Classy business outfits for women over 40 – your work capsule wardrobe sorted

If you’re working in the office at least part of the time, attend conferences or you just like to look smart, you’ll need a selection of classy business outfits that will make you look great and feel confident to take on the world.

What is business attire?

So what constitutes business attire? That really depends on where you work. What works in a legal environment, for example, will be totally different to what you will want to wear in a more creative workplace. Wherever you work, you’ll want a capsule that gives you flexibility and takes you from formal to semi-casual.

A classy business outfits capsule

When you have lots on your mind, you don’t want to be spending too much time thinking about what you will wear each day. But you do want to look stylish! The easiest way to achieve this is to put together a capsule so you know everything goes with everything else in your business capsule. This will give you many classy business outfits and it will be easy to mix and match.

Below are some things to consider when putting together your classy business outfits capsule:

You can make an investment

Classy business outfits - Jess wears a white suit | 40plusstyle.com

As much of your business capsule will be timeless, you can afford to invest in it as you’ll be able to wear it for many years.

Jess @elegantlydressedandstylish above (read her style interview here) opts for a classic white suit that she could also easily wear as separates to create more outfit options.

Check out this similar top, blazer (another option here), trousers, sandals, handbag (another option here), earrings, sunglasses.

What is the general dress code in your office?

Do you have dress down Fridays, for example. Are there certain days you tend to have meetings? Think about the mix of smarter and more casual days so you can plan your outfits.

classy business outfits

Now, let’s move onto some specific clothes, shoes and accessories you could choose for your 9 to 5 (or whatever days and times you usually work).

tops

Classy business outfits | 40plusstyle.com

Think about a mix of classic shirts, tunic tops and t-shirts that you can wear with your pants, skirts or jeans.

Open Edit Oversize Linen Blend BlazerKaren Kane Side Drape T-ShirtOpen Edit Relaxed Fit Linen Blend PantsFranco Sarto Balica FlatTory Burch Robinson Leather ToteKarine Sultan Multilayer Necklace with Cultured Pearls

Sheree @shesheshow above chooses a silky black shirt that is perfect for work, or for heading out to dinner.

Recreate her outfit with this similar blouse, jeans, sandals, belt, necklace and earrings.

Tops to wear to work | 40plusstyle.com

Vince Slim Silk BlouseHUGO BOSS Banora Abstract Floral Silk BlouseKaren Kane Side Drape T-ShirtKaren Kane Asymmetrical Crepe Top

Jackets and coats

Jackets and coats to wear to work | 40plusstyle.com

Depending on whether you commute, whether you need to wear a blazer to elevate your everyday style, you like to cover your arms or you want to add a bit of warmth, you will want to add some outerwear to your business wardrobe.

A blazer is a classic choice for work. If you opt for neutrals you can wear your blazer over all of your work outfits.

Urban CoCo Open Front BlazerBOSS Ellira Mock Neck Midi DressSam Edelman Rika PumpCLUCI Leather Work BagKarine Sultan Multilayer Necklace with Cultured PearlsBOSS Praise Mesh Strap Watch, 43mm

Natalia @odin.stylish.me above chooses an on-trend crop blazer.

Recreate her outfit with this similar tee, blazer, skirt, mules, tote and necklace.

Jackets and coats for work | 40plusstyle.com

Urban CoCo Open Front BlazerTheory Lindrayia B Good Wool Suit JacketOpen Edit Oversize Linen Blend BlazerCourt & Rowe Classic Stretch Cotton Trench Coat

pants and jeans

Classy business outfits to see you through Monday to Friday | 40plusstyle.com

Do you prefer to wear pants or skirts for work? Greetje @no_fear_of_fashion above (read her style interview here) chooses a black blazer that would go with everything in her close.

Steal her look with this similar blazer, pants (another option here), flats and handbag.

A pair of black pants will be a hardworking addition to your closet that go with everything. You could also think about a print and a colorful pair of pants, but you may want to keep the rest of your outfit neutral. If you’re able to wear jeans to work, I would choose a darker colored pair as these tend to look smarter and more professional.

If you do like to wear jeans to work, you’ll find more ideas in this article on how to wear jeans to work and still look professional.

Pants and jeans for work | 40plusstyle.com

Wit & Wisdom ‘Ab’Solution Itty Bitty Bootcut JeansTheory Treeca 2 Good Wool Crop Suit PantsOpen Edit Relaxed Fit Linen Blend PantsKaren Millen Compact Stretch Button Detail Flare Trousers

dresses and skirts

Classy business outfits for women - Eileen wears a peplum top and pencil skirt | 40plusstyle.com

You may also want the option of a skirt or dress in your work closet. You could look at ruched styles, midi dresses and pencil skirts.

HUGO BOSS Elayna Stripe Slit Midi DressTory Burch Robinson Leather Tote – – Karine Sultan Hammered Circle Stud EarringsGucci Blondie Interlocking G Block Heel Bootie

Eileen @eileenternullo above opts for a peplum top and pencil skirt.

Recreate her outfit with this similar peplum top, pencil skirt, pumps and necklace.

Dresses and skirts for work | 40plusstyle.com

BOSS Ellira Mock Neck Midi DressHUGO BOSS Elayna Stripe Slit Midi DressBOSS C Feli Pointelle Fit & Flare Sweater DressCourt & Rowe Front Slit Crepe Pencil Skirt

shoes to wear to work and complement your classy business outfits

Classy business outfits - Fonda in a white blazer and green pants | 40plusstyle.com

You could think about classic pumps, flat loafers or ballet flats and ankle boots or knee-length styles. If you’re able to, you could also think about a pair of smart sneakers that you could use to mix the casual and formal elements of your outfit up a little.

Fonda @savvysouthernchic above opts for a pair of shoes which closely match her skintone, and would go with everything else in her closet.

Get her look with this similar printed top, blazer, pants and flats.

Ted Baker London Baylay Bow Ballet FlatFranco Sarto Balica FlatSam Edelman Rika PumpGucci Blondie Interlocking G Block Heel Bootie

accessories for your classy business outfits

Classy business outfits - Nancy wears a blazer and sweater dress | 40plusstyle.com

When thinking about your work accessories, you may want a bag to fit your laptop in, if you are carrying your computer to and from work. You’ll find more laptop bag recommendations here.

Plus, adding a statement necklace or scarf can really give your outfit oomph. You may also want to add a signature accessory that you wear all the time, such as a watch or pair of earrings.

BOSS Small Kirsten Leather HoboKarine Sultan Multilayer Necklace with Cultured PearlsOpen Edit Enamel Cube Collar NecklaceKarine Sultan Hammered Circle Stud EarringsBOSS Praise Mesh Strap Watch, 43mm

Nancy @nancysstyle above (read her style interview here) chooses gold accessories with her blazer and sweater dress.

Steal her look with this similar ribbed dress, blazer, necklace, earrings and bracelet.

Accessories for work | 40plusstyle.com

BOSS Small Kirsten Leather HoboCLUCI Leather Work BagTory Burch Robinson Leather ToteBurberry London England Logo Spiral Square Silk ScarfKarine Sultan Multilayer Necklace with Cultured PearlsOpen Edit Enamel Cube Collar NecklaceKarine Sultan Hammered Circle Stud EarringsBOSS Praise Mesh Strap Watch, 43mm

Your business outfits capsule together in one place

Below, you can see the items featured above together in a capsule so you can easily picture how you could put the outfits together.

You can mix and match everything to create lots of different looks. For example, you could team the jeans with the black t-shirt and white blazer, you could tuck the white shirt into the print pants or you could wear the print blazer with the red pants.

Classy business outfits | 40plusstyle.com

shop featured classy business outfits above here:

What do usually wear when you go into work? I’d love to hear about your favorite classy business outfits

Continue reading:

  1. Work Outfits For Summer To Keep You Stylish And Cool
  2. The Best Laptop Bags For Women To Stylishly Carry All Your Work Essentials
  3. How To Wear Jeans To Work And Still Look Professional

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Classy business outfits to see you through Monday to Friday | 40plusstyle.com

Feature image by Greetje @no_fear_of_fashion

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