What Are Your Work Outfit Workhorses?
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Here's something we haven't discussed in too long that's always a fun topic: what are your work outfit workhorses? Which accessories, third pieces, and more have you found to be surprisingly versatile and otherwise something you reach for more than you thought you would?
When we last discussed surprise basics for workwear and workhorses for your working wardrobe, I've called out my love of colorful purses, olive-colored pants, a good watch, and of course purple heels as things that I was surprised to find myself wearing a ton.
I've also written of other things that are outside the usual “must have” lists, including very light gray pants instead of summer whites, velvet blazers for festive in-office holiday lunches, huggie earrings like these, light blue blazers, and purple pumps. It also came up a bit with our discussion of light blue suits, with lots of readers noting that they often wear a pair of colorful blue trousers or a colorful blue blazer (but not together).
Those discussions were a while ago, though, so let's discuss — what are you finding a surprise workhorse in 2026? (Has anything that you used to love, like olive pants, become less versatile with the fashions of today?) What items have you had a hard time finding, and what are you replacing them with?
I wear my pearl necklace less than I did about 15 years ago. I do like olive as a neutral though!
I thought pearl earrings were very grown up in my early 20s and wore them most days. I prefer gold jewelry now and really don’t like the look of pearls.
Same and same. I think pearls–esp. a short-ish necklace–reads very prim and old fashioned now, unless you’re a certain age. Which I am not (…yet). Gold jewelry, lots of navy and olive, and some dashes of leopard are my vibe.
I wear mine pretty regularly. I have a double strand in white that was my grandma’s and a Tahitian strand I bought for myself. Mostly wear them with open neck silk blouses and I like the look.
My St John tank dress. It’s comfortable but polished. Dresses down with a cardigan, tights and boots; works for meetings with a more structured jacket; works for court with a matching suit jacket and pumps; works for receptions with heels, jewelry and a fancy wrap.
My that does sound perfect. You have a link, by any chance? That does sound like a smart investment purchase.