Unexpected Style Updates to Make to Your Workwear Wardrobe

This chic turtleneck-and-skirt pairing gets a lively update by way of a kitschy printed duster. Inject a little fun and humor into your hum-drum office wardrobe by finding similarly florid accoutrements.

A super fashion-forward look like this one comes from the unexpected pairing of a collegiate varsity jacket with a chic wrap-and-tie skirt and button-up. Who knew it could be this easy?

With oversized, relaxed proportions, this flirty look still gives off a professional vibe because of its monochrome palette, but your peers will have no idea just how comfortable you really are.

Ditch the pant suit and try an awesome pair of coordinated separates instead. Start with culottes for an extra dose of cool and throw on chic sneakers and a to-die-for handbag – you’re now ready for work and play.

Off-shoulder looks are better saved for days off, but you can choose a button-up with a wide collar area for a similar effect. Roll up those sleeves and toss on a fabulous pencil skirt with buttons or other decorative elements for a look that is both sophisticated and relaxed.

Loungewear is cool, and so are pin-striped suits, but what if you took a blended approach to both? By mixing striped patterns in relaxed silhouettes you can approximate the look of both cozy pajamas and smart suiting at the same time.

The corporate world can be a bit stuffy at times, but with a fresh injection of color in your workwear wardrobe you can brighten up both the office and your look. Choose a colorfully patterned, fitted jacket and pair it with relaxed culottes for a fashion-forward spin on separates.

This look is all about mixing textures in unexpected ways. The smooth, almost-clinical appearance of the long jacket paired with a nubby sweatshirt, skinny jeans, and leopard ankle boots puts a tomboy spin on the traditional office look.

Talk about a day-to-night look. The increasingly popular silk slip dress finds a work-appropriate counterpart in a contrasting turtleneck. Layer the two together for a super chic, feminine look. Later, you can ditch the turtleneck and wear the slip dress alone for dinner with friends.

Anja Rubik is a style icon for a reason. In this perfect ensemble, she manages to make clashing neutrals look like the smartest pairings ever. Once you determine the palette of what you’re wearing, top it with a simple jacket in a shade that is just a little off kilter.

Dress up a suit with one of the season’s dominant trends, neo-bohemia. With the addition of a chic, silk headscarf and a ruffle-sleeved top with colorful buttons, this office look went from predictable to delectable.

This is a prime example of what we mean by unexpected. Her chic tie-front button-up is paired with trousers that reveal an added wow element when you notice they are actually split to resemble a skirt.

Are you brave enough to wear an all-white suit to work? It sounds tricky, but the palette couldn’t be simpler to navigate. Top with a jacket or a cover-up in a contrasting color and you’ll be owning the boardroom and the style world.

Check your company’s dress code before trying this one, because it might not allow something as unexpected as a crop top. This look seems revealing, but it is actually totally covered up (except for a tiny slice of stomach). However, a crop top and low-slung, wide-leg pants are only as cool as the duster you pair them with.