Pencil skirts, blouses, and quality jeans: the interpretation of "business casual" according to fashion’s most stylish individuals.

      When Grace Gummer arrived on the red carpet for The Devil Wears Prada 2 last month, her outfit would likely have earned the approval (perhaps via a cold once-over) of her mother’s character, Miranda Priestly. The ensemble featured a three-piece Bottega Veneta outfit: a woven leather shirt, trousers, and square-toe pumps. Despite the off-shoulder design that exposed a triangle of skin, it was an outfit that could comfortably fit into a 9-5 environment. She isn’t the only celebrity whose style leans more towards "CEO" than "promotional." Meryl Streep has also been showcasing a strong "pap walk" look, often seen in a button-down shirt paired with high-waisted trousers and three black belts, all from Celine. This simple yet impactful style highlights her cinched waist, adding a hint of personality without being overly bold (after all, it's a work setting). Michaela Coel has also pioneered a range of executive yet edgy styles while promoting her projects—mixing updated tweed jackets from Chanel with rolled-up jeans for a business-casual vibe and bringing back the skirt suit, a classic workwear item that deserves another chance, especially if it’s from Ferragamo.

      This can be viewed as revamped workwear; looks suited for the office that steer clear of polyester trousers, power dresses, or dull beige pumps. Instead, they combine sophistication with individuality, avoiding the mundane for outfits that might actually make you appreciate your company’s shift to a four-day workweek. During fashion month, street style enthusiasts adopted a convincing "business casual" dress code, which has become a confusing mix following years of hybrid working. In Paris, fashion influencer Pernille Teisbaek created her outfit around a leather pencil skirt, tucking a blue shirt beneath a zippered sweater, complemented by a chunky belt and square-toe mules. With extended cuffs that draped elegantly over her wrists and a tattooed anklet adorning her left foot, it represented an epiphanic moment for anyone wondering how to express their personality with a hint more professionalism.

      Caroline Issa, meanwhile, redefined tailoring in Paris by combining a matching wool shirt and barrel-leg trousers with a unique jacket that blended elements of a navy blazer and a shell jacket (from Sacai). Both styles are suitable for office or freelance settings, whether you're rushing between coffee runs or preparing for the day in a co-working space. Rosie Lai, a fashion editor and contributor to Tatler Asia, has high expectations for her workwear since going freelance. "My wardrobe must function more effectively now, transitioning smoothly from meetings to dinner with friends without appearing overly trying." Lai’s strategy is straightforward: "I prefer a blend of clean tailoring with a relaxed vibe, finished off with bold gold jewellery. I’m a fan of oversized jackets, especially anything featuring an '80s shoulder." It’s often the little details—a silhouette, a color, or a type of metal—that become her signature style. "When I used to work backstage on fashion shows (ages ago) and had to wear all black, I would still accessorize with large gold earrings. It’s what helps me feel like myself," she reflects.

      Instead of brands specifically catering to traditional workwear with a collection of trouser suits and silk shirts, we now have labels offering more adaptable options. Dilly Groes, the creator of the contemporary womenswear brand Groes, calls them, "The garments you instinctively reach for, week after week." Over time, her workwear has become more streamlined. "I’ve gravitated towards a uniform, something straightforward and consistent to simplify my decision-making during hectic mornings. It’s less about variety and more about refinement," she explains. She acknowledges that her customers, rather than abandoning this category, are eager for workwear from Groes. "It’s always a significant consideration during the design phase, creating items that blend seamlessly into a woman’s wardrobe and can be worn throughout various parts of her day," she mentions, highlighting pieces like The Margot Trousers (a mid to high-waisted classic), The Florence Shirt (a relaxed button-down), The Kate Blazer (the brand's best-seller), and The London Coat (an oversized, double-breasted coat). "All of them are designed to be repeatedly worn, styled in multiple ways, and to elevate even the simplest outfits."

      This is what sets today’s workwear apart. Although it maintains a polished appearance, it remains practical—not the equivalent of dull corporate jargon, but rather something functional that expresses your personal style. Lai's preferred choices include The Frankie Shop (for jackets), Citizens of Humanity (for barrel-leg jeans), and Aeyde, Dear Frances, and Khaite (for kitten-heel booties). With some patience, you'll curate your own list of essentials for work.

      As a closing note, consider Greta Gerwig str