9 Gen Z Workwear Capsule Wardrobe Staples, by a Fashion Editor
Building a workwear capsule wardrobe can be as taxing as the job itself, especially if, like me, you’re Gen Z and new to the game.
Looking for those polished, tailored pieces that feel classic and professional whilst remaining true to your personal style is a balance that can be hard to strike. But fear not! I am now a few years into the working world—as a junior fashion editor at Who What Wear UK—no less, so I have both the personal and professional expertise (as well as a team of colleagues who have kindly lent their advice) to guide you through the dos, don’ts, tips and tricks of curating a Gen Z workwear wardrobe.
Let’s set the scene: You’ve secured your first adult job: congrats! All the anxiety-induced stress and ungodly hours of interview prep have finally paid off, and now the long-awaited first day is finally here. From your hair and your nails to your outfit, everything has to be on point; we do mean business, after all. Whether you want to channel office siren, preppy librarian à la Miu Miu or an ever-so slightly more polished version than the “frazzled English woman”, one thing’s for sure: a working wardrobe has never been such a trending topic.
But before you start panic buying, I’ve put together a list of the nine most important pieces for a workwear capsule wardrobe for any Gen Z entering the world of work, complete with answers to all the important questions you might have. Remember, relax: the hardest part (securing the job) is already done.
9 Gen Z Workwear Capsule Wardrobe Staples
1. Timeless Trench Coat
Style Notes: If you’re like Deputy Editor Rebecca Rhys-Evans and have “chronic decision paralysis in the mornings”, a trench coat will work wonders for outerwear. Lightweight and breathable, not to mention gloriously practical, this is the perfect jacket to take you from the office to after-work drinks with ease. Now, I know a lot of us love the trendy cropped iterations, but personally, I’d stick with the classic longline silhouette, as it will never go out of style.
Shop Trench Coats:
Nobody’s Child
Camel Check Trim Trench Coat
So many fashion people love this reversible checked coat.
Tommy Hilfiger
Belted Trench Coat
Reformation
Matteo Trench
M&S Collection
Belted Longline Trench Coat
If I’m the first person to introduce you to the wonderful world of Marks and Spencer staples, welcome!
COS
Layered Double-Breasted Trench Coat
If you’re looking for something slightly cooler, look no further than this layered cotton COS style.
COS
Classic Cotton Car Coat
Want minimal fuss and frills? I have the perfect option.
Burberry
Long Waterloo Heritage Trench Coat
If you’re looking to splurge and invest in an icon, the Burberry trench might be the one for you. Synonymous with British style, it’s forever a fashion-person favourite.
2. Elevated Shirt
Style Notes: Regardless of age, an elevated shirt will work wonders in your workwear capsule wardrobe. Though a timeless piece, not all shirts are built the same. From a classic white shirt to trending frilled styles and cool stripes, there’s a button-down to fit every aesthetic. If you’re after a more laid-back option, choose an oversized fit or order a size up.
Shop Shirts:
Available in five office-approved shades and prints, H&M shirts always look far more expensive than their price tags.
Reformation
Will Oversized Shirt
This would look just as chic with a pair of tailored trousers as it would with a miniskirt and biker boots on the weekend.
& Other Stories
Oversized Shirt
Swap the jeans for trousers or a maxi skirt, and you have a perfect office-ready look.
A favourite of chic French women, Sézane makes high-quality staples which are perfect for those who would describe their style as relaxed yet quietly chic.
Maeve
Necktie Oxford Buttondown Shirt
In 2025, shirts don’t need to be boring. Add some personality with this one.
French Connection
Cambria Dobby Pleat Stripe Shirt
The cinched waist and balloon sleeves give this one some edge.
Whistles
Kirstie Cotton Stripe Blouse
Pair with high-waisted trousers and black heeled boots.
3. Fitted Waistcoat
Style Notes: Now, these aren’t the waistcoats of yesteryear; slightly beige-looking and a touch dated. Today’s styles, which are almost more of a button-down, sleeveless top, are equal parts cool and polished. Seen on everyone from L.A. It girls like Hailey Bieber to a whole host of fashion people; it’s the easiest way to look refined. Just throw on a pair of loose-fit trousers and some loafers, and you’re good to go.
Shop Waistcoats:
COS
Brushed-Cashmere Waistcoat
Perfect for winter, this would look so chic with black trousers and flats. Layer a long-sleeved top underneath for warmth.
The funnel neck and tortoiseshell buttons are a nice touch.
MANGO
Knitted Waistcoat With Contrast Detail
The contrast piping elevates this smooth knit vest, don’t you think?
Reformation
Addison Linen Top
Yes, yes, and yes to this fastening detail.
GUEST IN RESIDENCE
Houndstooth Cashmere Vest
I’m surprised at how taken I am with this houndstooth style.
Nobody’s Child
V-Neck Waistcoat
Size up, especially if you have a big bust.
&DAUGHTER
Wexford Wool Vest
A pop of a red is a fail-safe way to create visual interest.
4. Cosy Knits
(Image credit: @ooliviamiller)
Style Notes: Sure, a cosy cashmere knit is more of an investment, and when I first started working in fashion, I couldn’t help but wonder if it was really worth the additional cost. But boy, was I wrong. Versatile and classic, I find the best cashmere jumpers can elevate the simplest of outfits, add a dash of colour to an otherwise subdued winter colour palette and stand the test of time.
Shop Knits:
Reformation
Clara Cashmere Crew Cardigan
A cashmere cardi will never date.
COS
Cashmere Funnel-Neck Jumper
I’m very much into the funnel-neck silhouette right now.
Autograph
Wool Rich Relaxed Cardigan With Cashmere
Reformation
Jadey Cashmere Oversized V-Neck Sweater
I’d wear this over a button-down shirt with the collar and sleeves poking out.
Guest-In-Residence
Striped cashmere polo sweater
This will infuse your outfit with a healthy dose of personality.
Albaray
Cosy Wool Blend Jumper
Bright, bold and utterly brilliant.
Reformation
Cashmere Boyfriend Sweater
5. Tailored Trousers
Style Notes: It might seem a little boring, but you can never go wrong with a great pair of tailored trousers. If you’re a throw-on-and-go dresser in the mornings like me, they’re a reliable way to look polished without doing much at all. Even the most stylish amongst us have made the mistake of overlooking the practical elevation a tailored pair of trousers holds. Senior shopping editor Marina Avraam admits that until she had “the wonderful realisation that simplicity is the secret ingredient to a great wardrobe,” she too overlooked the ease that tailored trousers bring.
Shop Tailored Trousers:
COS
Milano Straight-Leg Trousers
Editorial assistant Brittany Davy loves these trousers. “COS wide-leg trousers are super comfy and durable. I’ve had these in my wardrobe for years,” she says.
M&S Collection
Crepe Tab Detail Wide Leg Trousers
With over 1300 (!) five-star reviews and a selection of colourways to choose from, it’s no surprise that these are a best-selling pair. They come in a variety of leg lengths for the perfect fit.
The Row
Igor High-Rise Wide-Leg Pants
The Row focuses on the quality and cut of simple items, and its tailored trousers remain on every editor’s wish list.
Abercrombie & Fitch
Sloane Tailored Wide Leg Pant
These are an editor-tried-and-tested pair of high-waisted, wide-leg trousers.
M&S Collection
Pleated Wide Leg Trousers
These look and feel far more expensive than their £30 price tag.
M&S Collection
Ankle Grazer Trousers
For those amongst us who prefer a slim fit.
Reformation’s Mason Pant is available in petite and regular sizes, as well as a whole host of colourways. It’s another editor-loved style.
6. Bold Blazer
Style Notes: This isn’t your simple black blazer (although owning one is still a good idea); the best work-friendly blazers are chic yet fun, polished yet playful and the perfect final layer to finish a look. From fitted, tailored silhouettes to attention-grabbing bold colours, a blazer is a sure-fire way to make your mark. If oversized, style with a chunky belt or over-the-arm cuff to make it feel a bit more contemporary. Or, do as some of our editors do, and wear yours with a shirt and tie.
Shop Blazers:
This whole look is so Gen Z in the workplace.
COS
Oversized Windowpane-Check Blazer
The subtle checks are a nice touch.
ALIGNE
Beau Bow Satin Blazer
REBECCA VALLANCE
Finley Crepe Blazer
A cinched waist and balloon sleeves? You could wear this for a night out too.
THE FRANKIE SHOP
Bea Crepe Blazer
HUSH
Jayde Italian Wool Blazer
The brushed wool is perfect for winter.
A very autumn-coded print.
7. Luxe-Looking Loafers
Style Notes: Maybe it’s the current preppy mood that’s swaying me, but I think loafers are the best office-ready shoes, regardless of your outfit. With classic charm and minimalist versatility, they’ve become a fan favourite of fashion people over the last few years, both in and out of the office. From the original Gucci Horsebit Loafer to more modern takes on the penny loafer, like Miu Miu’s highly coveted pair, loafers work hard with everything from tailored trousers to pleated skirts and favourite baggy jeans.
Shop Loafers:
M&S Collection
Leather Loafers
These loafers always sell out quickly, so if you like them, don’t hang around.
MANGO
Gathered Leather Moccasin
I love the embellishment.
Gucci
Horsebit 1953 Loafer
The ultimate classic. This shoe will never go out of style.
DUKE + DEXTER
Wilde Kiss Penny Loafer
All the coolest fashion people I know own Duke + Dexter loafers.
& Other Stories
Penny Loafers
Miu Miu
Brushed Leather Penny Loafers
No shoe says, “I mean business” more than the Miu Miu penny loafer.
8. Staple Bag
Style Notes: I hate to state the obvious, but a high-quality work bag cannot be overlooked as a necessity for a newly employed woman on the go. Here, we need to think practically. Is it big enough to fit a laptop? Your workout clothes? How does it feel on your shoulder? Persheng De Geer, co-founder of luxury bag company ByBanoo, shadows this sentiment. “A good work bag should not compromise between aesthetics and function, meaning it needs to be chic, have a dedicated laptop compartment, a luggage strap for when you’re travelling and multiple pockets to make organisation easy,” she says. “Also, it should be comfortable to wear. Look for a wide shoulder strap—your body will thank you later.”
Shop Bags:
Longchamp
Le Pliage Tote Bag
A timeless classic, Le Pliage is versatile, durable and endlessly chic.
ByBanoo
12 Hour Duffel Bag
My go-to work bag. I’ve received so many compliments from my fellow Who Who Wear UK editors on how chic it is.
ZARA
Leather City Bag With Belt Detail
I’ve been dreaming about this bag.
Polène is a fashion person’s favourite under-the-radar handbag brand.
GINA TRICOT
Medium Tote Bag With Strap and Clutch With Silver Detail
I love an expensive-looking ASOS find.
ANYA HINDMARCH
Commuter Leather-Trimmed Econyl Tote
The aptly named Commuter, this bag has storage galore.
Net-A-Porter
Le 5 À 7 Bea Suede Tote
If you’re looking to invest in a timeless work bag, this is it. In a gorgeous brown suede, its thick straps and ample space mean you can fit everything you need and more inside.
9. Everyday Jewellery
Style Notes: No matter the decade or the trend, an outfit is always perfectly polished with a jewellery stack. Once you start wearing jewellery more effortlessly, it becomes part of your look, elevating the ordinary to the chic. From dainty bracelets to statement earrings, find the pieces that feel the most “you”, and wear them daily.
Shop Jewellery:
Laura Vann
18ct Gold-Plated Vermeil Silver Olive White Topaz and Green Stone Bombe Ring
If vintage-inspired shapes are your thing, look no further than Laura Vann. Her Art Deco designs are simply breathtaking.
Keep it simple with this Mejuri necklace.
HEAVEN MAYHEM
Mini Knot Stud Earring Set
Heaven Mayhem earrings are a go-to for fashion people and editors alike.
Astrid & Miyu
Essential 6.5mm Hoop in Gold
I never take off my Astrid & Miyu huggies!
Otiumberg
Domino Huggie Hoops
These have gone straight to the top of my wish list.
The Promise Co
East West Half Bezel Marquise Ring – 18ct Gold Vermeil / 3
I’d wear this on my little finger.
What Is a Capsule Wardrobe?
A capsule wardrobe is all about those timeless, versatile pieces that you’ll reach for again and again. Easily interchangeable, they’ll play nicely with your favourite items, unlocking countless outfit combinations. Personally, I’m a big advocate for investing in quality over quantity, and so is fellow Gen Z-er Brittany. “I’d definitely start with investing in pricier but higher-quality items that will stand the test of time in my wardrobe,” she says. “Over the years, I’ve spent a lot of money replacing certain items because I prioritised cost over quality.”
We’re not talking about throwaway trending pieces which fizzle out once the season ends. “A strong foundational capsule wardrobe allows [you] to look good all of the time without much effort,” says senior shopping editor Marina Avraam. They’re tried-and-true, cross-generational pieces which will stick with you for years, making your wardrobe work harder—and for longer—than ever before.
Why Is a Workwear Capsule Wardrobe Important?
It may sound obvious, but work is about to become an integral part of your life, and trust me: speed and ease are paramount when getting ready in the morning. The less faff, the better. These staples help you get out the door looking polished and put-together, without questioning your outfit. Whilst your mum’s signature pinstripe suit might feel work-appropriate, these days, Gen Z is dressing as chic and cool in the office as we are on the weekend, so don’t panic: there’s no need to throw everything out and start from scratch.
When curating your workwear capsule, my key takeaway is to focus on comfort, both in terms of how your pieces feel and the confidence they bring. After all, you want to be comfortable enough to show up with the best parts of yourself to impress at work. I distinctly recall scrolling through my socials before my first day, pinpointing workwear looks that would be stylish for the office. And yes, my Chloé Betty rainboots and black midi skirt combo did look chic, but comfy? Not a chance.
After a few years of trial and error, I’ve learnt that fussing over creating the perfect outfit is, in fact, overrated. Our shopping editor, Florrie Alexander, talks from her own experience. “I really overlooked the need for comfort and practicality when I first started working, focusing on the look rather than actually wearing it for a full day of work,” she says, urging you to “focus more on your own personal style rather than what everyone else around you is wearing.”
What Are the Staples of a Gen Z Workwear Capsule Wardrobe?
These days, at least for most industries, almost anything goes. As Rebecca puts it, “I genuinely think you can wear almost anything to work, so long as it’s clean, well-fitted and looks put-together. Gone are the days when trainers, football shirts, vintage items or short skirts were a no-go; in fact, having a sense of style and individuality is a real flex. It shows confidence and comfort with who you are. Just make sure they’re not grubby, revealing or too well-worn, and you’re good to go.”
Mix these more individual items with the rest of your Gen Z workwear capsule wardrobe, and it’s easy to create looks that feel intrinsically you whilst being appropriate for the office.
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