Office fashion: Outfit ideas for working professionals to look comfortably stylish

Let's travel five years back. Most corporate offices had dress codes that expected employees to look prim, proper, presentable and professional. Fridays or Saturdays were dedicated to wearing ‘informal' clothes like T-shirts and denims. Today, most employees are redefining office fashion by not just sporting a casual T-shirt and jeans but appearing in athleisure almost every single day of the week.

Many Millennials and Gen Zs especially are seen donning yoga pants, shorts, and oversized T-shirts with accessories and wedge sneakers. All these, when put together the right way look stylish and surprisingly professional while also ensuring maximum comfort. With this, the offices too seem to have loosened their grip a little on the strict dress code, opening their arms to embrace employees' comfort.

Office wear choices for employees, however, might not be the same every day. Factors like meetings, presentations, weather, after-office plans, personal mood, and the length of to-do lists, among others, largely determine outfit ideas each day.

This flexibility in office fashion also allows each working individual to unleash the hidden stylist in them, express their personal style statement freely and take control of comfort in their own hands.

Experts' take on present-day office fashion
Commenting on this, Taranpreet Ahuja, founder of a sustainable clothing brand, The Calico Knots, says, "Office wear is evolving from the conventional world of boring suits, shirts, and kurtis. What we have observed firsthand from our customers is a distinct shift towards a desire for breathable and comfortable fabric."

Shedding more light on evolving office fashion, Priyanka Chokhani, co-founder of a clothing brand specialising in men's shirts, 16 Stitches, says, "Over the years, we have witnessed a significant transformation in office wear, particularly in the post-Covid time. In the pre-Covid era, office attire leaned heavily towards formal wear. Post-pandemic, people began adopting a more casual approach to dressing for work."

She adds, "Unlike the traditional casual Fridays, the current trend is leaning towards a more relaxed dress code regularly. Even in formal settings, individuals are infusing their attire with character, incorporating prints inside collars or introducing contrasting elements, adding a touch of personal style to the professional environment. This evolution reflects a blend of comfort and individual expression in contemporary office fashion."

Ahuja and Chokhani state that Gen Z has cracked the code of looking professional while working with utmost comfort from 9-5. The focus is on smart, comfortable, and sustainable choices. Gen Z professionals seek wardrobe versatility, opting for sustainable clothing that not only aligns with their values but also offers the freedom to be styled in different ways. They are leaning more towards a casual and minimalist capsule wardrobe consisting of multifunctional pieces like classic blazers and versatile trousers that easily shift from office events or meetings to after-work hangouts.

Balancing comfort and style at work
Although the flexibility in being able to wear what we please at work is a blessing in disguise, there are yet certain unstated or silent limitations that your company HR or manager would expect you to follow. In such cases, being able to strike a balance becomes necessary.

According to Ahuja, the key to a stylish office wardrobe lies in choosing outfits that prioritise comfort without compromising on a good cut. "Opting for breathable fabrics is the secret sauce. Dresses with a relaxed fit, steering clear of overly body-hugging styles, are not only super comfortable but also exude a professional yet easy-going vibe. The choice of shoes and accessories is also crucial to elevate the overall look. When it comes to blazers, conventional materials may not be the best fit for India's climate; hence, cotton blazers or fabrics more suited to the Indian weather."

Adding to the same, Chokhani says, "There are innovative alternatives to maintain comfort without compromising a polished look. For instance, opt for a new design or style like wearing knitted shirts. These offer the best of both worlds. Knitted shirts provide a level of comfort akin to wearing a T-shirt or polo and also ensure a professional appearance Additionally, incorporating lycra into shirts too, has become a popular choice among office-goers. This doesn't necessarily mean opting for an overly formal shirt, but the inclusion of lycra adds stretchability, ensuring comfort. This too makes for a perfect workwear outfit without sacrificing a polished and professional aesthetic."

Outfit ideas that blend formal and casual look

For women

Styling tips by Ahuja
1. Incorporate a touch of embroidery, a flattering cut, an interesting hue, and an unseen print in any outfit you pick. Pay attention to details. Opt for dainty jewellery be it a neck chain or earrings, as they are in trend and will enhance the overall look.

2. Opt for a tailored jumpsuit or knee-length shift dress in lightweight cotton to strike the perfect balance between casual and classic formal elegance. You can pair this with either sneakers or lace-ups flats.

Styling tips by Chokhani
1. Embrace bold-coloured shirt dresses for a stylish and professional appearance. Opt for pointed-toe heels or ankle boots for a chic finish. Pair this outfit with statement earrings and a structured handbag.

2. Since co-ords are in style, choose linen printed co-ord sets for a comfortable and dressy look. Wearing strappy sandals or low-block heels can add a nice feminine touch. Wear layered necklaces and a wristwatch to elevate the outfit.

3. Choose fabrics with neutral tones like beige, grey, or navy for a versatile and balanced look. For such shades, pick ankle boots or ballet flats. Accessorise it with a simple thin belted leather watch.

For men

Styling tips by Ahuja
1. Pair a light blue-coloured oxford shirt with khaki chinos. Complete the look with a sporty watch and white or black sneakers.

2. Pair dark denim jeans with a pure white T-shirt. Layer it with a navy blazer. Here you can opt for white canvas shoes, sneakers or formal shoes. Experiment with interesting prints depending on the day of the week and your mood. The key is to ensure the fabrics are breathable and superior to cotton and linen as they exude a relaxed yet polished vibe.

Styling tips by Chokhani
1. Opt for shirts with small prints paired with comfortable linen or khadi pants. Pair this up with loafers or leather sandals for a relaxed yet polished look. To complete the ensemble, use a minimalistic leather belt and a classic watch.

2. Combine dark blue denim pants with crisp white shirts featuring subtle prints. For footwear, sport classic brogues or loafers for a smart-casual ensemble. To accessorise the outfit, wear a sleek tie or a leather bracelet for that extra touch of elegance.

Remember, the key is to strike a balance between comfort and professionalism, ensuring that the overall appearance is suitable for the office environment.

Bring in the Indian touch
Ethnic outfits like half kurtas and kurtis became a go-to attire for both men and women. They make up for a decent look However, many office goers feel they have become too common and lost their ‘outstanding' charm. However, styling it the right way and pairing it with other garments can add a fresh twist.

Women can pair their favourite jeans with kurtis having unique or rather quirky prints, and statement sleeves. Kurtis too, can be paired with a chic blazer to attain a perfect blend of structure and fun.

One can also choose to wear wide-leg trousers or palazzos with an embroidered blouse that strikes an ideal balance between comfort and elegance.

Besides this, women can also experiment with dresses in linen, offering a casual yet distinctly Indian look. This is a refreshing take on fusion wear that can be adapted to both casual and semi-formal settings.

For men in particular, a well-fitted kurta with tailored chinos or a Nehru jacket paired with denim jeans also make for a perfect blend of classic and contemporary.

Men can also choose to wear cool-coloured linen shirts that look breezy yet formal making it the perfect Indian office wear for those who are too bored to wear T-shirts and jeans.

Also Read: ‘The Archies' Fashion: Mumbai-based stylists share tips to recreate vintage looks