Work
Apr 23, 2023

30 Workwear Buys From Zara, Mango and M&S That Are Low-Key Perfect

by Remy Farrell

Whether you work in an office or with your hands, are client facing or work from home, the one thing we can all agree on when it comes to the 9-to-5 is that getting ready every day needs fresh inspiration to stop your outfits from feeling boring.

The idea of traditional "workwear" can box us into a style rut of grey suits and court shoes, but what you wear to work needn't be drab pinstripes, and there is a lot on the high street that you'll want to wear during the week and over the weekend too. With the new season in sight, there's no reason you can't embrace all of the colours, textures and silhouettes of spring in a way that's also office appropriate. In an effort to prove it, I searched through hundreds of new pieces for the solution.

If there's anywhere we can count on for understated, timeless pieces that can elevate everyday essentials to the stylish workwear sphere, it's Zara, Mango and Marks and Spencer. If you weren't already sold on Zara's spring suiting, Mango's leather separates and M&S's knits, coats and impressive shoes, then you're going to want to keep scrolling. There are enough wide-leg trousers, oversized shirts, refined co-ords, and polished accessories across the stores to build a capsule wardrobe worthy of a promotion.

To help take the stress out of your daily outfit planning, I've edited down the new-in sections of Zara, Mango and M&S to bring you 30 of the very best pieces to refresh your workwear wardrobe, and believe me—they're anything but boring. I've also thought about outfit-elevating accessories like smart handbags and long-wearing shoes that will go with just about anything. So keep scrolling for the best stores for workwear that fashion editors secretly rely on to build countless workwear outfits. Just be sure to keep our secret.

Zara Poplin Shirt

This classic shirt comes in three different colours. We'll take one of each.

Zara Buttoned Short Waistcoat

Buttoned Short Waistcoat

How to wear tailoring in warm weather.

Zara Straight Pleated Trousers

Straight Pleated Trousers

You'll wear pleated trousers like these with knits, shirts, T-shirts, blazers…

Zara Midi Dress With Draped Detail

Midi Dress With Draped Detail

Simple, elegant, understated.

Zara Waxed Cotton Trench Coat

Waxed Cotton Trench Coat

Trenches are everywhere right now, but this light beige is perfect.

Zara Pleated Skirt With Belt

Pleated Skirt With Belt

Sorry, pencil skirts–there's a new style in town, and it's far cooler.

Zara Darted Underwear Trousers

Darted Underwear Trousers

This shade of charcoal makes everything look chicer.

Zara Soft Leather Loafers With Buckle

Soft Leather Loafers With Buckle

Put away the blister plasters. We're wearing easy loafers in the office now.

Zara Poplin Dress

Come summer, you're going to be thankful you invested in a dress like this.

Zara Minimalist Shoulder Bag With Flap

Minimalist Shoulder Bag With Flap

That's right—this really is £26. It isn't missing an extra zero.

Mango Oversized Cotton Trench Coat

Oversized Cotton Trench Coat

We're convinced there isn't a more sensible investment than a timeless trench.

Mango Long Cardigan With Shirt Collar

Long Cardigan With Shirt Collar

Dress it up with a midi skirt, or keep it casual in jeans—either way, this cool cardigan is always polished.

Mango 100% Silk Shirt - Women | Mango United Kingdom

100% Silk Shirt

The perfect desk-to-dinner staple.

Mango Twisted Hoop Earrings

Twisted Hoop Earrings

A simple shirt can be turned into a statement piece with the easy addition of a pair of sculptural earrings.

Mango Double-Breasted Suit Blazer

Double-Breasted Suit Blazer

Cream tailoring says, "I'm prepared for anything." Just be careful how you carry your morning coffee.

Mango Pinstripe Shirt

Pinstripe Shirt

A fresh, new way to wear classic pinstripes.

Mango Asymmetrical Heeled Sandals

Asymmetrical Heeled Sandals

At least 70% cooler than a pair of black court shoes.

Mango Faux-Leather Shirt Dress

Faux-Leather Shirt Dress

Here's conclusive proof that you can wear a leather mini to the office. Just add a pair of tights until the weather warms up.

Mango Bow Linen-Blend Dress

Bow Linen-Blend Dress

The pop of colour your midweek outfit needed.

Mango Linen Suit Trousers

Linen Suit Trousers

You just can't go wrong with linen suit trousers.

M&S Collection Satin Twill Wide Leg Trousers

Satin Twill Wide Leg Trousers

Trust M&S to create the perfect suit.

M&S Collection Linen Rich Collared Shirt

Linen Rich Collared Shirt

A classic white linen shirt will serve you well this season. Wear with wide-leg trousers to work or with jeans at the weekend.

M&S Collection Linen Blend Tailored Waistcoat

Linen Blend Tailored Waistcoat

Brunch with friends? Just add jeans and sandals. Back in the office? It's got to be tailored wide-leg trousers.

M&S Collection Linen Rich Floral Square Neck Midi Dress

Linen Rich Floral Square Neck Midi Dress

How pretty is this dress? Style it with flats for work, trainers at the weekend and with heels for a wedding.

M&S Collection Leather Woven Tote Bag

Leather Woven Tote Bag

We would forgive you for thinking that this XL tote was designer.

M&S Collection Cotton Rich Striped Knitted Dress

Cotton Rich Striped Knitted Dress

I'm loving this striped midi. Add a linen blazer over the top and you're good to go.

M&S Collection Pure Cotton Striped Collared Longline Shirt

Pure Cotton Striped Collared Longline Shirt

Another staple you'll rely on time and time again.

M&S Collection Boucle Tweed Double Breasted Blazer

Boucle Tweed Double Breasted Blazer

I really rate M&S for blazers and this light blue boucle style is the perfect addition to a spring/summer wardrobe.

M&S Collection Embroidered Belted Midi Waisted Dress

Embroidered Belted Midi Waisted Dress

White dresses really come into their own at this time of the year. I love the blouson sleeves of this style.