To beat the morning rush, we'll always go back to the basics. That trusty blazer and white shirt are pieces we can throw on without thought and look impeccable.
But if they aren't giving you the same excitement as flashy, trendy clothes, there's a happy middle ground you might fancy - not-so-basic basics.
We've curated a list of officewear staples that are technically still basics with all their convenience and versatility, but with a little twist. Our picks are more suited to workplaces with relaxed dress codes, but most of them can be easily styled for a more formal look.
#1 Cropped Wrap Shirt
Photo from ASOS
Swap out your usual collared shirt with a cropped one with a wrap design. This Missguided Petite Crop Shirt ($42.99) mixes things up further with a cute tie waist detail.
#2 Sheer Long-Sleeved Top
Photo from Zalora
Sheer fabrics are associated with clubbing and sexy outfits but a top like the Hollister Mesh Festive Baby Tee ($48) can be easily styled to look more conservative. Wear it under a cami dress, or pair it with a cropped top and keep your bottoms more covered up with long trousers or a flared midi skirt.
#3 Cropped Halter Top
Photo from Zalora
Halter tops do not seem office appropriate but hear us out! Imagine a blazer and tailored trousers with this Monki Black Crop Halter Top ($18). The top and blazer combo will create an interesting neckline and show off just a tiny bit of skin which is balanced out by the long trousers.
#4 Faux Leather Skirt
Photo from H&M
Another one that has a subtle peek-a-boo skin effect is the H&M Cut-Out-Detail Skirt ($29.95). Everything about it, from the faux leather and cut-out detail to the metal ring, screams cool without being over-the-top. Keep the outfit office-friendly with a long-sleeved shirt.
#5 Houndstooth Mini Skirt
Photo from Mango
Timeless prints like stripes, polka dots and florals are the easiest way to make a basic outfit look less, you know, basic. But an underrated print that can add some real preppy pizzaz to a workwear ensemble is houndstooth. Go for a classic look with a crisp white shirt tucked under the Mango Houndstooth Mini Skirt ($59.90). If you're in a mood for a bolder look, the print's black and white colour palette makes it easy to pair it with a top of any colour you like.
#6 Bronze Basics
Photo from Zalora
Black, white and grey are the most well-known neutrals, but silver, gold and bronze are arguably also versatile enough to be in the same category. Try the Monki Lightweight Midi Skirt ($50), which comes in a slinky fabric and flattering flared cut.
#7 Slit Trousers
Photo from Mango
These Mango Ribbed Side Slit Trousers ($49.90) are just as timeless as your go-to workwear trousers, but adds a touch of intrigue to an outfit thanks to the slits at the bottom and its casual ribbed knit material.
#8 Skorts
Photo from Zara
Mini skirts might be a little too revealing, so why not try skorts? They offer the same security as shorts but with the look of a skirt. And like with skirts with short hemlines, you can balance out the short Zara Asymmetric Skort ($55.90) with more professional-looking pieces like a collared shirt and heeled brogues.
#9 Satin Shirt Dress
Photo from Zara
There are only so many iterations of shift dresses that one can wear. Try the Zara Short Satin Dress ($69.90) instead! It has a flattering wrapped V-shaped neckline, a defined waist and gathered detail. It also comes in a pure white, black, green and pink.
#10 Relaxed Midi Dress
Photo from ASOS
The ASOS DESIGN Supersoft Polo Jumper Dress ($77.99) is the perfect dress-down Friday outfit you can just slip on and go. If it's still too casual, wear it with a pair of closed-toe heels and put your hair up in a sleek bun.
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