by Clutched.
Building a Professional Wardrobe
Tailored clothing has always been a cornerstone of professional style. With hybrid work now the norm, the wardrobe rules have broadened, giving space for all day outfits. Work clothes can be comfortable, and choosing pieces that suit your style makes dressing each day far simpler. High street brands continue to deliver stylish options, letting you build a wardrobe without overspending.
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Feel Good Trousers
A good pair of trousers can carry a week’s worth of outfits. Look for pieces that feel comfortable to sit, stand, and move around in, while still looking sharp. High street brands are excelling at providing a mix of classic shapes and details, so you can rotate styles without repeating the same look. From wide-leg designs to cropped tailoring, here are some cost-effective and stylish options.
ASOS Design
Tailored High Waist Pleated Chocolate Trousers – £40
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Topshop
Co-Ord Pinstripe Tailored Wide-Leg Charcoal Trousers – £40
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M&S Collection
High Waisted Wide Leg White Jeans – £45
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M&S Collection
Jersey Wide Leg Black Trousers with Stretch – £19.50
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NEXT
Black Tailored Hourglass Trousers – £36
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Stradivarius
Striped Wide Leg Smart Trousers – £29.99
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NEXT
Black Bootcut Tailored Trousers – £34
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Stradivarius
Wide Leg Formal Wear Trousers – £29.99
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Mango
Straight Mid-Rise Black Suit Trousers – £59.99
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Mango
Straight Knitted Navy Trousers – £35.99
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Looking for a new pair of blue denim jeans for work?
Blouses and Tops That Bring Personality
Tops offer the simplest way to inject individuality into workwear. Neutral blouses form the base for professional outfits, while prints can add interest. A small collection of high-quality shirts ensures you always have something fresh to wear, whether layered under a blazer or styled with trousers on its own. Including a mix of cotton, silk blends, and soft satin finishes lets you adjust your outfit depending on comfort and occasion.
Jigsaw
Polka Dot Long Sleeve Top – £69
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Mango
Off White Shirt With Jewel Buttons – £35.99
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Stradivarius
Striped Sleeveless Peplum Top – £19.99
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Mango
Leopard Blouse with Scarf – £35.99
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M&S Collection
Pure Merino Wool Roll Neck Ivory Jumper – £35
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COS
Wide Collar Modal Ecru Blouse – £75
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M&S Collection
Ivory Satin Collared Shirt – £29.50
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ASOS Design
Angel Sleeve Ecru Top with Godet Detail – £22
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Miss Selfridge
Poplin Fitted Olive Stripe Shirt – £30.99
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COS
Tailored Pima Cotton Pink Shirt – £65
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Blazers That Pull Everything Together
A blazer can transform simple trousers and a top into a professional outfit. It’s worth having a selection of styles that you can layer depending on the season or occasion. Relaxed cuts work well for longer days at the desk, while tailored pieces work best for meetings. Choosing a few different styles and colours of blazers allows you to switch moods from casual meetings to more formal presentations.
Miss Selfridge
Fitted Pinstripe Navy Blazer Co-Ord – £49.99
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ASOS Design
Tailored Relaxed Black Blazer – £35
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M&S Collection
Slim Single Breasted Ecru Blazer – £49.50
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New Look
Gini London Black Leopard Cuff Blazer – £36
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New Look
Camel Single Breasted Blazer – £39.99
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Jag
Pure Linen Relaxed White Blazer – £170
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Mango
Lyocell Chocolate Suit Jacket – £89.99
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Mango
Black Fitted Suit Jacket – £49.99
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*Prices and availability are subject to change without notice.
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Clutched is a fashion and accessories specialist with over a decade of experience analysing luxury retail and styling trends. Clutched focuses on how handbags and accessories function as a part of wardrobes, combining market insight with practical styling expertise. Helping readers make informed, design-led decisions through detailed product knowledge and trend analysis.
Complete your work wardrobe with a new handbag or shoes for the office.
Work Wardrobe Styling Guide
Start with two or three pairs of trousers, a few blazers, and six tops to form the foundation of a week’s worth of work outfits. Pair wide-leg trousers with a sleeve blazer and a cotton blouse for a day of meetings. Swap in a printed shirt with linen blend trousers and a relaxed single-breasted blazer for video calls or casual client catch-ups. For a sleeker evening look, try silk blend shirts with ankle pants and a double-breasted blazer. Loafers work well for long days at the desk, while heels or smart flats give you confidence for presentations.
Layer blazers over tops to instantly change the tone of an outfit, mix neutrals with subtle prints, and rotate trousers to keep your looks fresh. Accessories can be minimal but effective, a handbag or simple jewellery elevates an otherwise straightforward outfit. With these principles, each piece in your wardrobe works in multiple combinations, making dressing for work easy.
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