Photo:
Sandra Semburg
As anyone who works in an office knows, figuring out a different outfit for every day of the week is quite the challenge. And what working person has time to rifle through their entire wardrobe day after day, searching for an appropriate work outfit that’s both stylish and comfortable? That’s exactly why we went straight to one of our favorite brands for work basics (and everything else), AYR. AYR’s minimalistic pieces are the actual definition of what we want to wear every single day. They’re high-quality, versatile, and timeless yet fresh, ideal for your office outfits.
Armed with the mission to narrow an entire wardrobe of options down to just 10 work outfits that can be mixed and matched with abandon, we tapped AYR Creative Director Jac Cameron to fill us in on a few of the essentials to create a work wardrobe comprising two weeks’ worth of go-to outfits. All you need to do is stock your closet with the prescribed styles and keep the outfit formulas on hand! Keep scrolling to read Cameron’s expert advice and then see and shop the 10 outfits.
One Jacket
The Robe coat is one of AYR’s best sellers for a good reason: “It’s one of the most versatile pieces in the line, as you can style it back to multiple outfits,” says Cameron. She describes it as “a perfect layer piece [that’s] unconstructed with no closure and looks good over anything from a dress to a tailored pant.” We couldn’t agree more. (Bonus: It comes in three neutral hues, with the camel version being a Who What Wear editor favorite.)
Four Tops
Cameron recommends having silk tanks with high necklines on hand, “It’s an essential layering piece that goes back to so many looks with simplicity—just elevated.” She also condones a basic white button-down: “I think a clean white shirt is the most classic item in the wardrobe and something you’ll never tire of,” she notes. Round out your work-shirt collection with short-sleeve sweaters and striped button-downs.
Two Skirts
One can never have too many pencil midi skirts. The longer length looks more directional than knee-length and pairs perfectly with every top and jacket in your closet. For polish, tuck your shirt into the skirt if it’s on the longer side, or wear it loose if it’s more cropped. We recommend having neutral and patterned and/or colorful versions on hand.
One Dress
“A shirtdress is perfect for dressier office environments—perfect with a pair of pumps, or worn over the shoulders as a jacket with the sleeves rolled up for more fashion-forward office environments.”
Two Pairs of Pants
Cameron is a proponent of two pairs of work pants in particular—dark-wash skinny jeans (for casual Fridays and the like) and slim black pants. AYR’s flattering The Arrow Pant “has a lot of stretch, and the recovery is phenomenal, so it never bags out,” according to Cameron. Fun fact: She divulges that the “fabric was originally created for equestrian wear because riders would get docked points when they came off the horse for baggy knees.” She also recommends a skinny-jean style named after the creative director herself—Jac’s Jean. “They give you a more elevated feel because of the nature of the shade and perfect fit,” she notes.
Three Pairs of Shoes
Mules, loafers, and pumps are versatile enough to wear with every single one of your 10 work outfits, so stock up and mix and match to your heart’s content!
The Outfits
Striped Blouse + Black Pants + Loafers
This is such an easy, no-think outfit combination—perfect for when you want to feel comfortable yet still look smart and put together.
White Shirt + Skinny Jeans + Pumps
Skinny jeans and a button-down look instantly more polished with the addition of sleek black pumps.
Shirtdress + Mules
Here’s a 30-second work outfit if there ever was one!
Robe Jacket + Silk Tank + Black Pants + Mules
The neutrals work in sartorial harmony in this ultra-chic and streamlined work outfit.
Polo Sweater + Neutral Midi Skirt + Mules
A polo sweater looks boardroom-ready when paired with a chic black midi skirt.
Shirtdress + Silk Tank + Skinny Jeans + Mules
Wear your shirtdress open as a jacket over your silky tank and jeans for a super-versatile look.
Robe Jacket + Silk Tank + Printed Pencil Skirt + Pumps
When wearing a printed skirt, keep the rest of your outfit minimal and simple with neutrals.
Shirtdress + White Shirt + Neutral Midi Skirt + Pumps
The shirtdress worn as a jacket adds a more casual touch to a corporate shirt-and-skirt combo.
Silk Tank + Printed Pencil Skirt + Pumps
This is the perfect outfit to take you from morning meetings to evening margaritas in utmost style.
Polo Sweater + Skinny Jeans + Mules
For a more casual work look, pair skinny jeans with a short-sleeve sweater and comfortable mules.
This post was originally published on an earlier date and has since been updated.
Up next, 9 affordable places women actually buy work clothes.