How to Look Put Together and Polished in a Casual Office

While meeting a good friend for coffee one weekday morning, I was suddenly (and noticeably) taken aback by her choice in casual office outfit—think: college sweatshirt, jeggings, and T-strap Birkenstocks. She then explained to me that at her work (a predominately male tech startup consisting of only about 10 employees), the dress code was pretty much “no dress code.” While some people might thrill at the idea of being able to wear whatever they want to work, my friend shared her frustration. After all, there’s something to be said for how looking put-together can positively affect your attitude and mindset. For my friend, the tricky part has been figuring out how to strike a balance between looking polished and stylish, while still maintaining that not “trying too hard” vibe. So today’s story is for anyone in the same boat.

Scroll through to see and shop six casual office outfits that still look way polished.

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1. Belted Blazer + Skinny Jeans + Oxfords
(Image credit: Song of Style)

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2. Oversized Blazer + Cropped Jeans + Ankle Boots
(Image credit: A Love Is Blind)

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3. Printed Coat + White Pants + White Oxfords
(Image credit: A Love Is Blind)

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4. Little White Dress + Sandals
(Image credit: A Love Is Blind)

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5. Striped Shirt + Trench Coat + Jeans + Loafers
(Image credit: Atlantic-Pacific)

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Related: 31 Polished Office Looks for Every Day of the Month

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6. Matching Set + Pointed-Toe Flats
(Image credit: Gary Pepper)

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Next up, check out more office style stories

Editor-at-Large

Since starting as an intern back in 2013, Nicole Akhtarzad Eshaghpour has held several roles here at Who What Wear, and she is currently Editor-at-Large. It was a less expected route, seeing as she was graduating from business school at USC when this all began, but it has turned out to be the best one for her. Fast-forward to 2020, and she's moved to NYC from her hometown of Beverly Hills and spends her workdays a little differently from when she was an intern starting out. Currently, she focuses on a weekly mélange of shopping content. As far as her personal style goes, she's largely drawn to classic pieces and neutral basics but will always make an exception for something colorful, printed, or bejeweled as long as it's deemed worthy enough. After all, the only thing she loves more than a good party is dressing up for one. On weekdays, she can usually be found at home eating something delicious for dinner and trying to force her husband to watch 90 Day Fiancé.