Skip to main content

The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

Put Your Office Outfit on Auto-Pilot with these Easy-to-Wear Workplace Essentials

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Figuring out what to wear to work can be a real head-scratcher. Do you invest in complete outfits? Wing it with separates? Or just try and mimic everything your boss wears? In my opinion, the best way to stave off imposter syndrome (and streamline your workplace attire in the process) is to fill out your closet with some versatile and stylin’ staples.

Snag a few interchangeable basics and you’ll be shocked by the ease with which you can mix-and-match your way to success by creating dozens of different looks that are as fly as you are. Interested in the idea but have no idea where to start? No worries; I’m going to introduce you to my favorite pants, shirts, and jackets that’ll help put your office outfit routine on auto-pilot.

Recommended Videos

Pants

Dockers Alpha Khaki Pants
Dockers Alpha Original Khaki
Image used with permission by copyright holder

A close-fitting, lean cut makes the Alpha Khakis from Dockers an obvious workplace go-to. They’re fun yet professional, trendy yet effortlessly classic, and it doesn’t hurt that they’re infused with four-way stretch for extra mobility. Pair with a simple button down for a laid back look or dress the whole thing up with a dark colored jacket.

Flint and Tinder Cool Chinos
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Lightweight, comfortable, and super versatile, the Cool Chinos from Flint and Tinder are a slam dunk for some mix-n-match styling, whether you want to go old school with a turtleneck and suit jacket or casual with a graphic T-shirt. Plus, they feature an open knit that’s incredibly breathable.

Club Monaco Sutton Donegal Herringbone Dress Pants
Image used with permission by copyright holder

While the above options are great for most workplace situations, you’ll definitely want to keep a pair of dressier pants around as well, like these from Club Monaco. A herringbone weave makes for an elevated aesthetic that could take any look from 0 to 60 in no time flat, so bring these out for your next one-on-one with the boss.

Shirts

Tommy John Stay Tucked Dress Shirt
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Every office outfit rotation needs a streamlined button down, and this one from Tommy John is an absolute winner. Why? Because it’s guaranteed to stay tucked no matter how much you move, resulting in a tailored finish appropriate for any situation.

Duer 9 to 9 Button Down
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Another great button down option is the 9 to 9 shirt from Duer. Though it’s currently sold out (sad face), we highly recommend you jump on this the next time it’s available. Not only is it imbued with special cooling and stretch properties, but also happens to look extremely flattering on most guys.

Faherty Stretch Oxford Shirt
Image used with permission by copyright holder

For something a little more relaxed, consider this stretch oxford from Faherty. While traditional oxfords are notorious for being stiff and boxy, this bad boy has a looser fit that looks just as good tucked as it does untucked, while still maintaining that air of office-appropriateness.

Jackets

Taylor Stitch Telegraph Jacket in Navy Slub
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Looking to boost your workplace look without too much fuss? Then you’ll definitely want to incorporate the Telegraph Jacket from Taylor Stitch into your rotation. An even knit of cotton and wool (plus a lustrous chambray finish) makes this blazer both hip and classic, as appropriate with cuffed jeans and a tee as dress pants and a tie.

Bonobos Tech Blazer
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Though it’s always important to build a wardrobe to your personal tastes, there are still some items you’ve just gotta have, one of which is a crisp, clean blazer. Sure, this item may not seem super exciting hanging in your closet, but it’s guaranteed to look damn impressive at your next client meeting. There are a lot of blazer options on the market, but for our money, there’s no better jacket than this one from Bonobos.

Indochino Houndstooth Linen Cotton Blazer
Image used with permission by copyright holder

And of course, no office outfit collection would be complete without a little luxury, so why not throw this houndstooth linen cotton blazer from Indochino into the mix. Here, merino wool and premium silk work in concert to create a sumptuous vibe that’s cozy and classy i.e. ideal for stepping up your style game without sacrificing comfort.

And now that you’ve got your office outfits on auto-pilot and are happy with your fashion-forward, but easy look, why not upgrade your workspace while you’re at it?

Cody Gohl
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Cody Gohl is a Brooklyn-based writer who enjoys covering a wide range of topics, including travel, fashion, literature, LGBT…
Reebok and OBEY unite for the ultimate streetwear design
Reebok and OBEY announce new collection
three sneakers in the street

Inspired by classic and modern sports silhouettes, Reebok has turned to streetwear brand OBEY to cocreate the ultimate streetwear collection. In recent years, Reebok has brought retro sneakers and designs back into the mainstream, making them some of the latest “it” pieces. In this new collection, Reebok adds some edge to the design of their typically classic footwear. Both brands have utilized this collection to hone in on their self-expression and empowerment beliefs to create pieces every rebel will want to own. In this new partnership, both brands have announced three new sneakers that are as distinct and unique as their intended wearers. 
OBEY x Reebok FW24

As part of their Fall/Winter 2024 campaign, the two brands have announced three new footwear options for the ideal streetwear touch. The first pair in the collection, the OBEY x Reebok BB450, is a burgundy premium leather that takes after some of Reebok’s classic basketball sneakers. In the BB450, both brands opted for suede accents, speed hook eyelets, premium leather lining, and a branded sock liner and hangtag. Sticking to the trending seasonal colors, the second option comes in the dark green OBEY x Reebok Club C 85. The Club C 85 features premium leather, metal lace eyelets, black laces, and OBEY’s window box logo. This sneaker finds its inspiration from the brand’s iconic tennis sneaker. 

Read more
You will love these two new NORQAIN watches
Check out the new NORQAIN Wild One Skeleton watches in gold and grey
NORQAIN Wild One Skeleton Gold

Norqain has just rolled out two timepieces: the Wild ONE Skeleton Gold and the Wild ONE Skeleton Grey.

Developed by the brand’s CEO Ben Kuffer and Jean Claude Biver, the Wild ONE Skeleton Gold features a ruthenium-coated black skeletonized movement (COSC) and an 18ct red gold brushed and polished case, which reflects sunlight elegantly. Apart from that, the dial also has some gold hour markers that blend smoothly with the casing to accentuate the monochromatic and goldish hue.

Read more
Best of REI’s Winter Sale: Up to 62% off clothes and gear
Man winter camping with a green tent

If the cold of winter won't stop you from enjoying the great outdoors, you better be prepared. Fortunately, now's an excellent time to buy winter outfits and winter gear, as you can enjoy huge savings from REI Co-op's REI Outlet Winter Sale, which runs until November 21. You can take advantage of discounts of as much as 62% off, and REI Co-op members can get 20% off on a full-priced item and an extra 20% off on a REI Outlet item using the coupon code WINTER24. We've got some recommendations for excellent bargains, but feel free to look at all the deals through the button below. You're going to want to complete your purchases as soon as possible though, as stocks may run out sooner than you expect.

Bogs Casual Lace Boots -- $54 $135 60% off

Read more