June Fashion Forecast: Office Edition
- styleadvisor.co
- Apr 20
- 3 min read
Updated: 25 minutes ago
The guide to an effortless office wardrobe
When the seasons blur and the days feel like a balancing act between sunshine and chill, I find comfort in the rhythm of layering. There’s a quiet elegance in an outfit that unfolds, each piece thoughtfully chosen, every texture and tone working in harmony. This is how I’ve been dressing lately: intentionally, layer by layer.
Base Layer: Grounded Foundations
I always begin from the bottom up. For me, the base layer sets the tone, it’s the structure everything else leans into. My go-to is a pair of tailored trousers: either a plain black or a high-waisted small flare in cream. Both silhouettes add length and sophistication without sacrificing comfort. When I want a little more femininity without losing edge, I’ll reach for a pencil-style maxi skirt. I love one in slate, black or muted beige—it skims the hips and falls just to the ankle, offering an elegant, polished look, perfect for any office.
Layer One: The Core Top
Next comes the top. I like to keep it simple, sleek, and close to the body. A high-neck tank or long sleeve ribbed knit shirt in ivory, or a soft caramel is often my canvas. The clean neckline feels refined, and the texture adds depth under structured outer layers. On days where I want to infuse a bit of tailored attitude, I opt for a vest. I have a brushed wool piece in oatmeal that buttons just below the bust and has a slight cinch at the waist to keep it sleek but not excessive.
Layer Two: Soft Warmth
Once the base is in place, I reach for softness. A cardigan is my preferred bridge between comfort and polish. I tend toward fine-gauge knits in cashmere or merino-dove, with colours varying from neutral tones like a golden caramel, espresso brown or delicate navy, to more colourful statement pieces like a dusty rose or light yellow depending on the mood. I like it relaxed, not too loose, not too fitted, something I can shrug into with ease, but still polished enough to peek out from beneath the next layer. It’s the piece that brings warmth and quiet texture into the look.
If a cardigan feels too relaxed or you're leaning toward something more structured, a blazer offers a sophisticated alternative. It’s the piece that refines the softness underneath, adding shape and intention to the overall look. Lately, I’ve been gravitating toward a double-breasted blazer in a rich chocolate brown—tailored through the waist with a subtle shoulder structure that creates quiet definition. The fabric has a soft, sueded texture that adds depth without overwhelming, and the lapels lend a timeless, polished finish. It’s confident without being austere—precise, composed, and entirely considered.
Layer Four: The Final Touch — The Trench
No outfit feels complete without the final, sweeping layer. A trench coat in a cool stone like navy, or deep taupe brings everything together. I go for one that hits just below the knee or right above the ankle, with a fluid silhouette that moves swiftly as I walk. My favourite has wide lapels, matte tortoiseshell buttons, and a belt that ties at the waist but still looks effortless if left undone. It’s elegance in motion—timeless and always appropriate, no matter the hour or occasion.
Layer Five: The Finishing Step
And finally, the shoes. For a look this layered and intentional, footwear needs to match that energy. A short leather heel, something pointed in black or burgendy feels polished without being overdone. When the day is long and I need more ease, I’ll go with a soft suede loafer or a minimal mule in nude leather. If I’m embracing practicality, I have a pair of professional sneakers: low-profile, clean-lined, and in crisp white with no branding. They’re subtle, but they finish the look with just the right note of modern edge. Pair these with a plain, sleek tote bag and a polished hair style and you're ready to go.
The Bigger Picture
What I love most about dressing this way is that every layer has a purpose. Each one offers a new textural moment or tonal shift that builds upon the last. It’s less about trend, more about intention. A quiet, confident kind of style that adapts with you, whether the sun comes out or the chill lingers a little longer.
xoxo,
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