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Find Your Perfect Work Wardrobe: Staples That Will Last

Author: Stylist at TellarDate: 2025

Whether you're navigating the corporate world, embracing a creative office, or working hybrid across meetings and remote days, your work wardrobe should strike a balance between polish, comfort, and longevity.

But where do you start? The key lies in investing in timeless staples that mix, match and last—pieces that transcend trends but still make you feel confident and stylish.

In this guide, we’ll help you curate the perfect workwear capsule wardrobe, explain how to get the right fit in every brand, and show you how tellar.co.uk ensures nothing is ever too tight, too baggy or awkwardly sized again.


Why Workwear Matters

Your clothes speak before you do. A strong work wardrobe helps you:

  • Feel confident and capable

  • Save time and reduce decision fatigue

  • Project your professional brand

  • Avoid overbuying, returning, or compromising on comfort

When built correctly, your workwear pays for itself in cost-per-wear and career impact.


1. The Structured Blazer

This is your power piece. A well-cut blazer can turn a dress into a boardroom outfit or elevate jeans for a client lunch.

Look for:

  • Neutral shades (black, navy, camel, ivory)

  • Slightly oversized or fitted cuts depending on your shape

  • Lightweight wool or crepe fabric for all-season wear

  • Brands: Reiss, COS, Whistles, Massimo Dutti

🧵 Tip: Shoulder fit is crucial—use tellar.co.uk to find your exact size across brands.


2. Tailored Trousers

A pair of high-quality trousers can be dressed up or down and worn year-round.

Styles to consider:

  • High-waisted wide-leg trousers

  • Slim-fit ankle grazers

  • Paperbag or pleated front options for shape

📍 Popular brands like Zara or Mango may size differently at the waist and hips—Tellar’s sizing tool ensures a perfect fit.


3. The White Shirt (and Its Variations)

The classic white shirt is a must. But modern workwear allows for interpretation:

  • Crisp cotton or relaxed linen

  • Statement collars or cropped silhouettes

  • Button-downs, wrap styles, or oversized fits

Invest in 2–3 variations so you can rotate weekly without feeling repetitive.

👚 Unsure if you need a small or medium across different brands? Check here.


4. The Power Dress

Look for a work dress that’s flattering, professional and versatile:

  • Midis in block colours or subtle prints

  • Wrap dresses or shift silhouettes

  • Sleeves for formality, sleeveless for layering under blazers

  • Breathable yet structured fabrics (viscose, jersey, wool blend)

Top picks: & Other Stories, Whistles, Me+Em

📐 A badly fitting dress can kill the look. Check the bust, waist and hip fit on tellar.co.uk.


5. Smart Knitwear

When you want warmth without sacrificing structure, fine knit jumpers or cardigans are your friend.

Go for:

  • Merino or cotton blends

  • Slim turtlenecks

  • Knit vests over shirts

  • Belted wrap cardigans

Perfect for layering with trousers or skirts and transitioning from day to evening.


6. The Midi Skirt

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The right skirt is a year-round staple. Pair with blouses, knits or blazers.

Choose:

  • Bias cut or A-line

  • Midi or knee length

  • Fabrics like satin, wool or structured jersey

  • Subtle prints or tonal colours

👗 Tellar helps you match waist and hip fit without guesswork—especially in brands like Reiss or Finery, where proportions vary.


7. A Comfortable, Elevated Shoe

Office shoes must balance style and comfort:

  • Block heels or low courts

  • Leather loafers or slingbacks

  • Neutral flats with a pointed toe for polish

  • Avoid fast fashion heels that wear out in weeks

Invest in one black and one nude-tone pair that work with most outfits.


8. A Quality Work Bag

Function meets fashion. Choose a structured bag that holds your laptop, chargers, notebook and more.

Look for:

  • Leather or vegan leather

  • Neutral shades

  • Adjustable straps and internal compartments

  • Brands: Strathberry, COS, Charles & Keith

👜 Your bag is part of your outfit—make sure it complements your wardrobe's aesthetic.


9. Outerwear That Completes the Look

A trench coat or belted wool coat is your outer-layer power move. Choose:

  • Classic camel, stone or navy

  • Longline shape

  • Epaulettes, tie-waists or double-breasted cuts

This one item can elevate your entire look.


10. Co-ord Sets and Two-Piece Separates

Matching tops and bottoms are stress-free styling and make mornings easier.

Popular workwear co-ords:

  • Sleeveless top + wide trousers

  • Shirt + matching midi skirt

  • Knitted sets with tailored finish

🎯 Co-ords often size top and bottom differently. With Tellar, you can buy each piece in your exact size without trial and error.


Don’t Forget the Fit

Even the most expensive pieces look off if they don’t fit your body properly. Unfortunately, fashion brands don’t follow one sizing standard.

A UK 12 in Whistles may be a 10 in COS or a 14 in H&M. Add in international sizing, and it gets more confusing.

That’s why tellar.co.uk is the best tool for building a dependable wardrobe.


What Is Tellar.co.uk?

tellar.co.uk is the UK’s leading free clothes sizing tool, matching your exact body measurements to the correct size in 1,500+ fashion brands.

Here’s how it works:

  • Enter your chest, waist, and hip measurements once

  • Instantly see your best size in each brand

  • View results in cm or inches

  • Save your profile and reuse it—no tape measure needed next time

  • Totally free & easy


Start Building Your Perfect Work Wardrobe Today

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