You may not have a seat at a New York Fashion Week runway show, but that doesn’t mean you can’t dress like you’re on your way there. This fall, office dressing is getting a decidedly fashion-week-minded makeover: sculptural tailoring, exaggerated proportions, sheer layers, statement shoes and unexpected prints are all making their way into the nine-to-five rotation. The trick is knowing how to make the trends work for real life.
After all, the goal is to look like you might be headed to a show after your last meeting—not like you accidentally walked into the office wearing a runway costume. For celebrity stylist Austin Niesner, the secret is all about proportion, polish and a few strategically chosen fashion-forward details.
We asked the style expert how to take some of the biggest trends of the season and make them work from morning meetings to after-hours plans. Here’s how to give your work wardrobe a little NYFW energy—no fashion-week invite required.
The easiest way to make an ordinary work outfit feel considerably more fashion-y? Start at the shoulders. Sculptural jackets, exaggerated shoulders and dramatic silhouettes are having a major moment, but bringing runway-level volume into the office requires a little restraint.
Niesner’s styling rule is simple: if one half of your outfit is making a statement, let the other half keep things streamlined.
“When playing with exaggerated proportions, it’s important to create balance,” he says. “Define the waist with an hourglass-shaped blazer or add a belt over a more oversized silhouette.” His other trick is pairing a statement jacket with sharp, streamlined bottoms, which keeps the look polished rather than overwhelming.
The oversized shoulders and buttoned waist will help snatch your silhouette, giving you that coveted "fashion girl" look. Choose from two colors.
These stream-lined capris are in the trendiest print of fall: zebra!
This is a single-breasted blazer with a notched lapel, hourglass silhouette and slim fit. It’s expertly tailored from Eversential, a softly structured stretch fabric that holds its form while you move easy. Choose from several colors.
Sheer fabrics and lingerie-inspired dressing can sound decidedly less “boardroom” and more “after-hours,” but that doesn’t mean they have to stay out of your work wardrobe.
The key is making sure the styling—not the skin—is what gets noticed. “The key is layering,” Niesner says. He recommends pairing sheer or lingerie-inspired pieces with a solid, high-coverage base layer, then adding structure with a tailored blazer, sleeveless vest or trench coat.
This lightweight lace top is the perfect layering piece for under dresses, sweater vests, and even tees. Choose from several colors.
The Cotton Linen Sweater Tank is light, breathable, and effortlessly versatile - ideal for early fall layering and in-between weather. Choose from two colors.
When you want that effortless look with an extra side of luxe. This dress pulls it off with a cotton-cashmere blend that's light, breathable, and ribbed knit for touchable softness. An always-chic boat neckline and midi silhouette make this dress a versatile pick for day-to-day. Choose from many colors.
Obviously, you'll pair this adorable sheer midi skirt with a pair of shorts, leggings, or even a tunic before wearing it to the office. On the weekends however, consider brightly colored hot pants or sequin bottoms to make a statement!
This lightweight trench coat has a collared neckline, a classic double-breasted silhouette, side pockets, and long sleeves with buttoning cuffs. Oversized fit is roomy enough to wear over your favorite sweater before ending at a cropped hem. Removable cape detail.
Complete your work-appropriate fashion week look with this sheer lace maxi skirt that has a back slit for easy movement. We'd reccomend pairing with biker shorts or even a layering this maxi under a mini.
If the word “peplum” immediately transports you back to the early 2010s, consider this your official invitation to reconsider it. The silhouette is back, but this time around, it’s less about overtly feminine sweetness and more about intentional styling.
For Niesner, the easiest way to make a peplum feel current is to simplify everything around it. “I love leaning into a monochromatic look—whether that’s a head-to-toe neutral or even all denim,” he says.
This puff sleeve top is the perfect balance of sweet and chic, featuring seamed cups, a set-in waist, and a peplum hem that effortlessly flatters.
Take your wide leg pant game to a whole new level with 100% mulberry silk. These luxuriously soft pants have a flowy, flattering silhouette with a comfy drawstring and pockets for easy wear. They can be dressed up or down and look (and feel) amazing wherever they go.
Whatever your plans are, this denim top is always ready for a fun time. Featuring an under-bust seam and a ruffled peplum hem, this piece enhances any look.
These stretchy jeans from Just Black Denim have a flattering high waist and a relaxed fit through the hips and thighs for call day comfort. Subtle flared hems. Top button, zipper fly, and five-pocket cut.
Loafers and boat shoes are easy ways to update a work wardrobe, Niesner says, but there’s another option that feels particularly fresh: the two-tone pump.
“They add just enough visual interest to transform a simple office look,” he says. Better yet, they have the versatility to carry you beyond the workday and into the kind of post-office plans where you might want your outfit to feel a little more directional.
Meet the slingback that does it all, polished enough for your 9-5, effortless enough for your 5-9. Crafted with a buttery-soft Italian sheep leather upper, smooth and breathable cow leather lining, and a 4mm Ortholite leather insole, it delivers serious all-day comfort. Choose from a few colors.
Treat your feet. The Natasha Wedge is a wedge with a pointed toe and an adjustable ankle strap. Sleek, refined, and sexy, if you need that.
“Zebra is having a real moment, and it’s surprisingly easy to incorporate into an otherwise neutral wardrobe,” he says.
A zebra-print bag or flat gives a classic office look a more directional edge without overwhelming it. The trick is to treat the print almost like another neutral. A zebra flat with black trousers, a printed bag with a gray suit or even a smaller accessory can add personality without taking over the outfit.
These zebra shoes will look amazing with jeans, dresses, and skirts!
This on-sale crossbody bag is the perfect office, date night, or even errand-running companion.
Punch up the attitude of your ensembles with this zebra-print shoulder bag crafted from genuine calf hair. A polished handle tops the elongated silhouette with a refined finish.
Your regular work bag just isn't going to cut it. As Niesner said, you'll need some killer accessories to really upgrade your look. That isn't limited to earrings, necklaces, and rings.
There's a whole world of fashion-forward bags out there that are perfect for the office, and we've selected the best options below.
The Coach Brooklyn shoulder bag is an elegant, minimalist silhouette with a distinctly New York attitude. Crafted of natural grain leather with beautiful texture and soft feel, this generously sized hobo style features a spacious interior with room for a 15" laptop and a snap pocket for access to essentials.
This Brahmin's scooped shape fits perfectly under the arm, but can also comfortably rest on your shoulder, making it ideal of work commutes. Its spacious silhouette fits everything you need, including a work laptop, your wallet, a pair of sunglasses, a notebook, and even a few lipglosses. Plus, it comes in so many patterns and colors.
Looking for more fashion-forward picks? Discover the Best Affordable Tabi Dupes & Split-Toe Flats
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