3 Stylist-Approved Women’s Workwear Staples & How to Style Them for the Office
STYLE THE STAPLE
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When it comes to mastering the art of power dressing, it’s not about reinventing your entire wardrobe; it’s about knowing which staples carry the most impact and how to style them with intention. Fashion stylist Brooklyn Nash, known for her expertise in women’s workwear, demonstrates just that in her curated office-ready looks. With a focus on three timeless essentials—a tailored blazer, a pencil skirt, and black wide-leg trousers—Nash shows how these pieces go far beyond basics. Through sharp silhouettes, modern accessories, and thoughtful color play, she redefines workwear as a balance of authority and elegance, proving that the right outfit can be both commanding and undeniably chic.
Meet The Stylist
Brooklyn Nash
Brooklyn Nash is a fashion stylist specializing in women’s workwear, helping professionals refine their wardrobes with confidence and ease. With a degree in Fashion Design and a background in luxury sales and styling, she blends a designer’s eye with real-world expertise to create elevated, versatile looks. Brooklyn focuses on curating polished workwear wardrobes that balance sophistication with individuality, making her a trusted partner for executives and professionals alike.
Must-Have Women’s Workwear Staples
A black blazer, pencil skirt, and wide-leg trousers are women’s workwear heroes because not only are they office-appropriate, they’re endlessly adaptable, acting as the building blocks for looks that move seamlessly from boardroom meetings to after-hours dinners. Their clean lines and refined tailoring provide a foundation that can be dressed up with sculptural jewelry and heels or pared back with knits and flats, ensuring they never feel one-note. Beyond practicality, they embody the essence of power dressing: pieces that anchor a look, command attention without excess, and allow the wearer’s confidence to take center stage.
Black Cinched Blazer
A black cinched blazer isn’t just a workwear staple—it’s your office power move. If there’s one takeaway from this fall’s runways, it’s that sculpted silhouettes are back. From Schiaparelli to Givenchy and Ashlyn, designers are trading oversized blazers for tailoring that emphasizes the waist and celebrates clean lines. With its waist-defining cut, a black cinched blazer brings instant polish while subtly highlighting your silhouette, striking that coveted balance between authority and elegance. Its classic black hue pairs seamlessly with almost any color or pattern, making it easy to integrate into a variety of outfits from dresses to trousers and skirts.
Embrace a polished and preppy look by pairing your blazer with a plaid skirt, a black fitted turtleneck for a slimming look, or a white fitted turtleneck for more dimension and contrast. A crisp button-down shirt is another great option for a look that’s classic meets college prep. For a more luxe look, layer your fitted blazer over a white silk blouse. I love this timeless silk blouse from LilySilk as a quality option that’s also affordable.
More Shopping Options:
CINQ A SEPT KARLIE BLAZER – $395
TONY BIANCO KITTEN HEEL – $170
ALOHAS KITTEN HEEL PUMPS – $170
Black Wide-Leg Trousers
Black wide-leg trousers have earned their place as a workwear staple because they blur the line between timeless tailoring and modern ease. Their draped silhouette elongates the frame and introduces a subtle sense of movement that feels powerful without being severe. Unlike straight-leg trousers (which should still earn a spot in your workwear wardrobe), they adapt to almost any setting—structured enough for a boardroom meeting, yet relaxed enough to style with a knit or tee on casual Fridays.
Pairing sharp asymmetry and warm, deep burgundy blends edge and elegance in your workwear wardrobe. This fall, asymmetry is having its moment: Designers from Undercover to Saint Laurent to Alaïa are reimagining structure with unexpected proportions—uneven hemlines, asymmetrical tops, and silhouettes that feel architectural yet wearable. Pair that directional shape play with a color that feels equally rich and wearable: deep burgundy. Burgundy is going strong as the fall hue to work into every corner of your wardrobe, especially your shoes. From burgundy slingbacks to mesh flats in deep wine tones, runway and street style alike are leaning into burgundy as more than just an accent, but a modern neutral in its own right. For a more traditional silhouette, I absolutely love this silk blouse from Veronica Beard, featuring subtle polka dots, an elegant neckline, and on-trend bow in the back.
More Shopping Options:
FAVORITE DAUGHTER TROUSERS – $218
LINE & DOT ASYMMETRICAL TOP – $99
EVERLANE BURGUNDY FLATS – $198
Black Pencil Skirt
The pencil skirt endures as a workwear staple for its timeless silhouette. Its clean, vertical lines create instant structure while its tailored cut flatters without feeling dated. In today’s wardrobe, the pencil skirt is less about “office uniform” and more about versatility: pair it with a knit or blouse and boots for quiet authority, or with a sharp blazer and pumps when the dress code demands polish.
The real power of this look lies in the unexpected mix of black and brown: a pairing once considered a faux pas, now celebrated as one of fashion’s most sophisticated combinations. The deep chocolate suede boots and matching structured bag add warmth and texture, softening the sharpness of black and making the ensemble feel layered and intentional. At the core, the black pencil skirt anchors the outfit with tailored precision, while the cropped white button-down keeps the silhouette crisp and modern.
For a more classic look, trade the cropped button-down for a tucked-in oversized button-down shirt.
More Shopping Options:
CHARLES & KEITH SUEDE TOTE – $156
VERONICA BEARD SUEDE BELT – $150
MARC FISHER SUEDE BOOTS – $139
TONY BIANCO SUEDE BOOTS – $350
Frequently Asked Questions About Women’s Workwear Staples
What are the essential workwear staples every woman should own?
A tailored blazer, pencil skirt, black wide-leg trousers, a refined button-down, and a structured leather bag. These pieces mix and match easily, dress up or down, and anchor a polished wardrobe year-round.
Pro tip: Keep a consistent color story (black, charcoal, camel, ivory) to maximize outfit combinations.
How do I style black wide-leg trousers for the office?
Pair them with a crisp button-down or fine-gauge knit and a sharp blazer. Finish with loafers or low heels and a structured tote. Keep proportions clean—tuck tops in or choose a cropped layer to balance the volume.
Pro tip: Let the hem “kiss” the top of your shoe to elongate the leg line.
Can I mix black and brown in work outfits?
Yes—black and brown looks elevated when you vary textures. Try a black pencil skirt with chocolate suede boots and a brown leather bag. Add a tortoiseshell belt, earrings, or watch to bridge the tones.
Pro tip: Repeat the brown once (belt, bag, or shoe) so it feels intentional, not accidental.
What pencil skirt length is most office-appropriate?
Knee-length or just below the knee is the most versatile. Look for a body-skimming cut (not tight), a back vent for movement, and structured fabric that holds its shape all day.
Pro tip: If you sit a lot, a small stretch content (2–4%) prevents creasing and keeps shape.
How do I make my workwear feel current without chasing trends?
Start with timeless staples and add one modern element—like an asymmetrical top, a sculpted rollneck, or burgundy accessories. Keep your base neutral and let one detail carry the trend.
Pro tip: Swap just one accessory (belt, shoe, or bag) to refresh outfits without overhauling your wardrobe.
