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Business Casual Work Outfits for Your RTO

Confession time: I haven’t stepped foot in an office for four and a half years! My work-from-home life has been all about leggings and oversized shirts as I recorded The Morning Show Podcast or The Carla Marie and Anthony Show on Twitch. But guess what? I traded in my Taylor Swift-themed slippers for business casual work outfits to step into a super exciting role as the Influencer and Partnerships Manager at Armoire! I’ve been a proud member of Armoire’s creator program, The Suite, for over two years, and now I get to be the one inviting other creators to join the Armoire fam! We’re on a mission to make it effortless for working women to turn heads with stylish, everyday looks.

Whether you’re dusting off your office attire because your company told you it’s time to return to the office or you’re starting a brand-new job like me, heading back to the office can be daunting. Trust me, even with an amazing job like mine, I had a mini freak-out moment – “What am I going to wear?!” But then it hit me: I have access to a 30,000-square-foot closet filled with incredible clothes—and so do you!

I might not be able to solve all of your office dramas (like that lunch thief!), but I can definitely help you with the wardrobe dilemmas! I’ve put together a collection of my favorite back-to-work pieces that are guaranteed to make you feel confident and stylish. I’ve personally tested every single one of these gems, so take my word for it—these are winners.

Business Casual Work Outfits That Pop

Don’t let a dreary office stifle your style; add a pop of color or a fun print to your outfit and let your personality shine. These versatile pieces are perfect for the office, but they’re also stylish enough for happy hour or a romantic date night. Who says workwear has to be boring?

One of my all-time favorite rentals, the flattering fit and variety of colors and patterns make it perfect for a stylish office look.

Faux Wrap Top, Boden

Pair this top with trousers or a pencil skirt for a polished office look, or dress it down with jeans for a casual-chic weekend style.
I have rented these three times! If you’re local to Seattle, these pants are perfect for showing your Seahawk-pride.

Reece Cardigan, Toccin

This has great stretch and thumb holes. It can be worn with the collar popped or folded down. There’s a matching dress that I will rent too.

Back-to-the-Boardroom Blazers

Whether your office dress code requires it or you’re just battling the chill that inevitably comes with working in an office, a blazer is your work BFF. It’s that magical layer that instantly pulls your look together, whether you’re rocking jeans and a tee, a dress, or classic trousers. From power moves in the boardroom to after-work drinks, blazers are the ultimate wardrobe multitaskers. Throw one one and you’ll be selfie-ready.

Payton Blazer, Steve Madden

I have rented this in 3 different colors! The classic cut makes it perfect for dressing up or down. I especially love pairing it with jeans for an effortless look.

Faux Leather, Steve Madden

Head back to the office rocking the color of the year, Mocha Mousse. I felt like a badass wearing this blazer!

Velvet Blazer, Steve Madden

Yes, you read that correctly…VELVET. If you’re trading in your robe for work clothes, they might as well be comfortable!
I wore this on my very first day at Armoire! This wool blazer is not only comfortable but it’s really warm.

Comeback Coats & Jackets

WFH life may have turned you into a hermit crab, emerging from your cozy shell only for coffee runs and the occasional grocery dash. But the real world awaits, and it’s not always a tropical paradise. Unless you’re lucky enough to live in year-round warm weather, you’re going to need some stylish armor to brave the elements eventually. Fear not, we’ve got you covered, literally. These jackets and coats aren’t just about keeping you warm; they’re the perfect blend of professional polish and snuggly warmth. So, ditch the robe and slippers, and step out in style—even if it’s just to battle the office thermostat.

Nell Long Coat, Steve Madden

This double-breasted coat gives off major detective-chic vibes. If you’re on the petite side, keep in mind that it runs a little big – consider sizing down for the perfect fit.

Freddi Jacket, Free People

This coat is so cute!! It’s not too warm so it’s ideal for the transition seasons. There is a subtle light pink in the plaid that could be played up in the overall look.

Bomber Jacket, Levi’s

I love this jacket! I got so many compliments. Pair with a wide-leg trouser for the office and joggers on the weekend. I absolutely loved the way it looked and fit.
THIS WAS SO MUCH FUN! And it was warm too! I’m 5’2 so it was a bit longer on me but I was happy about that. It would be a shame to waste this coat working from home!

Business Casual Work Outfits with Real Pants

I’m sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but your yoga pants and the old college sweatpants you’ve been living in at home will not fly at the office. Don’t stress—I’ve got the perfect solution. I’ve discovered work pants that are so comfy you’ll forget you’re not wearing PJs.  Think soft fabrics, stretchy fits, and flattering silhouettes that will take you from desk to dinner with ease. I’m talking workwear trends that are both professional and comfortable.

I wore these casually for my gig with the Seattle Seahawks, but I’m including them here as one of my top picks for the office too.
I have rented these in both black and brown and loved them so much that I’m considering buying them.
These pants are so comfy! They work equally well with heels or boots.

Cargo, Steve Madden

EVEN IF YOU ARE SHORT THESE ARE AMAZING! They have a buckle on the ankle that helps keep them in in place.

Keep it Cozy with Sweaters for the Office

Keep the cozy vibes going with some stylish sweaters and shirts that are professional yet comfortable. I’ve been living in oversized crewnecks for so long that anything remotely snug tests my patience. These are some of my favorite shirt styles that are comfortable and great to pair with jeans, pants, or skirts for a chic and effortless look.

Cardigan, Lost + Wonder

LOVE THIS SO MUCH! it’s warm, comfortable, and the pattern is unique. I wore it everywhere from work to Costco.

Cardigan, French Connection

This all-season babysoft cardigan is warm for winter yet perfect for summer nights too.

Cashmere, Naadam

This is quite possibly the most comfortable top I’ve ever put on my body. It’s definitely cropped and runs small. Size up.
This sweater was so incredibly soft. It felt like pajamas! I will size up next time for a slouchy look.

The One-Piece Wonders of Business Casual Work Outfits

Let’s hear it for the one-piece wonders: dresses. They’re the MVPs of business casual—zero outfit math required. Just throw one on, add shoes or boots, and boom: you’re polished, professional, and out the door before your coffee kicks in. From bold palettes that say “I have ideas and opinions” to sleek staples that handle every meeting on your calendar, dresses do all the work so you don’t have to. Basically, they’re the stylish shortcut to looking like you totally have your life together—even if your inbox says otherwise.

Alia Knit Dress, Alexia Admor

I could tell you a million great things about this dress. It’s comfortable, flattering, and can be worn with heels or sneakers.

Tori Shirtdress, Steve Madden

The length of this dress is great and its’s super flattering. I have rented the same style in other fabrics and they fit the same.

Kayla Dress, Michael Stars

The secret about this knit dress is that it can be unbuttoned and worn as a long, flowy cardigan. It’s like getting two pieces in one!

Dress, French Connection

This wrap dress is so comfortable with lots of stretch. It’s the perfect length on me at 5”2.

The Perfect Tops for Business Casual Work Outfits

Button-down shirts are the business casual equivalent of a mic drop. Crisp, classic, and always up for a promotion, they’re the go-to top that instantly pulls you together—even if your morning was held together by dry shampoo and sheer willpower. Whether tucked into tailored pants, knotted over a dress, or layered under a blazer, a good button-down says, “I’m effortlessly professional.” They’re just structured enough to look intentional, even when you’re winging it. Basically, it’s your wardrobe’s secret weapon for looking sharp without trying too hard.

Girlfriend Shirt, Nic + Zoe

I absolutely love the fit of this shirt. It’s perfect for summer because it’s lightweight in 100% cotton with a linen feel.

Top, BeachLunchLounge

I bought this one! It does double duty— wear it under a sweater for work and over a bathing suit in the summer.
This shirt is comfortable, flattering, and versatile. It will work with jeans, trousers, or a skirt, and can be layered.

Essence, Marciano by Guess

This pattern is perfect for the “mob wife aesthetic.” It would look great with slim vegan leather pants.

Beyond Business Casual Work Outfits

What’s the vibe in your office? As more companies implement return-to-office policies, we’re here to cure the “I have nothing to wear” panic. If you’re re-learning how to walk in heels for a business formal environment or need something more casual that still says “I’m back, and I mean business,” Armoire has you covered. Literally. Our stylists have rounded up some of their favorites into curated collections for various work environments. Because your work attire should work as hard as you do.

Browse more curated collections.

Helping Women Get Back to the Office Since 2016

​Since its inception in 2016, Armoire has been the ultimate style sidekick for women heading back to the office (or the Zoom screen… and now, back again). We’ve been like your cool older sister: full of great taste, never judging your sweatpants phase, and always ready with the perfect power outfit. Whether it’s the end of your parental leave or the end of a global pandemic, Armoire makes dressing for work feel less like a chore and more like a treat.

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