“Workwear” has ceased to have one meaning – or much meaning at all – in 2026. Roughly six years ago – aka pre-pandemic, when many of us would do five days a week in the office without batting an eyelid – it might have conjured images of a jewel-toned “power dress” on The Apprentice, Rachel Zane’s impeccable pencil skirts in Suits, or even Miranda Hobbes’s whip-smart pinstriped suiting in the OG Sex and the City series. Then came working-from-home – cue top-half dressing for camera-on moments – followed by a swift back-to-the-office movement that rolled back those stretch-waistband privileges. To say this has left the concept of a “work outfit” in a state of disarray is something of an understatement. Workwear has officially had an identity crisis – and, honestly, who can blame it?
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But now that you’ve probably settled into a routine, this is the year to reclaim the idea of “workwear” – whatever that word now means for you. If you’re back to commuting three or four days out of five, you will most likely need a fully-functioning office wardrobe, even if your dress code falls under the annoyingly vague “business casual”. This means a focus on tailoring, elegant separates, refined footwear and, crucially, a work bag that can comfortably fit all your tech.
For anyone who’s hybrid, it’s more a question of curating a capsule of hardworking pieces that prioritise comfort, versatility and polish. (Once you have the foundational garments perfected, of course, you can layer more statement items on top.) A pair of wool-blend, barrel-legged trousers, for example, is the kind of piece you can build a look around. Add a polo neck, blazer and loafers, say, and you’ve got a practical yet put-together look for a morning of meetings. If the next day you’re working from your kitchen table or a coffee shop, however, you could just as easily wear the same bottom half with a cable-knit sweater and suede trainers.
Knowing where to find these kinds of staples is half the battle, which is where our guide to the best workwear brands comes in handy. Ranging from the best high-street brands to contemporary labels that are excellent for investments, a few choice purchases will help you redefine your workwear for the year ahead.
Shop Vogue’s edit of the best workwear brands to know in 2026
Elin Kling is one of the original fashion bloggers, and her label Totême – which she co-founded with her partner, Karl Lindman – is centred around the idea of an everyday uniform and a capsule of hard-working basics. Bookmark the brand if you need functional pieces with a fashion editor spin.
ME+EM has become a go-to for working wardrobes, as its entire ethos is centred around hard-working, easy-to-style pieces that are as functional as they are stylish. In a turbulent economy where the British high street has been faced with numerous challenges, ME+EM has been thriving and its modern approach to workwear is part of its recipe for success. The design team is exacting about fit and fabrics, with each outfit designed to maintain its polish throughout a day, whether that’s with crease-free fabrics or silhouettes that won’t lose their shape.
Cos is another label centred around functional basics, however it really stands out on the highstreet for its attention to detail and clever proportions. The tailored wool trousers in particular are a hero piece for winter.
You can’t talk about a modern capsule without mentioning Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen’s label The Row, which has built a stellar reputation for impeccable tailoring and outerwear.
With Nothing Underneath was founded by former jewellery editor Pip Durell in 2017 with the aim of creating the perfect button-down shirt inspired by men’s tailoring. There are numerous fits and fabrics, so you really can find the exact style of shirt you’re looking for – and it has also expanded its offering into blazers, knitwear and trousers.
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The key to elevated workwear is to find simple pieces that still make an impact thanks to small design details or interesting textures, and Pleats Please by Issey Miyake will always be an elevated alternative to a plain T-shirt or blouse.
Forget all your preconceptions about Reiss being an outfitter of Alan Sugar’s boardroom — it has really elevated its design principles in recent years, with rich colours, considered tailoring and beautiful fabrications that make it a go-to for wardrobe foundations. The trousers, in particular, are a real strength.
It can be hard to find shoes that are comfortable enough to wear for a whole working week, but Essēn might be your answer. Not only does it create the perfect almond-toe ballet pump, but the ankle boots and loafers are exactly what we’d want to wear for work. The name actually comes from “essentials,” as the whole concept of the brand is to create timeless classics that will go with every outfit. Trust us – the ballet flats are extremely comfortable.
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Jigsaw has long been a go-to for workwear for corporate types, however it creates pieces that will suit any office dress code. It has the most impeccable high-street suede, amazing jeans and beautiful cashmere.
The Frankie Shop is another label which has managed to turn once “boring” workwear classics into cult items that retailers struggle to keep in stock. The slouchy tailored trousers and oversized cotton shirts are no-brainers you’ll live in all week long.
Arket will likely need no introduction, as ever since it arrived in London in 2017 it has become a high-street heavyweight. It has a pared-back aesthetic, with a focus on wardrobe staples, however it has a fashion-forward point of view which ensures even the most boring basics will be a stylish addition to your workwear rotation.
Knitwear is a cornerstone of any working wardrobe and the British brand Navygrey was founded by Rachel Spedding, with the aim to create the perfect navy jumper. From the wool to the fit to the sustainable practices, this knitwear is worthy of every bit of hype.
Navygrey
The Brushed Shetland
Navygrey
The Structured Slub
Navygrey
The Extra Fine Crew
Navygrey
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A name synonymous with taste (and plenty of it), Joseph has long been the purveyor of workwear that does simplicity with beauty. Its Foundations Collection is an excellent starting point if you’re looking to curate a capsule that will serve you for years to come, from elegant cashmere sweaters to leather trousers that you can build work outfits around.
This Amsterdam-based contemporary label isn't known for workwear, per se, but its clothes would nonetheless make quietly elegant additions to your office rotation. Its jeans and trousers are particularly worth of attention, with sculptural legs and/or interesting fabrications, if you’re in the market for smart-casual bottom halves that will pass muster on mandatory office days.
