Finding quality and stylish workwear for the office can be difficult. When I look for workwear, I like to think about what a brand does particularly well – i.e., their point of uniqueness. For example, when I go to Zara, I am looking for clothes that are more trend-driven and experimental, whereas when shopping at Muji I am expecting more minimalist styles with higher quality.
When searching for workwear ask yourself what am I missing in my wardrobe? You should have a good foundation of basics to start with, with perhaps a few bolder choices to add flair. Workwear should also have versatility - you should have different pieces which you mix and match together to dress up or down.
Here are some brands I shop at when looking for workwear.
Uniqlo
Uniqlo is the number one place I would recommend shopping for workwear. Uniqlo focuses on elevating basics into timeless pieces. The brand offers seasonal collaborations with other brands, such as Kaws, JW Anderson and Takashi Murakami. These collaborations keep Uniqlo stylish and trendy to the average consumer.
The clothes are made from quality materials and are usually very comfortable. Uniqlo make the best (IMO) workpants that come in so many different styles, my favourite is the smart ankle pants. Hot tip: Uniqlo also offers free length alteration for most of their pants, they do however exclude Uniqlo U and collaboration ranges. Uniqlo also well known for their heattech. This innerwear keeps you very warm during cold Melbourne winters and can be a hidden way to give you extra warmth without adding bulk.
The price point is only slightly higher compared to Kmart and Target but you can feel the quality difference.
Muji
Muji is known for their high-quality materials and construction.
Muji has a Japanese minimalist aesthetic, offered at a reasonable price. The brand offers a no-frills approach to style which is less trend-driven and more down to earth.
The brand uses more earthy tones and uses more organic fabric. One of my favourite pieces I bought at Muji was a yak and wool blend jumper which is extremely warm and doesn’t irritate my skin. Muji has wonderful work shirts which are breathable and elegant looking. I love my white oxford cloth button-down shirt which lets me easily go between formal and semi casual styles.
What I do not like about Muji is the sizing runs on the smaller side and many items only have 3 sizes which is not very inclusive. When I try on clothes, I also notice on some tops the sleeves run on the shorter side which is not good if you are tall.
Zara
Zara is great fun to shop at. The price is reasonable, and the clothes are always on trend. What I love about Zara is the variety of different colours and styles. The brand is experimental and chic which can bring some flair to your work outfits. Zara offers everything from more runway inspired styles to more basic staples under the Zara basics line.
One of my favourite Zara pieces is my lilac workpants which bring a pop of colour to my work outfits. Zara also makes fantastic jackets. My first ever trench coat was a latte-coloured trench and elevated so many different outfits I wore it with.
A downside of Zara is the clothes are a product of fast fashion. A trend may only be cool for one season, which means you may be stuck with clothes you don’t want to wear once the trend is over. It’s important to remember that the products are not very high quality, and you’re more likely to see synthetic materials used that may irritate your skin.
Ted Baker
Ted Baker offers quality clothes with a London flair. Ted Baker has a modern classic approach to style. The brand often plays with fun silhouettes on the dresses and skirts that have a nod to vintage styles such as circle skirts and pencil skirts.
Ted Baker keeps it fresh with bright colours and bold patterns and the attention to detail is very apparent. For example, the inner lining of the clothes always has a beautiful pattern. Ted Baker’s design is more on the elegant and formal side, so to avoid going over the top, I like to pair with my other basics to complete a look.
The only problem with Ted Baker is the price point is high and the style might be bit eclectic for some. I would highly recommend going to the Preston Teddy Baker direct factory outlet. They have some great clothes without the luxury price tag.
I hope you have found some ideas to spice up your work wardrobe with some brands I am slightly obsessed with.
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