Work Dress Code: What to Wear When You Need to Look Professional

When it comes to work dress code, the unwritten rules that tell you what clothing is acceptable in a professional setting. Also known as office attire, it’s not about looking rich—it’s about looking respectful, put-together, and ready to work. Whether you’re in an office, a hospital, a law firm, or a startup, your clothes send a message before you even speak. And in the UK, where subtlety often beats flash, getting it right means knowing the difference between business casual and formal, and when it’s okay to wear jeans—or not.

Most workplaces don’t have a strict rulebook, but they have clear expectations. A suit, a tailored set of jacket and trousers or skirt, usually in neutral tones. Also known as business suit, it’s still the gold standard for client meetings, interviews, or formal events. But you don’t need to buy a £1,000 suit to look professional. A well-fitting, clean, ironed suit from a mid-range brand works just fine. The key? Fit matters more than price. A suit that’s too tight or too loose ruins the look faster than a cheap fabric ever could. And if you’re standing all day? Don’t forget work shoes, footwear designed for comfort during long shifts, often with support, cushioning, and non-slip soles. Also known as professional footwear, it’s the quiet hero of any work outfit. You can look sharp in a blazer and dark jeans, but if your shoes hurt after two hours, you’re not winning.

What you wear also depends on your industry. A bank teller and a graphic designer have very different dress codes—even if they’re both in London. The rise of hybrid work has blurred the lines, but the core idea hasn’t changed: dress for the job you want, not just the job you have. That means knowing when to upgrade from a hoodie to a button-down, or when a cocktail dress, a short, elegant dress worn to evening events, often in silk, satin, or lace. Also known as party dress, it’s not for the office unless you’re at a formal dinner after work. fits the occasion. And if you’re wondering whether your leather shoes can survive a rainy commute? They can—just don’t let them sit wet overnight.

You’ll find real advice here—not vague suggestions, but what actually works. From how many hoodies you really need to wear to work (spoiler: it’s not three), to why dark jeans make you look slimmer, to what Meghan Markle’s denim choices reveal about professional style. We cover the quiet details: how to wash a hoodie without ruining it, whether leggings count as workwear, and what color dress works best for a client dinner. This isn’t about following trends. It’s about building a wardrobe that lets you show up confidently, every day, without overthinking it.