Welcome to the Nothing To Wear Edit where each week we curate the best picks from the topic we spoke about on the podcast. Listen to the full episode here.
On this week's episode of Nothing To Wear I chatted to Virgina Jenkins about workwear.
I've always worked in pretty creative offices with relaxed dress codes, but Virginia (AKA Vee) is a lawyer, so she knows a thing or two about planning outfits for the corporate world.
When she's not doing law *stuff*, she's sharing helpful and handy style advice on Instagram to her audience of over 85,000 people.
Watch: The fashion trends you'll see on TikTok in 2025. Post continues after video.
Inspired by her clever tips, I challenged myself to imagine a life in which my career means I work in a more 'traditional' workplace.
I've pulled together the below list of what I'd buy to create a workwear wardrobe that's versatile enough to wear outside the office, too.
The best pieces to build your versatile workwear wardrobe.
Quality loafers.
Midas Shoes Melike Leather Loafers, $179.95.
Midas Shoes Melike Leather Loafers. Image: Midas.
A quality pair of leather loafers is a must in your shoe collection. I personally like a cream or beige colour (the lighter shade on my size 40 feet draws less attention), but you can't go wrong with classic black. When not at work, wear them with jeans, linen pants and maxi skirts.
Classic black pants.
Dissh Celine Black Pant, $149.99.
Celine Black Pant. Image: Dissh.
Black pants are a no-brainer, but when you find an amazing style and fit you won't want to take them off. I like a straight leg (AKA not too wide) and a high waist with loops, so I have the ability to add a belt. On the weekend, add a tank and denim jacket, and for a night out, a slinky cami works perfectly.
Wide leg tailoring.
Commonry Zoe Pant, $199.95.
Commonry Zoe Pant in Bitter Chocolate. Image: Myer.
A pair of wide leg pants (either from a suit set or bought on their own) literally go with everything. I like a colour aside from black that I can mix and match with white, patterns or neutrals. Outside the office, wear them with a crisp white tee or denim and trainers or sandals.
A timeless blazer.
AllSaints Aleida Tri Blazer, $279.
AllSaints Aleida Tri Blazer in Greige Brown. Image: The Iconic.
The key to finding a blazer that won't date after a few seasons is to go for a Goldilocks — not too fitted and not too oversized. Controversial, but I prefer one that's made of (good quality) synthetic fabric because it doesn't pill under the arms like linen or wool can. Wear it when travelling to instantly upgrade your casual clothes underneath.
A shirt dress.
Preview Australian Cotton Midi Shirt Dress, $60.
Australian Cotton Midi Shirt Dress in Black. Image: Target.
Shirt dresses are often thought of as casual, but a black or navy colour makes it more office-appropriate (with pumps or ballet flats). It's also perfect to wear to lunch or a BBQ with an extra button or two open and a raffia or straw bag and slides.
Button up waistcoat.
Forever New Hattie Hook and Eye Waistcoat, $99.99.
Forever New Hattie Hook and Eye Waistcoat in Porcelain. Image: The Iconic.
Wear a waistcoat to work with wide leg pants or an A-line skirt. On the weekend they look great with denim shorts, bermuda shorts or lace and sheers if you want to be very 'now'.
Fine knit cardigan.
H&M Rib Knit Cardigan, $49.99.
H&M Rib Knit Cardigan in Black. Image: H&M.
Size it up in a semi-sheer fine knit cardigan for a looser fit and wear it done up over a tank or singlet to the office. I have one similar to this, and I wear it out at night with jeans and a black bra with a few buttons undone.
Cage sandals.
Oxford Petra Caged Sandal, $229.
Oxford Petra Caged Sandal in Bone. Image: Myer.
Virginia talked about her love for caged sandals for the workplace as they're the perfect hybrid of covered yet comfy and airy. They look stylish with pants at work and on weekends, with jeans or even cooler with dresses and skirts.
Classic Pumps.
Nine West Mailin Pumps, $189.95.
Nine West Mailin Blue Pumps. Image: Myer.
Despite not working in the corporate world, I wear pumps almost all winter. I have these in suede black, but a royal blue is also fun. The heel is the perfect height for an evening occasion but not so high that you want to take them off or go home. I wear mine with dressy leggings and a blazer, with jeans, with dresses… with everything.
The staple shirt.
Witchery Cotton Oxford Shirt, $129.
Witchery Cotton Oxford Shirt. Image: Myer.
When you think of corporate clothing you think of a business shirt, right? I definitely do. When not at work, wear your classic cotton shirt undone over swimmers (cotton is breathable and launders really well). I also love a white, blue or tan button-up shirt with the sleeves rolled and a full tuck or french tuck into jeans, or with a linen skirt.
A slinky top.
Veronica Maine Crochet Short Sleeve Cardigan, $189.
Veronica Maine Crochet Short Sleeve Cardigan. Image: Myer.
Look for a fine-knit short-sleeved top, whether it's a t-shirt style or a short-sleeve cardigan. The slinky fabric instantly makes it dressier than cotton, so it's elevated enough for the office. Outside of that, pair it with anything you'd wear a normal tee with.
An A-line skirt.
The Fated Heart Midi Skirt, $109.95.
The Fated Heart Midi Skirt in Sand. Image: The Iconic.
A pencil skirt has long been the go-to office cut, but I personally feel they're dated (and restrictive to wear). A midi skirt with an A-line silhouette looks chic with a shirt tucked in or a lightweight knit. On the weekend, wear it with a ribbed cotton tank and trainers.
Long tent dress.
COS A-Line Maxi Dress, $225.
COS A-Line Maxi Dress in White Light. Image: The Iconic.
If you haven't already, you're about to see tent dresses everywhere. One with a high neckline (as opposed to shoe-string straps or strapless) is best for work. They're flowy and not figure hugging, but you can DIY a belt if you want a cinched-in silhouette.
Want more tips from Leigh Campbell? Read these next:
Feature image: Supplied/Instagram @yasminearrabella.
