ankle Pants: The pintuck detail is what elevates these pants from weekend to workplace and the length is perfect for the office-friendly loafers, flats, and oxfords already in your closet. Available in sizes 2/4-24/26 with petite and tall options.
• Everlane The Dream Pant: With practically a cult following, The Dream Pant from Everlane also has pintuck detail but a relaxed tapered leg that looks modern but is extremely versatile. Available in sizes XXS-XXXXL.

From left to right: black | blue | black with burgundy top | black with jacket | gray | black with striped shirt

Unlike your favorite sweats, wash these with the care you would for any other workwear. I recommend line drying ponte whenever possible to keep the stretch from breaking down and the color from fading. The goal is to buy less, and when you care for your clothes, they will look better and last longer.

Black Work-Friendly Ankle Boots

There's a good chance you kept enough of your work shoes that you may not need to buy any more. But if, like me, your feet spread after years of working from home barefoot or in Birks or slippers, or if you did a closet cleanout, you may need a pair. And IMO, you only need one pair: black leather ankle boots.

Why ankle boots? Because ankle boots will elevate jeans, make knit pants looks purposeful, and you don't have to worry about hosiery or what length with what shoe. An ankle boot will slip under a straight or wide leg, ankle or full length hem, and depending on the style can even work with some skirts and dresses.

Row one: LWG certified | comfort in N-WW | leather upper & sole | support & water resistant
Row 2: metatarsal support | water resistant | comfort in M-WW | Khaite boot as an example of designer currently for sale
Row 3: LWG certified | comfort in M-W | on sale | comfort in M-W

I recommend one free of embellishments and leather so they can be polished and resoled and reheeled so they last for years. Speaking of lasting for years, go with a pretty classic style: almond or subtle square toe, sleek not bulbous, no lug soles, black soles to match the leather, block heel (even if it's only 1/4″ high), minimal hardware and/or elastic shafts. The simple elegance of a sleek ankle boot will elevate otherwise casual wardrobe staples.

A Black Unstructured Jacket or Topper

You have a meeting with a client or your boss. You need to make a presentation or conduct an interview. There are times when you need to amp up your professionalism, and a black, unstructured jacket can usually do the job.

When I was pregnant, I had a meeting at the client's office where I needed to look competent and professional, even though I couldn't fit in most of my shoes, let alone any of my suits. I wore black ponte maternity pants, a pair of David Tate black leather ankle boots in WWW, a green stretchy maternity top with a subtle scoop neckline and pleats for room and decoration, and a black ponte unstructured jacket from my pre-pregnancy life that didn't even close over my belly. But the black ponte separates read “suit,” and I looked and felt professional.

Shop the collage: universal standard (00-40) | j. crew | universal standard (00-40) | loft (00-20/22 & petite) | eileen fisher (XXS-3X) | everlane (XXS-XXL) | m.m.lafleur (XS-XXL) | quince (XS-XL) | uniqlo (XXS-XXL)

That outfit is what I am thinking of when suggesting a black unstructured jacket. It's a piece that is comfortable, will work with a fluctuating figure and most seasons, blends with the black knit pants, and gives you enough of a “suit” effect for such occasions.

This is something you can get secondhand if you don't already own one. While thrift stores are not as good as they used to be for this kind of item, you will find a LOT of it at places like Poshmark. Before searching, have a loved one help you get your measurements, AND measure a similar concept item in your closet that fits the way you like. This way, you can use the measurements or request measurements from the seller to have a better chance at a successful purchase.

Solid-Colored Refined Knit Tops

You have your base, you have your optional topper, and now you need a handful of tops. Keep it simple and easy and more timeless with knits. Merino, cotton blend, silk, and cashmere sweaters. T-shirt and knit blouses with a hint of shine. Even shells like my beloved Chico's Microfiber Tank will work under the jacket. And these items are sooo easy to find secondhand (or already in your closet).

Why solid? Because solid is less memorable and dresses up more easily. Why knit? Because it's not only more comfortable, but you don't have to iron or worry about a button gaping.

The keywords for these knits are refined, elevated, and polished. Yes, you could wear a Supima t-shirt, but I recommend it have a trimmer silhouette and be in pristine condition. Sweaters should be the same: no pills, fading, stretched-out necklines, or baggy silhouettes.

When you go basic, you need to focus on fit and condition. Baggy reads casual, and faded reads that you don't care. Use detergents that keep clothes richly saturated (Woolite Dark, IMO, is awesome), line dry (one dry if wrinkled tumble in the dryer for a few minutes), and fold instead of hang so they don't get “angel wings” dents in the shoulders or stretched out.

One Fantastic Accessory

The quickest way to elevate an outfit is with accessories. No need for a whole arsenal, one signature piece will do great. This could be really great glasses, architectural earrings, or a statement-making necklace (no, not a Y2K statement necklace, though I fear they're making a return).

If you are a scarf person, it can be a scarf; if you're not one, this is not the time to be one. You want something so comfortable to wear it becomes your signature. This is an “Oh, I always love when you wear that necklace” piece, not an “Oh, that necklace again?” piece.

• If you follow me on Instagram, you likely have seen me wear a pair of funky silver earrings from Jenny Bird. They have been on repeat; I'm wearing them as I type this. They're shiny and unique, but they're not so big and bold that they enter a room before I do. They add a little something to elevate simple pieces, and by wearing them over and over, they become part of my signature style.
• Have you seen Mel Robbins, podcast host, motivational speaker, and the author of The Let Them Theory? She wears signature black glasses 24/7. I can't for the life of me recall a single outfit she has worn, but I do remember her glasses (if you're wondering, the glasses are these from Cutler and Gross). A signature accessory has a way of making the rest of your look fade into the background.

Think Like One of the Boys

Your male coworkers likely have a similar wardrobe. They wear khakis or twill pants, polo shirts and cotton button-downs, the same pair of shoes, and occasionally dress up with a blazer, sweater, or proper suit. You can and deserve to do exactly the same.

Unless you work in a creative field or have a job that requires more formal or professional of attire, treat this like a uniform, not fashion. Keep it clean, pristine, and pressed when needed. Tailor the pieces to be the right length for your arms and legs. Polish those shoes; the more you walk for your commute the more often you need to do this.

You only need to replace when things wear out, get damaged, or no longer fit. If you own pieces that are almost right, they are right enough until you can find something that is truly better not only for fit and style but also quality. Shop slow, save your pennies, and keep that wardrobe money for your gas tank or public transportation fares.