THE WORKWEAR EDIT:
2026'S BEST WOMEN’S OFFICEWEAR
From runway to office, this is your SS26 workwear wardrobe sorted.
WORDS: GIULIANA BIONDI Photographer: jane doe
For SS26, your workwear wardrobe has secured a promotion. Think Fendi skirts, Gucci dresses and Prada accessories – pieces that move straight from the runway to the office, no overtime required. After all, for so many of us, everyday life is a workday, and these understated, high-style staples are designed to keep up.
It’s no surprise that workwear is one of fashion’s hottest talking points right now. From Bottega Veneta to Saint Laurent, designers turned up the heat this season, leaning into the unstoppable rise of the corporate-core aesthetic, and proving that power dressing is anything but boring. The takeaway? Fashion means business, but it’s also about enjoying it.
We're setting the tone for the year ahead. In 2026, we're getting down to business. No matter your office persona, there’s a look to match your mood. Maybe you’re a co-ord devotee, or perhaps you prefer to channel a touch of old-school chic. Yes, dress codes still exist (to a point), but this season it’s anyone’s game. From oversized blazers and polished matching sets to covetable It bags and sleek heels, this is workwear reimagined for SS26.
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When it comes to feeling polished at the office, co-ordination really is everything, and Fendi’s co-ord gets it just right. Cut in a luxe, relaxed silhouette and crafted from 100% silk, it’s the kind of set that makes looking put together feel effortless. Light and fluid, the jacquard fabric sits beautifully thanks to the asymmetric fastening on the silk shirt, while the matching skirt falls into a midi length that brings a sense of ease and movement to your office strut. Keep the styling simple: a few accessories and a pair of kitten heels or ballet flats are all you need to finish the look and let the set do the talking.
If you’re leaning towards something more understated, yet still quietly impactful, double denim is worth a second look. Much like marmite, it tends to divide opinion, but Bottega Veneta’s take might just win everyone over. The denim shirt comes in a timeless wash with a structured finish that subtly shapes an hourglass silhouette, while the matching jeans feature turned-up cuffs and the house’s iconic Intrecciato suede back patch for a luxury touch. Clean, confident and undeniably chic, it’s a co-ordinated look that just makes sense.
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Simple, chic and minimalist: for SS26, we’re reaching for looks that have a certain je ne sais quoi. Think classic French-girl cool, but refreshed for 2026. Sound good? We thought so. To nail the vibe, opt for an oversized blazer c/o Bottega Veneta and layer it over a Gucci mini dress. The oversized blazer is, and always will be, a hot topic, so if you haven’t invested in one yet, consider this your sign.
Bottega Veneta’s blazer, with its belted waist fastening, creates a cinched silhouette for a tailored finish, while the Gucci mini keeps things polished with its crisp collar, pleated hem and signature Horsebit detail. Style with accessories the fashion set can’t get enough of: a Prada leather shoulder bag, Prada ballet flats, and a cheeky pop of logo tights (because plain tights are so last season). To finish? Gold earrings, and a pair of sleek sunglasses, and voilà, office-ready with a side of va-va-voom.
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In the world of office-core dressing, the perfect blazer is the cherry on top. It’s a non-negotiable in any capsule wardrobe; versatile, timeless and endlessly wearable. Shape, length and print all give each piece its own personality, and the best part? It pairs with almost anything: suit trousers, maxi skirts, you name it.
This season, Fendi and Dolce & Gabbana have nailed one of SS26’s key trends: the pinstripe blazer. Fendi’s take is slightly elongated, double-breasted and relaxed in fit, while D&G’s version cinches at the waist and reveals a playful leopard-print lining for a touch of wildness. If quiet elegance is more your thing, Balenciaga’s wrap blazer is a dream. Its self-tie fastening lets you shape and cinch the silhouette exactly as you like. Meanwhile Prada keeps things classic with a structured blazer, peak lapels and a timeless hue, what more could you want?
From the boardroom to after-hours drinks, the blazer remains the ultimate multitasker for SS26.
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Last but certainly not least: accessories. Consider them your best friend when it comes to smart workwear. They’re the little details that pull an outfit together and give it that finished feel. The right pieces can transform a look from simply ‘office-appropriate’ to elegantly put-together. Think structured leather bags and show-stopping heels that strike the perfect balance of chic and practical.
If you’re after an Italian twist, Bottega Veneta’s Small Hobo Bag is a no-brainer. Sleek and compact, it features the brand’s iconic Intrecciato weave – a signature detail that’s instantly recognisable. When it comes to heels, Miu Miu and Saint Laurent are setting the bar high. Think pointed toes, slingbacks and heel heights that are surprisingly easy to navigate in. Miu Miu adds a touch of whimsy with its bow detailing, while Saint Laurent delivers modern edge with metal-capped toes. It’s the small design details that will have you colleagues taking notice.
For SS26, consider choices that feel professional, polished and just a little bit luxurious. Accessories aren’t just extra; they’re the finishing notes that make your workwear standout.
In short, SS26 workwear is about dressing with confidence, personality and a sense of individuality, because the modern working wardrobe should work just as hard as you do.