„the right pieces that fit you, suit you and work for you.“; Back to work Outfits
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January has this unique energy. This feeling of „new year, new version of me“—even if you’re still stuck somewhere between Christmas cookies, tired eyes, and the last vestiges of vacation mode. But that’s precisely why I love these first few weeks so much. Because we all suddenly start piecing our lives back together—very slowly, very realistically. More structure. More routine. More „I’ll get up before I regret it.“ And somehow, that includes our back to work outfits. Not because we suddenly have to be different people—but because fashion is sometimes the only thing that feels like a sign of control in the morning.
A look that works for you instantly changes your appearance. You walk differently. You feel more alert. You seem more organized. Even if you’re just trying not to hate your calendar. That’s why I’m sharing my 5 back to work outfits to get you through January – with that perfect mix of Viennese chic, everyday practicality, and Main Character energy.
OUTFIT 1:
The Gray Power Dress Moment
This is an back to work outfit that doesn’t need small talk. You walk in and everyone automatically thinks:
She’s got something important going on today. And probably a to-do list with color codes. A long, fitted gray dress is one of my secret styling tricks: It’s clean, it’s elegant, but it doesn’t scream „I wanted to stand out today.“ It just looks…right. And I love that we’re skipping the coat here because the dress alone has so much presence. It’s one of those looks where you don’t need to overload anything—because this „less is more“ makes all the difference.
The brown heels add warmth to the gray, making it softer and more sophisticated at the same time. And then comes my favorite detail: the bag. A dark red crossbody bag is like lipstick for an outfit. You could theoretically go without it—but with it, the whole look suddenly feels complete. A bit of „autumnal-wintery main character energy,“ without being loud.
Accessories:
• Gold hoop earrings or small chunky hoops
• A simple watch or a bangle
• Optional: a berry lip gloss, just a touch
This look is perfect for:
Days with appointments, meetings, dinner afterward – or simply when you want to look like you’re fully functional again in January.
OUTFIT 2:
Brown blazer & white shirt
This is one of those looks where you feel both dressed up and completely free. Like you’re all dolled up—but without that stiff, „I can’t move“ feeling. A brown blazer is such a Vienna-chic essential for me right now. It automatically looks more expensive than it is (we love that), and it adds warmth to the outfit without making it „sweet.“ Under it, a white shirt—and preferably one that’s slightly oversized. Not a short, prim office shirt. More like this: I have style. I have taste. And I don’t have time for unnecessary discussions. Add leggings, because, well… we’re in real life.
But with the blazer and boots, it doesn’t look like „I’m just popping to the supermarket,“ but rather like „I’m about to go somewhere where I’ll be taken seriously.“ One of my favorite back to work outfits.
Shoes:
• Boots (preferably knee-high or elegant ankle boots)
• Preferably with a heel, but sturdy – so you don’t start questioning their existence after 20 minutes
Bag & Details:
And now the highlight: a statement bag.
One that instantly elevates the look – for example, with an eye-catching shape, hardware, or in a color like burgundy, cream, or even leopard print, if you dare.
• Gold jewelry (not too much, but noticeable)
• Hair sleek or slightly messy – both work
• Makeup clean, but with a good brow moment
The vibe:
You’re dressed comfortably… but you look like it was intentional.
OUTFIT 3:
Grey & Leather
Okay, this back to work outfit is for those days when you want to feel like you have a personality again. Not just „I exist,“ but: I am here. A gray sweater is actually something super calming, almost understated. And that’s exactly why I love the contrast with a short black leather skirt so much.
It’s that perfect interplay of:
• cozy on top
• confidence on the bottom
And it never looks cheap if you keep it clean. No overly busy patterns, no unnecessary extras—just this clean line.
Shoes:
You need boots that can pull it off.
• Knee-high black boots are my favorite.
• Or ankle boots with a bit of a heel if you want a more „city“ look.
And because it’s January and we love drama (but elegant):
a cool, loose-fitting gray coat.
It instantly elevates the outfit. More fashion. More „street style, but wearable.“
Bag & Jewelry:
• A small black shoulder bag or a gray bag for a tone-on-tone moment.
• Silver or gold—both work, but I’d lean towards silver here.
• Optional: Sunglasses, because this look practically begs for them.
Perfect for:
Office with after-work drinks, dinner dates, „I want to stand out today, but in a classy way.“
OUTFIT 4:
Brown Knit Dress
This back to work outfit is for those days when you just want to feel beautiful without overthinking it. A simple brown knit dress is exactly that. It’s feminine, but not too romantic. It’s warm, but not bulky. And it has that „I’ve got my life together“ vibe, even if you’re really just trying to get through the day. The glasses are the key accessory for me here. Whether you actually need them or not, they instantly make the look smarter, more structured, a little more „editorial.“
Shoes:
Black slingbacks are such a powerful combination with a knit dress.
Elegant, clean, but not too formal.
Bag:
A large bag that can fit absolutely everything.
Laptop, water bottle, lip gloss, charging cable, half your life—and it still has to look chic.
I’m thinking:
• black tote bag
• or a large dark brown leather bag
Extras to perfect it:
• optional coat in cream or black
• gold mini earrings
• simple watch
The vibe:
Quietly elegant. Viennese chic. Without being loud.
OUTFIT 5:
Grey Jeans & Oversized Blazer
This is the look I wear when I don’t feel like dressing up but still want to look good. It’s the kind of back to work outfit you could wear all the time—and it always looks a little different. Gray jeans are perfect in January anyway. Not too harsh like black, not too casual like blue—just clean. Pair it with a white fine-knit top—soft, elegant, and effortless. And then comes the trick that saves the day:
A gray oversized blazer. This blazer suddenly transforms „jeans and a sweater“ into: I have a plan. I’m on the go. I’m busy.
Shoes:
The kitten heel slingbacks are the detail that truly elevates this outfit.
They look sophisticated, but not stuffy.
And you can even walk normally in them, without any drama.
Bag & Jewelry:
• A small shoulder bag in black or gray
• Or a dark red bag for a subtle pop of color
• A delicate gold necklace
• A ring or a bracelet is all you need
Perfect for:
Office days without meetings, coffee dates, or strolling around town with the „I might bump into someone“ feeling.
my summary
Back to work, but please with style
This time after summer is like a little reset. You’re back in the city more, back in the swing of everyday life – and yet you don’t want to get lost in appointments and a sense of obligation.
I like back to work outfits that help you „find yourself again.“ Not just practical, but with feeling. With little details that say: I’m here. And I like how I look. And that, for me, is the real trick to back-to-work looks: You don’t have to completely reinvent who you are. You just need five outfits that carry you when you’re feeling a little tired. And honestly?
When the outfit works, suddenly the day works too.
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