Work clothes for women
“What do you actually wear to work?”
30 answers from 30 people · Updated Oct 12, 2026
Aritzia The Effortless Pant™ - Crepette™
Truly the best black basic trousers mine have lasted years!
I’m 5-foot-4 and wear a teal Argent power suit when I want to channel AOC. Their clothes are extremely well-made and priced accordingly. Sometimes pieces make their way to discount chains like TJ Maxx. To get my suit, I played the long game: bought the blazer at Nordstrom Rack, then waited for the NWT pants to hit eBay
21
these are the comfiest and most reliable pants i own. i have had these for 3 years and they have been my companion on long haul flights, in the office, at the gym, as PAJAMAS… they are so comfy while also looking put-together. holy grail pants
54
As amazing as everyone says. They are stretchy, lightweight, wrinkle-free and don't show sweat. Holy Grail commute pants.
Riviera Slim Pants in Doubleweave
These pants I wear in black or in navy. I have them in size 4 and in size 6 (for a looser fit)
So, I regularly get dressed in the dark for work. I work with kids, and want to be comfortable, playful, but also put together. These adult onesies are secretly pajamas but look so fun! I have never worn one without getting a compliment. When I started my doctoral internship, I bought five and just wore them in a cycle for a full year (I was only on campus 3 days a week, so it worked out to not be too "Mr. Rogers." They are so comfy! The only issue is, of course, peeing, but just do what I do and don't drink water and you'll be fine (kidding? Of course?)
22
I own this in white (in two sizes, multiples), blue stripe, pink stripe, regular blue, white oxford, black, cinch sleeve white, cinch sleeve denim, sheer black, sheer taupe… I cannot express how much my life revolves around this shirt.
72
my most reached for pair for when you have to dress business, but want to dress causal
2
Keep a pair of clip on earrings at your desk
Gives you a quick polish for zoom even if you’re not wearing hard pants
2
i’ve been using this one since my very first day in court! i literally just this second tested it with a chonky legal size redwell and my industrial size work laptop bag. everything fit and would fit even better if i bit the bullet and bought the system laptop case which is much slimmer and cuter. i got this brown color and i’ll admit i wish i had the black, but still love her! it was certainly cheaper when i got it in 2022, but i think for a work bag it’s not overpriced
62
My go-to work bag. Feels like Bottega, but at a friendlier price point.
10 recs
17 recs
Banana Republic Everywhere Ponte Pants
I go into the office (read: suffer) five days a week and wear these pants at least three times every week. All of the cuts are good but my favorite is the cropped flare. The material is like thick yoga pants and makes being in the office bearable. I wear my true size (they’re forgiving, and I’m just on the cusp of wanting to move up a size anyway, but just note that the fit is snug and the fabric is stretchy but not overly so), but I’m 5’4” and they’re just about ankle length for me.
1
Madewell medium transport tote
I bought this for myself 8 years ago as my first big girl work bag and despite buying several more work bags in that time, she’s the one I still use. It has held up really well and even looks better with age. If I could do one thing differently it would be to get the zip version, but otherwise zero complaints.
11
Old Navy Extra High-Waisted Taylor Wide-Leg Trouser Pants
Another favorite pant for people with curves — they have an adjustable waist with interior buttons along the waistband (no idea why we leave this genius sizing trick in the kids’ section normally)! They release different colors and fabrics with the seasons, so I have a couple for work and a more casual white pair for summer. Keep an eye out because they go on sale regularly!
1
the only black pants i'll ever need
everyone in my life has now either purchased these or wants to. done and dusted, these are perfect for going out or for the office. the perfect slacks
A skate brand has made the best work bag for the everyday office girl. Laptop sleeve, front pocket, side pocket for water bottles, key leash, roomy inner compartment for lunches, another compartment for pens etc. Easy to clean, comfortable to carry. Have not skated with it because I don’t know how.
3
Splurgy for sure, but this is a GREAT work bag. In addition to being highly attractive, it’s also surprisingly ergonomic, and makes my laptop feel like it’s not there weighing me down every step of the commute. This was a 40th bday gift to self and a no-regrets purchase.
202
Knomo Backpack (my perfect work backpack)
I’ve had this backpack for almost nine years, I use it constantly, and I still love it just as much. The design is thoughtful (trolley sleeve, several well-placed outside pockets + a dedicated laptop area) while maintaining a surprisingly thin silhouette.
Carhartt Men's Loose Straight Washed Duck Dungaree, Carhartt Brown, W33 x L30
I buy the men’s style and honestly it’s high waist and super flattering PLUS they have multiple inseam options!
Welcome to the most fulfilling of professions! I just went to an Ocean Vuong talk, and he spoke so lovingly and clearly about the significance of being an educator. You’re in great company. You may not be standing as much as a classroom teacher, but I bet you’ll do a lot of walking to and from classrooms on hard floors. A great pair of clogs will save your feet and back… utilitarian Dansko or something fancier, like Bryr. You can dress quite casually as a teacher! T-shirts or button downs + jeans are most people’s go to’s.
51
maybe not the most cool. But I've had things for over a decade, that wash+travel for conferences great, and always are the appropriate length/coverage.
11
I too needed a bigger bag for my work laptop and this one does a great job (I have in green). It even has a laptop pouch built in 👀 definitely my rec for a work bag
1
Salter House Deep Pocket Work Pants
Mens but looks great on women. Heavy stiff canvas. Baggy fit. 10/10
2
