As we transition to a new season, it’s that time of year when we get to swap out our heavy-duty coats and refresh our office wardrobes for warmer days ahead. The best spring work outfits for women can span from casual to business professional, but the key to ensuring they are never dull is to always infuse a bit of your personal style. And with Fashion Month in full force, now is the best time to take some inspiration. Think of these outfit formulas as your master class in how to achieve chic workwear styling, with ideas on how to layer like a pro or how to wear head-to-toe white with ease.
Below, see and shop the best spring work outfits for women that will make getting dressed in the morning a breeze.
1. Pop of Pink
Pastels are the easiest way to lean into the lighter and brighter feel of the new season. Choose work basics in these similar hues to incorporate into your wardrobe for spring. Overall, keep things relaxed with a collared knit in pale pink to pair with your favorite light-wash, wide-leg jeans (or trousers could work too). Finally, add a ladylike swing-style coat in a light khaki color and a sleek leather work bag to elevate the overall look for the office.
2. Transitional Staples
If warmer weather is on your mind but temperatures haven’t quite begun to match, think of layering as your best friend for this interim period. That summer-ready white poplin maxi skirt can work perfectly in the spring when paired with a cozy cashmere knit and trench coat for combatting wind chills and unexpected rain showers. For a dash of color, add something bright in the accessories department, like a slim scarf or a cute Mary Jane shoe in tomato red.
3. The Springtime Suit
When you think about the best work outfits, suiting is often a part of the equation. This spring, instead of a regular pants suit, test-drive a skirt suit. Stick to a sharp tailored blazer that will show off your waistline and pair it with a sleek pencil skirt. Add a pair of sheer tights, pointed-toe kitten-heel mules, and a top-handle bag.
4. In the Trenches
Spring outerwear is all about the trench coat. If you haven’t invested in a classic khaki version yet, this is your sign to do so. Here, we see just how easy it is to style it with other office workhorses in your closet, such as a classic light-blue button-down shirt. If you’re feeling adventurous, show off a little leg with a tailored miniskirt or swap it out for trousers. This combo can be worn with everything from boots to ballet flats, loafers, and more.
5. Navy All Day
The deep-blue hue is a welcome change for spring. Rather than pairing your blazer and trousers with a traditional button-down, keep things relaxed with a fitted white T-shirt, for a look that is cool and classic. Add pointed leather flats to keep things comfortable and commuter-friendly, but just be sure that yours have a fashionable twist.
6. The Leopard Effect
Although flashy prints might be frowned upon if you are working within the confines of a formal workplace, one pattern that has increasingly been considered a “new neutral” is leopard. A pencil skirt in the pattern is a natural choice, and it feels ultrafresh when styled with a cropped cape trench. Your best bet for accessories will be pointy, low-heel pumps and a minimal shoulder bag to tie the whole look together.
7. Crème de la Crème
We don’t believe in rules about when white can and can’t be worn. We love winter whites, and especially this combo, for spring too. To keep things on trend, try a collarless jacket with silky trouser pants. For finishing touches, contrast is key. We suggest styling with black accessories, like a slingback pump and a sharp shoulder bag, to finish off the look.
8. Foolproof Wardrobe Essentials
There is nothing like stocking up on the best basics in every work wardrobe. These simple separates make getting dressed in the morning (and out the door) even faster. Classics such as a black blazer, a poplin shirt, and wide-leg jeans in a dark rinse are all necessities in a closet. For a casual office, choose retro sneakers for an extra cool twist or a kitten heel for something a bit more formal.
9. Prep Remix
Polo shirts and pleated skirts are synonymous with prep-school fashion, yet they make for some of the best workwear. Rather than going the micro route, opt for a full skirt with soft pleating in khaki, which feels like more of a grown-up way to do preppy. Keep the overall outfit streamlined by wearing the skirt with a simple polo shirt in chocolate brown and add a little texture in the form of a buckled flat and suede shoulder bag.
10. The New Power Suit
The three-piece suit has seen a modern fashion revival over the years. We recommend buying all three pieces at once so that there is no extra styling (or color matching!) required later. Wear it with or without a shirt underneath. (A button-down or T-shirt is a great underpinning.) Come summer, shed the extra layers and wear the vest as a standalone top.
11. Utilitarian Jacket Chic
Whether you prefer chore coats, barn jackets, or field jackets, this utilitarian-style outerwear may be inspired by the countryside, but it can be worn anywhere you are. Style yours for the workplace with a minimalist black maxi skirt, crewneck T-shirt, and soft leather loafers.
12. Luxe Leather Layering
We can’t say this enough, but spring is all about layering. Get inspired by Bazaar’s own senior fashion and accessories editor, Jaclyn Alexandra Cohen, who shows us how to put a fashion-forward spin on modern workwear. Style a zip-front leather jacket with white kick-flare pants. While you may need to wear them with boots for a little longer, you can swap them out for black leather sandals when the time comes. Plus, a workhorse tote bag is a must-have to stylishly stow your laptop, wallet, and more.
