In short, we’re saying no to anything starchy, and yes to pieces that work with real lives – clothes that glide from desk to drinks, from Monday meetings to Friday freedom. From the quietly luxe tailoring of Serena Bute to Rixo’s modern romance, from the power polish of Cefinn to the high-street staples we actually want to wear (hello Zara), these pieces make getting dressed the best part of your morning.
Work Smarter: The AW25 Workwear Refresh Worth Getting Dressed For
Best back to work fashion for autumn 2025: chic office outfits for a new season.
September always brings a whiff of new beginnings, the grown-up equivalent of sharpened pencils and fresh notebooks. Whether you're back to the office full-time or doing the hybrid juggle, there's something satisfying about assembling a workwear wardrobe that feels both considered and effortless. In this edit, we round up the best brands and pieces that promise polish without rigidity, elegance without stuffiness – in short, the very essence of modern professional style.
In short, we’re saying no to anything starchy, and yes to pieces that work with real lives – clothes that glide from desk to drinks, from Monday meetings to Friday freedom. From the quietly luxe tailoring of Serena Bute to Rixo’s modern romance, from the power polish of Cefinn to the high-street staples we actually want to wear (hello Zara), these pieces make getting dressed the best part of your morning.
In short, we’re saying no to anything starchy, and yes to pieces that work with real lives – clothes that glide from desk to drinks, from Monday meetings to Friday freedom. From the quietly luxe tailoring of Serena Bute to Rixo’s modern romance, from the power polish of Cefinn to the high-street staples we actually want to wear (hello Zara), these pieces make getting dressed the best part of your morning.
Tailored, with a Twist – The Luxe Minimalists
Think Serena Bute’s signature side-stripe trousers paired with a cloud-soft cashmere knit, and Cefinn’s neat blazers and belted dresses. These are the brands perfecting the art of grown-up polish: clean lines, flattering cuts, and textures that feel as good as they look.
Elevated Femininity – For Refined Elegance
For the days when your 9-to-5 segues straight into a gallery opening or dinner, only a classic yet pretty dress will do. Team with a minimalist boot or Strathberry’s sculptural bags for balance and edge.
High Street Hits – For Hardworking Staples
Zara continues to deliver the kind of office wear you’ll find yourself reaching for on repeat: blazers with clever structure, and trousers that hold their shape all day. Look out too for & Other Stories and Cos – masters of the understated, architectural take on modern workwear.
The Finishing Touch – Accessories That Do the Heavy Lifting
As ever, it’s the details that elevate. A Strathberry tote, with its signature bar clasp, lends quiet power to any look; while sleek loafers, layered gold, or a silk necktie can tip an outfit from good to ‘where did you get that?’
By
Nancy Alsop
·
Updated August 2025
Nancy is a magpie for the best in design and culture.
