The Best Fall Work Outfits For Autumn Power Dressing

Break out your pleated trousers and trim blazer. The earthy, cool scent of fall is in the air, and with it that renewed desire for soft layers and sharp tailoring. While we still support finding creative ways to carry your summer linens into cooler weather, you’ll want the best fall work outfits to carry you from the last jacket-free days in September (the season officially starts September 23) all the way into your post-Thanksgiving power meetings.

For Rickie De Sole, women’s fashion director at Nordstrom, refreshing your wardrobe doesn’t mean starting from scratch. She suggested slowly bringing in new pieces with attention to material and fit. “Once you figure out which brands fit your body and style best, you can return to them each season to continue building a confident, foundational work wardrobe that becomes easy to coordinate and cycle through,” she said. “Workwear is an investment, so spend some time figuring out what you like, and your closet will naturally build and gain staying power.”

On the Fall/Winter 2023 runways, suiting and a general desire for pragmatic dressing were apparent in the collections of both major labels like Saint Laurent and the Row and smaller operations like Eudon Choi and Luar. Bode’s womenswear debut was chock-full of comfortable yet slightly quirky workwear ideas. Translate their design ideas to your IRL office wardrobe by mixing the classic pieces you already own with ballet flats, sharp-shouldered coats, and oversize button-downs.

Fall work outfit inspiration isn’t limited to the runway, either; it can also come from the women around you. “I used to work at Prada early in my career and learned so much from the women who I worked with there. The office uniform was a great skirt—think printed or tactile fabrics—a simple knit, and high heel or brogue,” De Sole said. It’s a uniform that has stuck with her to this day, and one of her go-to suggestions for feeling put-together.

Read on for more of the best fall work outfits, along with some fresh shopping options to try each one.

Related article: The 5 Most Comfortable Work Shoes To Wear To The Office

The Skirt Suit Outfit

This fall, it’s all about the denim skirt. This simple staple plays well with classic fall pieces like tall leather boots and a structured bag.

Zara Asymmetric Denim Skirt

Here’s a denim skirt with an unusual twist, courtesy of an asymmetric hemline.

Khaite Dallas 45 Boots

A knee-high western boot in rich suede is the perfect complement to a long denim skirt.

The Unexpected Classic Outfit

Even if you’re inclined to stick with the classics, try mixing things up with an unexpected take, like a tank with an unusual shape.

Toteme Crepe Blazer

Toteme’s sleek blazer has a long, relaxed silhouette.

K.ngsley White “RaceHer” Ribbed Halter Tank

This isn’t your average tank. An unusual shape makes it a standout.

The Double Denim Outfit

You may be used to wearing your favourite pair of jeans to work, but take things up a notch by styling them with a coordinated (or contrasting) denim trench. Try tailored silhouettes to keep the look streamlined.

Madewell Oversized Denim Trench Coat

A denim trench will quickly become your unexpected go-to.

Still Here Jeans

Straight-leg jeans work for the weekend and work meetings.

The Contrast Study Outfit

Take a chance to play with opposing ideas—that could mean contrasting colours, tight and loose silhouettes, or slick and textured materials. When juxtaposed, pieces feel fresh.

Acne Studios Libo Textured-Leather Lacket

A minimalist leather jacket is a classic piece you’ll own for years to come.

Tibi Feather-Weight Pleated Pull-On Skirt

Soft, subtle pleats add a sense of movement to your signature style.

The Cool Coordination Outfit

Don’t be afraid to lean into bold prints. A coordinated skirt and top set in a graphic design will instantly stand out.

Marimekko Friisi Seireeni Cotton Blouse

A short-sleeved button-down works between seasons.

Marimekko Liseeni Osteri Skirt

A long skirt with coordinated graphics can be worn with a coordinating top or on its own.

The Shorts Style Outfit

While the weather is still warm, try breaking out a pair of long shorts that can be styled with your classic work pieces.

Chava Studio Oversized Button-Down

A crisp button-down with an oversize fit toes the line between casual and elegant.

Levi's Belted Baggy Women’s Shorts

Black denim shorts have a slightly dressier feel than classic blue denim.

The Pop of Colour Outfit

Rich earth tones are staples for fall, but break them up with a jolt of bold colour via a skirt or dress.

Cecilie Bahnsen Sidney Dress

A bright dress that’s perfect for parties, but can be styled with a blazer or coat for the office, too.

Paris Texas Croc-Effect Boots

Croc-effect boots are an elegant addition to the classic work wardrobe that can be styled with your vibrant pieces.

The Black Revisited Outfit

Bring head-to-toe black back into the picture via unexpected pieces like a sweeping dress, structured bag, and trim blazer.

Destree Gunther Bag

A statement bag that’s still understated.

Mango Tweed Blazer

Found: a classic black blazer in rich tweed.

The Borrowed From the Boys Outfit

Explore tailored silhouettes and wardrobe staples traditionally designed to be worn by the male counterparts in the office. If a tie is too much, try a sharp jacket.

Filippa K Wool Car Coat

A sleek jacket you’ll be able to wear through fall and winter.

Ayede Max Leather Lace-Up Ankle Boots

Lace-up ankle boots you can wear with jeans or formal trousers.

The Sporty and Soft Outfit

Ballet flats remain a favourite trend for fall. To balance out their inherent daintiness, try styling with casual sporty pieces like an oversize sweatshirt.

Jil Sander Logo Cotton Sweatshirt

A minimalist sweatshirt that’s cool enough to wear to the office.

Larroudé Blair Flats

SHOPBOPNORDSTROMBLOOMINGDALE'S

Classic ballet flats that you can wear to work or for special occasions.

The Sporty and Sleek Outfit

Contrast tailored pieces with unexpected accessories like a pair of sporty sunglasses or a vintage bag in a fun colour or material.

Attersee The Sculpted Vest

Classic, sleek, and elegant—a vest that makes suiting feel fresh.

Prada Black Linea Rossa Cutout Sunglasses

Sporty accessories are an easy way to dress down tailored staples.

The Oversize Attitude Outfit

Think big! Large-format prints and an oversize bag are easy ways to have fun with fashion while still keeping your look office-appropriate.

Marni Polka-Dot Wool-Blend Sweater

Funky oversize polka dots make a splash, especially when styled back to classic tailoring or casual jeans.

Loewe Paseo Leather Tote Bag

Oh, the things you’ll be able to carry with you in an extra-large tote!

The Pastel Hues Outfit

Don’t keep springy pastels corralled into the first few months of the year. Break out bright pinks and purples for fall, especially layered together.

Toteme Straight-Leg Pants

Comfy cotton pants make everyday dressing a breeze.

New Balance Women’s XC-72 Sneakers

Sneakers with little pops of pink or purple are an easy way to bring more colour into your look.

The Dress Over Jeans Outfit

Breathe new life into your everyday denim by getting clever with your collection of staples. A dress or miniskirt worn over your favourite jeans has the power to make old standbys feel fresh.

Ganni Check Suiting Mini Dress

SHOPBOPNORDSTROM

Ganni’s Scandi-cool checkered dress adds a welcome pop of colour to fall dressing.

Madewell The Perfect Vintage Wide-Leg Jean

Relaxed denim is an addition to your closet you’ll be able to wear dozens of ways.

The Summer-to-Fall Outfit

Transition your favourite summer dress to the new season by styling it with classic cool-weather staples like boots and a blazer. Mix summer materials like linen and light cotton with richer, heavy-duty materials to make it work.

J.Crew Brynn Blazer

A classic preppy blazer in classic fall plaid.

Saloni Siera Dress

A lightweight linen dress can make the transition from summer to fall.

The Sleek and Soft Outfit

Fall is all about texture, so dive in headfirst by testing mixes of materials like silk and velvet. Together, they’ll create instant contrast.

Etro Double-Breasted Velvet-Jacquard Coat

Rich texture and a bold print make this coat the perfect fall statement piece.

Vince Satin Bias Pant

Behold! The sleek, soft embrace of pajamalike silk pants.

The Creatively Layered Outfit

Try a fresh take on layering by throwing on a mesh long-sleeved top under a cropped or short-sleeved sweater.

Khaite Dianna Stretch Cashmere Cardigan

NORDSTROMSAKS FIFTH AVENUE

A short-sleeved sweater is a transitional piece that you can wear solo or with other pieces.

Jean Paul Gaultier Mesh Top

A sheer top makes for a great layering piece.

The Reimagined Classic Outfit

For fall, take staples like trousers and a blazer and reimagine them by swapping in a remixed silhouette.

Good American Belted Blazer

A belted blazer takes a traditional silhouette and turns it on its head.

Toteme Tapered Leather Trousers

Sleek leather trousers contrast the tactile feel of fall textures like cashmere and wool.

The Sheer Silhouette Outfit

Sheer crochet pants may not seem like they’d pass HR approval at the office, but for casual or creative settings, they can be a great layering piece that doesn’t show too much skin. Try wearing them with chunky boots and fall layers like an oversize blazer, shirt dress, or tunic top.

Leset Lucy Crochet Cotton Pants

Crochet pants for the office? Yes, it’s possible.

The Row Leather Ankle Boots

A boot that can toughen up tailored pieces or a fancy dress.

The Jolt of Colour Outfit

Fall may be the season of neutrals, but don’t give in. Bright accessories like a bold statement bag and an eye-catching pair of heels bring summer energy into cooler months.

Ferragamo Iconic Top Handle

A structured statement bag that can bring colour to even the simplest ensemble.

Amina Muaddi Begum Pumps

Put your fanciest foot forward at the office.

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This article originally appeared in Harper's BAZAAR US.