When it comes to work wear, most of us have a completely separate closet for our office clothes. Many of us are spending extra money on clothes that we only wear Monday to Friday, 9 to 5. And while that’s okay for some, it’s better for our wallets, our closets, and the environment to build wardrobes that can be taken from day to night.
Having a wardrobe that can seamlessly be worn to work and formal occasions to laid back events with family and friends may seem impossible, but with our roundup of office appropriate retailers, finding those key staple pieces is easy.
Here are our top picks for the best places to shop for stylish office wear.
Ted Baker
Work wear that’s appropriate for your 9 to 5 gig, but is still stylish enough to wear for afterwork dinner or drinks is hard to find. Luckily, Ted Baker’s selection is exactly that. The UK-based brand is known for their pops of colour and unique prints, but their tailoring and quality is what makes this brand stand out against the rest. They offer trendy, yet timeless pieces that’ll last you your entire office career.
Winners and Marshalls
While we can’t guarantee finding a specific piece at Winners and Marshalls, if you go in with an open mind, you’ll definitely find a variety of trendy pieces worthy of the office. The department store has everything from dress shirts, to blazers, and all at great prices. We suggest checking out the Winners at College Park and the Marshalls at Yonge/Gerrard.
Babaton by Aritzia
The great thing about shopping at Aritzia is that you can shop there for almost every stage of your life. We all remember rocking TNA, and now that we work in offices, Babaton is more of our jam. From blouses and blazers to pencil skirts and perfectly fitting trousers, a Babaton outfit is not only work appropriate, but it’ll be the envy of your coworkers, too.
Zara
Zara is an obvious choice for affordable office wear that is super on trend. Pro tip: shop online as many stores run out of certain items. Once you make a purchase, choose to ship it to the closest store location for free where you can try the item on/return it if you’ve changed your mind.
Uniqlo
The Japanese retailer is a mecca for basics. The best part? All of their styles usually run in several different colours, so if you find a dress shirt you really love, grab it in a number of hues! Pieces like turtlenecks and t-shirts are great for wearing under blazers and sweaters, but can be dressed down on the weekend, too.
H&M
It’s no secret that H&M is trendy and affordable. They have a ton of office appropriate styles that are on par or slightly less than the prices at Zara. The trendy retailer also has a ton of low-cost accessories like jewelry, belts and bags, making it a good place to shop if you’re looking to finish off your look.
Hudson’s Bay
This heritage retailer is a good place to go if you’re looking for a one-stop shop. What’s also great is that no matter your budget, you’ll find something that fits it here! With a variety of brands to shop, there’s no doubt that you’ll be able to find a pair of staple trousers, a classic blouse, or a full set of basics. Don’t forget to check out their accessory section, too. Sometimes all you need to take a plain outfit to the next level is a statement necklace or pair of earrings.
Featured Image: Instagram/@shhtephs in Ted Baker