I Polled My Colleagues—20 Spring Work Staples Everyone Agrees On
- Image credit: @vlachouin; @harrietbond_; @maevabuono
- By Ada Tefft
- Published On 28 03 25
- In Spring
Yes, I’ve been focusing on spring work staples lately not because I’m giving up on my capsule wardrobe, but because it’s fascinating to see how these pieces shape an entire office look when the new season hits. Some might relish the thought of scanning every runway-inspired collection or blog, while others groan at the idea of adding yet another task to their morning routine. Either way, the question of how to dress for work feels more fraught than ever.
That’s exactly what prompted me to poll my colleagues about the styles they consistently gravitate toward for spring. I wanted specifics on what truly stays relevant, not just a fleeting item that sparks excitement one minute and leaves you unimpressed the next.
Interestingly, responses ran the gamut: Some of them spoke about tailored suiting that transitions seamlessly from a desk setting to dinner reservations; others swear by bright color injections that inject a serious dose of freshness into the standard black-and-white rotation. One person (sorry, she told me not to mention her) even claimed that the difference between a stagnant work wardrobe and a snappy one lies in how willing you are to try new proportions, like wide-leg trousers paired with structured layering.
So, polling a group with varied tastes proved eye-opening. What one colleague found absolutely essential (citing a love of vibrant floral blazers), another saw as passé, preferring neutrals and subtle prints. These kinds of debates actually reflect why styling your 9-to-5 looks can be so interesting: You notice how different approaches often converge on the same goal of staying trend-driven, each through a distinct lens.
Naturally, my colleagues at LookLume and I don’t always agree on specific details; some are all for minimalism, while others embrace shiny accessories. Yet we can unite around a few core picks that deliver high impact for spring.
You might wonder why anyone needs another story about how to dress for work, especially since countless “office outfit” ideas crop up every season. I’d argue that a well-chosen list of spring work staples can actually save time (and stress) by steering you toward pieces that have a proven track record in real-life wardrobes.
Throughout this process, I’ve realized that new arrivals alone don’t guarantee a successful look- context matters. Polished suiting might feel right for one person, while another might gravitate toward a crisp, color-saturated blazer that becomes their signature piece. There’s a distinct thrill in pinpointing items that look universally trend-forward, no matter the styling angle.
If you’re as intrigued by these universal hits as I am, stick around: I’ve compiled 20 spring work staples that everyone, from the runway enthusiasts (us) to the subdued dressers, seems to agree on. This lineup may well shift how you see your office-ready spring wardrobe and give you a fresh set of ideas to try the minute Monday rolls around.
1/20. Ivory Knit Polo Jumper + White Cargo Trousers + Black Kitten Heels + Burgundy Shoulder Bag
Wants to ensure your office outfits are equipped for spring? Always opt for lightweight layers, like the look above. Even if you’re planning on wearing wide-leg trousers or a relaxed polo jumper, it’s worth layering with a structured belt to ensure maximum aura.
2/20. Black Cropped Top + Black Oversized Trench Coat + Black Wide-Leg Jeans + White Sneakers + Burgundy Woven Handbag
A surefire way to give your office outfit a cool edge when the morning is somewhat cold is by using that trench coat you used during winter. A black oversized trench coat will be one of the hardest-working pieces in your wardrobe. Add a cropped top underneath and wide-leg jeans for an instant win.
3/20. Black Strapless Top + Beige Tailored Blazer + Black Capri Pants + Black Flip-Flop Heels + Black Structured Handbag
Capri pants are enjoying a peak in popularity right now (because of spring; ofc), featuring regularly in the office outfits of my favorite social media dressers. This outfit is hooked on my current go-to piece the beige blazer, which is made all the more refined with the addition of a strapless top.
4/20. White Ribbed Tank Top + Striped Shirt + Beige Structured Blazer + Dark Wash Wide-Leg Jeans + White Sneakers
Tonal dressing, where someone wears neutral shades from head to toe, has been trending for a few seasons now, but it’s a look that is showing no sign of slowing down for spring office wear. This is a great trend for achieving a streamlined silhouette, as by sticking to a neutral palette.
5/20. White Graphic T-Shirt + Black Cropped Blazer + Beige Wide-Leg Trousers + Burgundy Sneakers
For a relaxed office look, wide-leg trousers are the ultimate workwear staple. We’ll be teaming ours with a structured cropped blazer and a simple graphic tee, like Ashley.
6/20. White Satin Button-Up Shirt + Blue Straight-Leg Jeans + Brown Suede Loafers + Black Quilted Crossbody Bag
When you really want your crisp button-up shirt to be the center of attention, you’ll want to ensure your styling honors that desire. What better way to do just that than by adding polished accessories? Not only will structured loafers add refinement, but a quilted bag will also elevate the entire ensemble.
7/20. White Button-Up Shirt + Dark Wash Wide-Leg Jeans + Black Mary Janes + Black Leather Structured Handbag
If you’ve been checking out what’s been happening in the office outfit scene lately, you’ll notice one thing in common: tailored denim. This refined trend has gathered momentum in the last few years, turning it from casual staple to an office-approved essential. When it comes to workwear that will really go the distance, look no further than polished wide-leg jeans.
8/20. White Button-Up Shirt + Dark Wash Wide-Leg Jeans + Black Kitten Heels + Black Woven Handbag
One of the easiest ways to achieve effortless office style is to invest in solid staples, such as a crisp white button-up (as said above). Not only does this timeless piece stand the test of time, but if you style it right, you can also create a chic workwear look.
9/20. White Button-Up Shirt + Grey Trousers + Brown Suede Jacket + Brown Suede Ballet Flats + Brown Suede Tote Bag
We loved the feminine charm of suede outfits during Fall and Winter. But this outfit above is a perfect example that suede staples can win spring outfits too. Sometimes we like to go all-in!
10/20. White Button-Up Vest + Light Wash Straight-Leg Jeans + Taupe Oversized Jacket + Beige Ankle Boots + Yellow Shoulder Bag
Another failproof office outfit formula you can rely on? Ahem, the look above. For those mornings when you really cannot be bothered, throw on a relaxed suede jacket with classic denim and ankle boots—you won’t regret it.
11/20. Brown Suede Jacket + Beige Fitted Top + White Wide-Leg Trousers + Brown Suede Sneakers + White Leather Tote Bag
Just because it’s spring doesn’t mean you can’t embrace layers especially when it comes to dressing for the office. It’s a look that will work for whatever plans are on your agenda.
12/20. Ivory Knit Polo Jumper + Camel Pleated Wide-Leg Trousers + Black Leather Tote Bag + Black Ankle Boots
When I want to elevate an office outfit, neutral tones are the first thing I reach for. Camel trousers paired with an ivory knit sweater create the ultimate polished balance for spring.
13/20. Dark Brown Button-Up Shirt + White Wide-Leg Raw Hem Jeans + Black Kitten Heels + Black Duffle Bag
Button-up shirts were a huge trend in previous years, and are going nowhere for 2025.
14/20. Brown Fitted Knit Top + Beige High-Waisted Wide-Leg Trousers +White Cap-Toe Mary Janes + Mini White Coin Purse
When the winter chill finally clears, take that as your sign to embrace refined knitwear just like Victoire did.
15/20. White Jumper + Charcoal Wide-Leg Trousers +White Cap-Toe Ballet Flats + Grey Structured Handbag
I was late to the cap-toe ballet flat trend, but I’m so glad I joined. After seasons of sneakers dominating, this shoe style is proving to be the ultimate office-friendly alternative for spring.
16/20. Light Blue Button-Up Shirt + Dark Wash Wide-Leg Jeans + Dark Brown Suede Jacket + Camel Cap-Toe Ballet Flats + Dark Brown Suede Tote Bag
If you’re unsure whether jeans are appropriate for an office setting, consider adding structured layers. By pairing them with a suede jacket and ballet flats, you can make this item more work-friendly.
17/20. Grey Pantsuit + White Button-Up Shirt + Black Tie + Black Kitten Heels + Black Structured Handbag
A tailored pantsuit and a crisp button-up is a classic pairing. For important meetings and office days, this is a fail-safe formula.
18/20. Black Tweed Blazer + Black T-Shirt + White Wide-Leg Trousers + White Sneakers + Black Quilted Chain Bag
If ever there’s a time to embrace timeless tweed, it’s in 2025. Whatever the season, a black tweed blazer styled with crisp white trousers always feels refined.
19/20. Grey Sleeveless High-Neck Knit Top + Blue Wide-Leg Jeans + Black Pointed-Toe Flats + Denim Bag
Suiting separates aren’t the only way to achieve polished workwear—enter refined knit tops into the chat. What’s great about a structured knit paired with wide-leg jeans is that it will always look sophisticated no matter the shade.
20/20. Dusty Rose Satin Button-Up + Beige Trousers + Beige Kitten Heels + Dusty Rose Leather Bag
Be it summer, autumn, winter, or spring, muted pastels remain one of my go-to shades for the office. Naturally elegant and refined, you can give the soft hues a sophisticated edge by pairing them with crisp neutrals to create an elevated workwear look.
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