The Best Work Basics for Every Dress Code

Yeah, we’ll take these in every color, please. Lululemon also makes trousers, and these are everything. They’re made of a four-way stretch material with a satin finish, and have roomy pockets along the front and back. Our favorite detail: the fact that they’re pull-on. We’d argue they’re perfect for the days on your period when putting on hard pants is going to be a no. PS: There’s a men’s version and a tapered version, too. ($148, Lululemon)

These Old Navy High-Waisted Pixie Flares are a more recent obsession. They’re made of a stretchy material akin to leggings, but they’re still thick and have structure. Pair them with a button-down and loafers for a basic, yet professional look. ($39.99, Old Navy)

I’ve written about this T-shirt too many times to count. It’s pretty much always on sale — I’ve usually only paid about $8-$12 for it. Its ribbed material is thick and feels luxe (which definitely makes it office-appropriate), plus it washes well. If you want an opaque T-shirt that you won’t ever see a bra through, go for this one. It’s also the perfect tuckable length. ($4.99+, Old Navy)

Wear loafers with dresses and skirts to keep things business professional, or pair them with a pair of barrel jeans for casual dress codes. I love this pair from Sam Edelman because the ruched detailing feels fresh without being overly trendy. ($150, Nordstrom)

The trick to making work outfits less boring: shoes with an unexpected silhouette. These flats from Steve Madden look like a mix between clogs and tap shoes, but we’ll happily take them. Pick between black and burgundy, and be sure to act fast. They’re already selling out in some sizes. ($109.95, Steve Madden)

These Sloane trousers from Abercrombie & Fitch have been winners in our book year after year. They come in four different lengths, countless colors, and size up to size 38. They’re professional enough for the office, but chic enough to wear with a sweater on the weekends. ($90, Abercrombie & Fitch)

A classic oxford shirt is the ultimate throw-on work outfit. Just pair with the Abercrombie & Fitch Sloane trousers and you’ll have an easy outfit. We love the modern, oversized cut of this one from J.Crew. The baggy sleeves means you won’t deal with sweat stains and you can layer it over a tank top on days off. PS: It comes in petite sizes, too. ($128, J.Crew)

After a comeback last fall, vest tops are still going strong. If you’re prone to overheating in the office, they’re a solid sleeveless option you can layer underneath a cardigan or a blazer. This one from Gap comes in six fabric options, but we’re loving the denim version. ($79.95, Gap)

This double-breasted jacket looks fancy, so all you need is a turtleneck or tank to layer underneath. Keep it on hand for important presentation days. It’s one of those pieces that looks smart with minimal effort. ($129.90, Uniqlo)

Yes, peplum tops are back and you don’t have to wear them in a way that reads 2009. This one is drapey and less exaggerated than the typical peplum top. In our eyes, this makes the trend far more wearable for years to come. We’d style it just like the retailer does: with dark denim and gold earrings. ($88, Shopbop)

I have these pants in the chocolate brown shade and they’re my go-to in the cooler months. I love them for the office days when I want to wear denim, but still want something a little more dressed-up. They’re structured with slight stretch, so I went up one size. They also come in plus, petite, and tall sizing. ($128, Madewell)

We are very much here for Ann Taylor’s comeback. This dress has a classic sheath silhouette with a boat neck and a slightly sculptural skirt, which means it doesn’t require any styling. Because this midi dress comes in a bright berry color, it’s also easy to wear in more casual environments. ($149, Ann Taylor)

Old Navy always pulls through for us, and this SoSoft Cropped Cardigan is one of the best options we’ve found that doesn’t cost over $100. The brand’s SoSoft fabric feels eerily similar to cashmere and comes in 13 on-trend shades. Stock up on a couple colors to have on rotation. ($39.99, Old Navy)

I’ve worn this Reformation dress pretty much everywhere, including to the office, a casual wedding, and date night. I love how simple accessory swaps can really elevate it; I’ve even worn it with sneakers on the weekends. Not to mention, it’s made of Reformation’s incredibly soft, nonconstricting knit material. ($148, Reformation)

For work, we like to buy tees that are more substantial, and this one from AllSaints is just that. It isn’t overly relaxed and the material is thick, so you don’t have to worry about it being see-through or shapeless. Between those two details, it feels like an actual top that you can wear on its own or as a layer. ($65+, Nordstrom)

Every time we come across a noteworthy handbag dupe, we get excited. This Everyday Work Tote from Anthropologie has Coach vibes but won’t cost you $400. It’s 20-inches-long, so it’ll easily fit a laptop with extra room for essentials. ($108, Anthropologie)

These Jenny Bird earrings have been a holy grail for me. Every time I wear them, my outfits always look infinitely better, and I usually receive at least one compliment. The chunky double-hooped design adds the perfect amount of sparkle and they have yet to irritate my sensitive ears. ($128, Jenny Bird)

A few editors on our team have this Madewell belt and love how it adds just a little extra something. It’s basic enough to wear it with pretty much everything, but the metal buckle still makes an impact. Pick from nine different styles. At under $100 each, we’d buy two to keep on hand. ($78, Madewell)

Cashmere can be insanely expensive, but we love this option from Naadam. It’s under $100, comes in countless colors, and isn’t too thick. Treat it like a sweatshirt in the warmer months or as a base layer when it’s cooler. ($98, Naadam)

These kick-flares from Mother hit just above the ankle, so they’ll highlight boots effortlessly. In our editor’s experience, these are on the stretchier side, so you might need to size down. Snag the black pair as a discrete way to wear denim to the office. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)

I’ve had my Staud Wally Ankle Boots for over four years now, and they’re still going strong. If you’re looking for an office shoe worth the investment (and live in a cooler climate), these are for you. They have a slightly pointed toe, a short heel, and a zippered closure. They have yet to give me a blister and have only gotten better with time. The hardest decision you’ll make is which of its 13 colorways to pick. ($395, Staud)