Are you nervous about heading back to work? Are you wondering what to wear to work? For many of us – we are returning back to work and after working from home for what feels like forever heading back to the office can seem overwhelming, stressful and a little uncomfortable (lol). I know personally that one of the benefits of working from home was the short commute (haha) but also dressing comfortably. I also remember what it felt like to return to work after being a stay-at-home-mom for 8 years. I didn’t really know what to wear and I wanted to feel good and ready for the work place.

Being away from the office means we have adopted some new routines and have really turned towards dressing for comfort and away from style. The good news is — I have noticed that stores are certainly hearing us out and making office work wear more comfortable. I have found some favourite pieces that look and feel great! I’m a huge fan of Banana Republic – this is not an Ad — but just some of my favourite finds from them plus I love a deal and these are great finds!

My top 12 work wear faves:

1. The airstretch taper pant . My new favoutite pant which I purchased in black (of course) and vegan. But I’m hoping to buy another pair in midnight lily which is a deep red wine tone. These pants are perfect! They feel like a workout pant but look like a professional trouser. These are a must!
2. The oversized sleeve sweater. The name says it all – oversized! I have this sweater in the white and orange. Very versatile and it won’t over heat you. Wear it in the fall, winter or spring and cooler summer days.
3. The tencel utility pant . Again another very comfortable pant especially is you have a larger thigh. These are a nice fit — not tight or baggy! I often wear mine with a cute bomber jacket or a classic white blouse. Add a nice piece of jewelry and you are ready for the office!
4. The crepe top . A classic must have piece – I have these in white and black. Great for layering under a blazer or cardigan or on their own on those warmer days. And this a top with some room which makes it so comfortable!
5. The slim knit blazer. Another classic piece and this comes in petite sizing too! A black blazer goes with everything from jeans to a dress. It’s a great piece to wear with the airstretch pants — perfect for a meeting when you need to impress!
6. The poplin shirt. You always need a pop of colour and yellow is great with black, khaki, navy and grey but also white. Poplin shirts can seem stiff but what I love about this blouse is the room in the arms and body. It looks great tucked or untucked. I have this blouse in white and the yellow seems always sold out in my size.
7. The mini shirtdress. A dress is an easy piece to just put on and you instantly look like you put in a ton of effort. This dress doesn’t look like much on the rack but add a belt, some earrings and tall or short boots and it has an instant wow factor! This dress has the right amount of stretch that is gives you room but doesn’t cling. Styling is key with this dress.
8. The barrel jean. Depending on your office setting you can wear jeans to the office but focus on the fit and colour. Not too tight, too loose and no tears or distressing! I love the look and fit of these jeans — they come in a variety of lengths too! Remember wearing denim at work still should include sophisticated styling. Add some hoops and a ring or bracelet. Pair them with a blouse, a blazer or a great sweater!
9. The wrap pleated blouse. Another classic piece but with a slight twist – the wrap look adds some visual interest but isn’t too trendy. A piece you could wear with trousers or jeans. This comes in classic white but personally I love the cinnamon brown color!
10. Medium hoop earrings. I love what accessories can do to an outfit – a hoop earring is a classic and the medium size is enough to make an impact but completely office appropriate.
11. Multilayered ring. I love wearing different rings (especially with a great manicure) with an outfit. You will be surprised at the impact!
12. Link bracelet. I have this in gold but it’s beautiful in silver too. It plays into that “paperclip” link trend for necklaces (which I love) and this is very lightweight so it won’t bother you during the work day.

Dressing for heading back to work should not be intimidating or too costly. I hope this list and my tips are helpful for you and your return to work!