As the crisp air of fall begins to settle in, your office wardrobe is due for an upgrade. This season, fashion trends blend timeless sophistication with modern touches, making it the perfect time to refresh your workwear. Whether you’re attending meetings or dressing for casual Fridays, here are the essential dos and don’ts for mastering fall office fashion.

Fashion Dos: Fall Trends to Embrace

1. Camel Colors & Warm Neutrals
Camel hues continue to reign as fall’s most versatile shades. Whether it’s a camel-colored coat, trousers, or a soft sweater, these warm neutrals bring a classic, polished touch to any office look. Pair with wide-leg trousers or a chic pencil skirt to complete your ensemble.

Other Trending Fall Colors: Olive Green, Burnt Orange, Brown, Burnt Yellow, and Red

This season’s color palette is rich and grounded, featuring shades like olive green, burnt orange, and deep red. Incorporating these hues into accessories or outerwear keeps your look on-trend and professional, adding warmth and style to any outfit.

2. Wide-Leg Pants & Knee-High Boots
Wide-leg trousers are not only comfortable but exude a sleek, tailored appearance. Pairing them with knee-high (or over-the-knee) boots offers a stylish contrast that elongates the leg and adds dimension to your outfit. Opt for leather or suede in neutral tones to keep things office-appropriate.

3. Leather Trenches & Oversized Blazers
A leather trench coat offers the perfect balance of edge and sophistication for cooler days. Oversized blazers are also on-trend, bringing a structured, clean-line silhouette. These are ideal for layering over blouses or light sweaters and provide a chic twist on classic suiting.

4. Country House Chic
Embrace countryside-inspired pieces like riding boots and earthy tones for a modern twist on office attire. A well-fitted pair of riding boots can elevate your work wardrobe, giving a nod to classic English country style, especially when paired with tailored trousers or a chic dress.

5. Carryall Totes
This fall, practicality meets fashion with carryall totes that fit your laptop, essentials, and more. Opt for totes in fall colors like olive green, brown, or burnt orange for a stylish yet functional accessory. The one pictured is from Ralph Lauren.

6. Studs are back!

Studs are a bold statement this fall, adding an edgy touch to everything from jackets to handbags. They’re making an appearance on leather accents, boots, and even accessories like belts, giving a modern twist to classic pieces. Whether adorning outerwear or dresses, studs bring a mix of rock-and-roll chic and sophistication to autumn wardrobes

7. So are statement necklaces!

Statement necklaces are gaining popularity at the gym as a stylish alternative to earrings, especially with the rise of Apple AirPods Max, which makes wearing earrings uncomfortable during workouts. These bold accessories add flair without interfering with headphones, offering a fresh, trendy solution for fitness enthusiasts who still want to accessorize.

For Men:

• Crewneck Cardigans & Suede: Crewneck cardigans are an excellent layering piece for the office. Choose a neutral tone for a clean, minimal look. Suede pieces like jackets add texture and warmth to a fall wardrobe, perfect for the transition from casual to business-casual settings.
• Barn Jackets: A nod to rugged outerwear, barn jackets in neutral or muted tones are making a comeback. They provide warmth and style, especially on casual Fridays or in creative work environments.

Fashion Don’ts: What to Avoid in the Office

1. Workout Clothes
While athleisure may be a hit in casual environments, workout clothes have no place in the office. Keep your leggings, hoodies, and running shoes for after-work gym sessions, and opt for more tailored, structured pieces during office hours. You can’t fool us with jackets or long sweaters. WE KNOW THEY ARE YOGA PANTS. And not only don’t they belong in the office but make it really easy to derail your weight loss goals simply because it’s possible to gain 20-30 pounds and for the pants still to fit! Yeah, that’s right!!!

2. Sneakers with Professional Attire
Sneakers with suits or dresses may seem tempting for comfort, but it’s a trend best left for more casual settings. Stick to polished footwear, like loafers or ankle boots, to maintain a professional appearance. I wear sneakers for comfort on commute, but make sure they aren’t beat up or “running shoes” that look really tacky.

3. Skinny Jeans
Skinny jeans have taken a backseat to wide-leg and straight-leg styles this season (which may come as a relief to some of us). While they may still work for casual days, they no longer carry the polished appeal needed for a professional office environment.

4. Pretty in Pink
Though pastels are lovely, fall calls for richer, earthier tones. Avoid light pink and other spring pastels, opting instead for deep, vibrant colors like olive, burgundy, and mustard yellow. Save Barbie pink for summer!

5. Micro Bags
Tiny bags may be trendy, but they’re far from practical in an office setting. Swap your micro bag for a structured, carryall tote that balances both function and fashion.

6. Flip-Flops & Feet Exposure
Bare feet, flip-flops, or any kind of foot exposure is a definite no in the workplace. Or after September, period, unless you are in Hawaii. Closed-toe shoes, such as loafers or sleek ankle boots, are your go-to for maintaining professionalism.

Fall is the perfect time to experiment with your office wardrobe, incorporating trending colors, luxurious fabrics, and new silhouettes. By blending classic pieces with this season’s top trends, you’ll stay stylish while projecting a professional, put-together image in the workplace.