“Workwear” is having an identity crisis. Roughly six years ago – when most of us worked in the office five days a week without flinching – it might have conjured images of a jewel-toned “power dress” on , Rachel Zane’s impeccable pencil skirts in , or even Miranda Hobbes’ whip-smart pinstriped suiting in the OG Sex and the City series. Then came working-from-home – top-half dressing for camera-on moments – followed by a swift back-to-the-office movement that rolled back those stretch-waistband privileges. To say this has left the concept of a “work outfit” in a state of disarray is something of an understatement – which is why we’re here with some easy advice on how to build a work wardrobe that feels right for 2026.
’s pick of the best workwear pieces
If you’re back to commuting three or four days out of five, you will need a fully functioning office rotation – and, as a general rule, it’s prudent to dress with a “business casual” mindset. That means focussing on building a range of tailoring, elegant separates, elevated basics, refined footwear – think knee-high boots, ballet pumps or loafers – and, crucially, a work bag that can comfortably fit your tech and notebook.
Those who are hybrid, meanwhile, should curate a capsule of hardworking pieces that balance comfort with versatility. A pair of barrel-legged jeans, for example, is the kind of piece you can easily build a look around: add a cotton shirt and loafers, and you’ve got a practical yet put-together look for a morning of meetings, while a baggy T-shirt and Birkenstocks makes them feel appropriate for a coffee shop or even your kitchen table. And once you have the foundational garments perfected, you can layer statement items elsewhere.
The good news? Back-to-school season feels like the perfect time to give your office attire an upgrade. Where wearing layers during a heatwave feels like torture, autumn lends itself to the elevated pieces you want to wear to work: knitwear, shirting, blazers and sharp outerwear, plus simple accessories that make an outfit feel considered for the time of year like a cashmere scarf or cosy marl socks.
Knowing where to find these staples is half the battle, which is where our guide to the best workwear brands comes in handy. Ranging from the best high-street brands to contemporary labels that are excellent for investments, a few choice purchases will help you redefine your workwear.
Shop ’s edit of the best workwear brands to shop now…
East London-based brand Aligne is known for its minimalist aesthetic and viral capsule wardrobe pieces, such as the famous “Monroe” dress and “Daphne” blazer. Its pieces make great foundations for a workwear wardrobe – lean into the season with rich shades like indigo and chocolate brown.
Elin Kling is one of the original fashion bloggers, and her label Totême – which she co-founded with her partner, Karl Lindman – is centred around the idea of an everyday uniform and a capsule of hard-working basics. Bookmark the brand if you need functional pieces with a fashion editor spin.
French-born brand Ami puts a Parisian spin on everyday workplace dressing, with its refined line-up of crisp shirting, oversized tailoring and beautifully made leather accessories.
Blue Large Striped Cotton Shirt With Removable Collar
Brown Double Breasted Houndstooth Wool Blazer
Brown Taurillon Leather Etienne Crossbody Bag
Cos is another label centred around functional basics, however, it really stands out on the high street for its attention to detail and clever proportions. The funnel-neck coat, in particular, is the hero piece this autumn.
You can’t talk about a modern capsule without mentioning Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen’s cult label The Row, which has built a stellar reputation for impeccable tailoring and accessories. The place to go for the best version of almost every womenswear staple.
With Nothing Underneath was founded by former jewellery editor Pip Durell in 2017 with the aim of creating the perfect button-down shirt inspired by men’s tailoring. There are numerous fits and fabrics, so you really can find the exact style of shirt you’re looking for – and it has also expanded its offering into blazers, knitwear and sharp tailored trousers.
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Andros Dress: Fine Poplin, Mocha
The key to elevated workwear is to find simple pieces that still make an impact thanks to small design details or interesting textures, and Pleats Please by Issey Miyake will always be an elevated alternative to a plain T-shirt or blouse. The fabric offers infinite stretch, so it’s also a great maternity solution that expands effortlessly as your body changes.
Forget all your preconceptions about Reiss being an outfitter of Alan Sugar’s boardroom — it has really elevated its design principles in recent years, with rich colours, considered tailoring and beautiful fabrications that make it a go-to for wardrobe foundations. The trousers, in particular, are a real strength.
Wool-Blend Wide-Leg Pleated Trousers in Black
It can be hard to find shoes that are comfortable enough to wear for a whole working week, but Essēn might be your answer. Not only does it create the perfect almond-toe ballet pump, but the ankle boots and loafers are exactly what we’d want to wear for work. The name actually comes from “essentials,” as the whole concept of the brand is to create timeless classics that will go with every outfit. Trust us – the ballet flats are extremely comfortable.
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Jigsaw has long been a go-to for workwear for corporate types, however, it creates pieces that will suit any office dress code. It has the most impeccable high-street suede, amazing jeans and beautiful cashmere, as well as the workwear classics like shirting, tailoring and knitwear.
Classic Stripe Cuff Detail Cotton Shirt
Large Shopper Suede Tote Bag
The Frankie Shop is another label which has managed to turn “boring” workwear classics into cult items that retailers struggle to keep in stock. The slouchy tailored trousers and oversized cotton shirts are no-brainers you’ll live in all week long.
Elinor Oversized Wool Bomber Jacket
Ever since Arket arrived in London in 2017, it’s been a high-street heavyweight. It balances a pared-back aesthetic, with a focus on wardrobe staples, with a fashion-forward point of view, ensuring even the most boring basics will be a stylish addition to your wardrobe.
Knitwear is an important element of almost every working wardrobe – so Navygrey, founded by Rachel Spedding with the aim of creating the perfect navy jumper, is a great addition. From the wool to the fit to the sustainable practices, this knitwear is worthy of every bit of the hype.
A name synonymous with taste (and plenty of it), Joseph has long been the purveyor of workwear that combines simplicity with beauty. Its Foundations Collection is an excellent starting point if you’re looking to curate a capsule that will serve you for years to come, from elegant silk blouses to leather accessories that you can build work outfits around.
This Amsterdam-based contemporary label isn’t known for workwear, per se, but its clothes would nonetheless make quietly elegant additions to your office rotation. Its jeans and trousers are particularly worthy of attention, with sculptural legs and/or interesting fabrications, if you’re in the market for smart-casual bottom halves that will pass muster on mandatory office days.
Me+Em has become a go-to for working wardrobes, as its entire ethos is centred around hard-working, easy-to-style pieces that are as functional as they are stylish. In a turbulent economy where the British high street has been faced with numerous challenges, Me+Em has been thriving and its modern approach to workwear is part of its recipe for success. The design team is exacting about fit and fabrics, with each outfit designed to maintain its polish throughout a day, whether that’s with crease-free fabrics or silhouettes that won’t lose their shape.
2-in-1 Maxi Dress
Talking of heritage high-street brands, French Connection has a whole hoard of workwear staples in its line-up. From versatile tailored trousers to sharp waistcoats suited to the office and pieces lifted with details like a built-in scarf or lace trim.
Krista Cream Scarf Neck Fitted Top
Rena Burgundy Tailored Pleated Wide Leg Trousers
Izzie Black Tailored Longline Waistcoat
Dahlia Dark Grey Satin Lace Mix Midi Skirt
Demellier is the place to go for a luxurious work bag that’s reasonably priced compared to luxury brands. The London-based label doesn't compromise on quality either – the leather is sourced from Italian tanneries certified by the European Leather Working Group and every bag is handcrafted in family-run factories across Europe. Our favourite? The Hudson.
Marks & Spencer’s fashion collections have never been better – so much so that they debuted at London Fashion Week last season. Whether you’re looking for tailoring, knitwear, basics or footwear, the range balances contemporary design with quality and affordability for pieces that look (and last) far beyond their price tag.
Leather Flat Round Toe Mary Jane Ballet Pumps
