Office Outfits 2026: Effortless Smart Casual for Busy Professionals
Back to Business 2026
Happy New Year - welcome to my first blog of 2026, where we're hitting refresh on your work wardrobe. As a London-based stylist for professionals juggling boardrooms, travel, and family, you need outfits that project credibility and confidence without devouring your morning routine or taking up even more headspace. Modern workwear embraces relaxed tailoring, neutral palettes, and versatile layers like cashmere knits over tailored trousers or silk blouses with wide-leg pants for that polished-yet-comfortable edge.
This guide delivers daily-ready solutions: mix a tailored blazer with high-quality basics for hybrid days, or opt for midi skirts and loafers when suits feel stiff. Tailored for your time-squeezed life, these professional looks boost your presence and save hours weekly. Read on for capsule essentials that support you day-to-day.
When I pull together these blogs I take a lot of time sourcing the pieces and thinking about how the work together. I also draw on my 15 years experience styling professionals to make sure the pieces I suggest are elevated, modern and stylish. Massimo Dutti are killing it this season, they produce pieces that look like they could be from high-end brand ‘The Row’ at a fraction of the price. Me&Em continue to nail cool office wear that is trendy but not in a scary way!
Here are my first picks of 2026:
Statement sleeve blouse - chic and cool. Looks great on its own or layered under the knitted jacket below or a knitted tank top
A statement sleeve blouse looks great layered under a cardi, jacket or tank. An intentional look.
Really love the colour of this brushed cashmere vest
A bit of a different choice - this suede blazer. This is super stylish and would add creativity and edge to any work look if you work in a more relaxed office
Top stitch midi dress - Me&Em. Would work well in any office. Layer over a polo neck or long sleeve top when it’s freezing.
I absolutely love this burnt caramel ‘teddy’ blazer’ - it feels fresh with the texture. Would work as a coat in slightly warmer times (I’m typing this in freezing January) so I feel like it’s quite versatile
Another slightly different take on a traditional blazer. A cream cord, sharp shoulder blazer. I love a light blazer in winter paired with dark tailoring, it feels unexpected as most people gravitate towards darker colours this time of year
Paying attention to the details with this faux pearl belt - Me&Em
Love these shoes at Me&Em. 1. Olive block heel shoe - how unusual and fresh to have shoes in this colour! Would go with lots. 2. Studded flats. 3. Flat faux pearl shoes
Add some glam with these silver ballet flats from COS
These merino wool tops are amazing for layering and come in loads of colours but always sell out - COS
I love the contrast of this Massimo Dutti soft dress with touch black boots. Throw a camel blazer on top or black for monochrome.
Great detail on this knit. Can layer it over a long sleeve now and take it into Spring without
Midi Skirts are everywhere, particularly checked and fuller ones. Love this one from Massimo Dutti and the tie detail tee with it
Ending with a splash of colour with these lovely trousers from Me&Em- these are on sale!
My first round-up of 2026. For more outfit ideas and inspiration on what to wear and how to wear it, follow me here on Instagram or listen to my chart-topping podcast The Style Stories Podcast
Hire Lisa to help with your wardrobe in 2026. Contact her here for more details
Lisa Gillbe is a top London personal stylist with 15 years of experience working with senior professionals. The team provide wardrobe edits and personal shopping services for busy professionals who lack time to shop. Read more here.