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12 On-Sale Styles to Refresh Your Back-to-Work Wardrobe
Is your work wardrobe in need of a quick but impactful makeover? You’ve clicked on the right story.
If you’re one of the 65% of women who recently told us they were anxious about returning to the office, figuring out how to update your wardrobe is probably a major event on your back-to-work to-do list. So we thought we’d help out with a quick shopping list from our Smitten Sale—12 styles that will instantly upgrade your closet, motivate you to get out of the house, and hopefully make the transition back to in-person work a little easier.
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The Jane Dress
Since this is unofficially the Summer of the Dress, why not show up on the first day back at the office in a frock fit for, well, showing up? The Jane in hibiscus checks all the boxes—it’s machine-washable, wrinkle-resistant, and the shape works for all body types. The bright hibiscus color and flowy skirt are romantic enough for an after-work date, but would also make a bold statement in the boardroom.
The Hayden Dress
The Hayden dress in sea salt is in many ways the opposite of the Jane. It’s a classic T-shirt dress with an elevated, textured twist. It’s slightly tailored, but also made of a stretchy knit, meaning it’s a great choice if you’re in between sizes right now. The Hayden also hits right above the knee, so we love seeing it on petites.
The Shaw Pant
Another great option for petites is the Shaw pant, which comes with a 25.5 inch inseam, but can be easily hemmed to your preferred length. Stretchy, hand-washable, wrinkle-resistant, and extremely versatile, these are the pants you want if you’re hopping back into work travel but aren’t quite ready to hop back out of your work-from-home leggings.
The Wesley Lounger
We love pairing these wide-legged pants with a fitted top and either heels or sneakers, depending on our day. And because they’re machine-washable, you’re totally good to wear these Sarah LaFleur-favorites multiple times a week. A note: the Wesleys come extra long so they accommodate women of all heights, but they’re easy to tailor just for you.
The Tamar Jacket
Our stylists report a big uptick in interest around blazers, and we don’t find that surprising at all. When we’re ready to get back into the groove, a classic, structured blazer is always a good choice, and the cross-body fastening on this one makes it a touch unique. The Tamar does everything you want a blazer to do, including dress up a pair of jeans, because why not?
The Carmen Jacket
While a classic blazer is a must-have, a special-occasion blazer is a secret weapon every woman needs in her arsenal. The Carmen jacket is practically superhero armor—intricate pleating, hook and bar closures, and a longer length than traditional blazers, this is the piece you pull out of your closet on the days when you need to show them who’s in charge.
The Avery Top
A bold essential that can be worn as an underpinning or stand on its own, the Avery top in Tuscan yellow is one of those pieces that really adds depth to your wardrobe. It pairs just as well with jeans as it does with a sleek skirt, and it makes a statement without being over the top.
The Nejvi Top and Orchard Skirt
We love a set, and the silky Nevji top and Orchard skirt in mosaic print is one of our all-time favorites. Like Brad and Jen, these two pieces are just as beautiful broken up as they are together, and they’re also known to turn heads in every room they enter.
The Rowan Flat
If you’re really resistant to going back into the office and truly believe there’s “no place like home,” you can channel Dorothy in a pair of cherry red Rowan flats. Featuring memory foam footbeds, these shoes are perfect for walking down the yellow brick road (or reluctantly commuting to work).
The Irene Slingback
The transition back into real shoes might seem tough, but the Irene slingbacks will make it a lot easier. First of all, you can wear them with almost anything. Plus, the scratch-resistant heel means you don’t have to worry about scuffs on a crowded subway.
The Graham Kimono
Last but not least, the Graham Kimono is a piece you’ll be happy to have either at home or on the back of your chair at work. It’s an elegant alternative to a cardigan that can be worn several different ways, whether tied in the front or hanging loose, and is a great building block for any Power Casual wardrobe.
Written By
Caitlin Abber
Caitlin Abber is the Brand Editor at M.M. LaFleur, and an award-winning writer and content creator. Over the last decade she has held senior editorial positions at MTV, Women's Health, Public Radio International, and Bustle, and has bylines at InStyle and OprahMag.com.
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