5 Celebrity Outfit Ideas for the Work Week Ahead

Photo: Raymond Hall/GC Images

“What should I wear to work today?” Whether your office is a slick corporate building, airy loft space, or wherever the next client meeting takes you, chances are you ask — and struggle to answer — this question several times a week. To streamline the process (and set your alarm for a little later!) tune into our new Sunday night column, 9-to-5 Fashion, for five perfect HR-approved outfit formulas to see you through Friday.

01 of 05

MONDAY: Longline Blazer + Cigarette Trousers + Loafers

MONDAY: Longline Blazer + Cigarette Trousers + Loafers
XactpiX/Splash

Fresh week, fresh start! Kick it off on a high note, courtesy of Victoria Beckham’s devastatingly chic take on suiting: a boxy blazer coat, like this style from COS, offset by slim cut pants. To keep the lines clean, opt for a simple white shell over a button-down, and complete the look with sleek, minimalist accessories, like a black pouch and subtly pointed two-tone loafers (we're obsessed with this pair from Everlane).

02 of 05

TUESDAY: Knit Dress + Ankle-Strap Heels

TUESDAY: Knit Dress + Ankle-Strap Heels
Astrid Stawiarz/Getty

Running late to your 9 a.m. meeting? Viola Davis’s lightweight sweater dress—both Madewell and Aritzia carry like-minded options—and ladylike accents (hey, there red lipstick!) offer a quick and easy way to look pulled together when you've only got five minutes (or less) to spare. Tip: On the weekends, you can squeeze extra mileage from this piece with over-the-knee boots and a slouchy suede carryall.

03 of 05

WEDNESDAY: Denim Button-Down + Floral Skirt + Pumps

WEDNESDAY: Denim Button-Down + Floral Skirt + Pumps
John Lamparski/FilmMagic

Break out of an all-black (or gray, or tan—you get the picture!) rut by upgrading your neutral-heavy pencil skirt collection with a cheerful bloom colored variation, such as this Rebecca Taylor piece. For a more casual office environment, consider following Olivia Palermo’s lead with a knotted front chambray shirt on top; otherwise, the style work equally well with a classic white blouse. Either way, single sole pumps (bright or neutral) are a foolproof way to finish the look.

04 of 05

THURSDAY: Long Belted Vest + Wide-Leg Trousers + Heeled Mules

THURSDAY: Long Belted Vest + Wide-Leg Trousers + Heeled Mules
Jim Spellman/WireImage

While Elizabeth Olsen’s ensemble here exudes professional polish, it’s actually pajama-level comfy. The secret: perfectly balanced proportions—note how the actress’s pant cuff hits right at the ankle bone and she’s used a ribbon to give her waistcoat a flattering shape—and streamlined shoes with a subtle lift. This sleeveless Theory blazer and these Elizabeth and James pants provide a similar effect when teamed together, especially if you have a tailor adjust the measurements to your own.

05 of 05

FRIDAY: Wide-Leg Pants + Button-Down + Sneakers

FRIDAY: Wide-Leg Pants + Button-Down + Sneakers
Raymond Hall/GC Images

First things first: It’s T-minus eight hours until the weekend, and there is no way you’re walking into it with uncomfortable shoes. Fortunately, Victoria's Secret Angel Elsa Hosk has a genius way to give trainers a 9-to-5 twist: high-rise wide-leg trousers (a crisper silhouette, like this pair from Max Mara, feels the most polished) and a timeless white Oxford. Perfectly windswept hair a plus, but not required.

Related Articles
Best Black Pants for Work
The 16 Best Black Work Pants That Will Elevate Your Back-to-Office Wardrobe
30 Plus-Size Fall Outfits
27 Plus-Size Fall Outfits to Inspire Your Wardrobe This Season
Three women wear corduroy pants outfits for women featuring yellow, blue, and pink corduroy pants.
18 Chic Ways to Wear Corduroy Pants
shoes with wide leg pants
12 Shoes That Look Great With Your Wide-Leg Pants
A woman wears a professional outfit
11 Casual Interview Outfits to Help You Land the Job
woman in monochromatic creamy wide leg pants outfit
12 Ideas for How to Wear Wide-Leg Pants
Hailey Bieber wearing an oversized blazer; Emily Ratajkowski wearing an oversized blazer
22 Unexpected Oversized Blazer Outfit Ideas That Score Major Style Points
Tina Leung in an all-black outfit
21 Unique Ways to Wear Head-to-Toe Black