Let’s be honest: no matter your industry or where you are in your career, a polished work wardrobe can be a great asset.
Look good, feel good, right?
But understanding different workplace dress codes and knowing where to find the right ‘fits can be a challenging, moving target.
So, we’ve put together a quick guide for how you can find the perfect work wardrobe in your own backyard—at the Tucson Premium Outlets.
Casual Workwear Staples at the Tucson Premium Outlets
A casual dress code maintains a basic standard of professionalism while staying relaxed and approachable.
Because it’s casual, it can be tough to draw the line between casual work clothes and the casual clothes you’d wear at home.
Here are a few tips for how to walk that line and look good doing it:
- Lightweight, breathable fabrics: Linen blends, cotton, and moisture-wicking materials are great for casual wear. Banana Republic at the Tucson Premium Outlets has elevated basics like relaxed linen pants and soft chambray shirts, perfect for the summer heat. You can also find performance pieces that double as casual office attire at the Nike store at the Tucson Premium Outlets.
- Relaxed fits and oversized silhouettes: These fits offer comfort without compromising style. Wide, relaxed pants are on trend and can be mixed with fitted or loose tops, perfect for hotter days. With the right fit, you can add a little drama to the mix. Browse American Eagle at the Tucson Premium Outlets for flowy tops or denim styles that follow the relaxed trend.
- High-quality denim: Don’t ever let anyone tell you denim isn’t right for work. It’s all about how you work it into your wardrobe. Think about jeans from Levi’s or Lucky Brand at the Tucson Premium Outlets paired with a button-up or nice long-sleeve shirt.
- Mixed textures: Want to bring interest and variety to a simple outfit? Combine a textured tee with a skirt or jeans. To keep the look refined, search for great fit and neutral colors to keep the look effortlessly stylish.
- Third pieces: Add a little something extra, like light cardigans or open shirts, which are ideal for layering when temperatures drop indoors or during the cooler seasons. Check out GAP at the Tucson Premium Outlets for these types of pieces and casual staples like soft t-shirts. Their 2024 collection features eco-friendly fabrics and loose-fitting silhouettes.
Remember, casual doesn’t mean sloppy. You can find a mix of comfort and style that will be a perfect fit for your everyday work wardrobe.
Business Casual (But Not Buttoned-Up) at the Tucson Premium Outlets
In most work environments, business casual is the most common dress code but also the most misunderstood. It’s more laid-back than a formal dress code, but it’s still appropriate for some conservative professions and business meetings.
Business casual is common for professionals working in hybrid environments, meetings with clients, or small business offices where a more polished appearance is needed but still comfortable—think salespeople who want to look their best, but they’re on the road in their cars all day.
The base of this wardrobe might be pieces like trousers, shirts, and other classic workwear items.
To get started with a business casual capsule wardrobe, consider:
- Tailored, semi-structured pieces: Look for items that are comfortable yet professional. Blazers in lightweight fabrics and wide-leg trousers in breathable materials work well. Pick pieces with the right fit, or get them adjusted by a tailor. For feminine, polished styles like tailored trousers, structured blouses, and versatile blazers, think Ann Taylor at the Tucson Premium Outlets.
- Neutral color palettes with subtle pops of color: Particularly in accessories or patterns, this works wonders to keep the look professional but fresh. Sticking to two to three colors per outfit is a good rule of thumb. Shop Tommy Hilfiger at the Tucson Premium Outlets for classic American style, including sharp button-down shirts, tailored blazers, and chinos in versatile colors like white, tan, or navy.
- Midi-length dresses and skirts: Look for flowy silhouettes that can be paired with light blazers or structured jackets. The Express store at the Tucson Premium Outlets offers a modern, youthful take on business casual with trendy blazers, wide-leg pants, and sleek dresses. Fashion-forward pieces for 2024 include lightweight suiting options and trendy work-appropriate jumpsuits.
- Tone-on-tone monochrome: Blend different shades of the same color, like tan with brown or navy with other blue tones. It can give a polished, minimalist look to separates. Try Calvin Klein at the Tucson Premium Outlets, a go-to for elegant pieces like pencil skirts, slim-fit pants, and sleeveless blouses. This method is an excellent way to mix in comfortable basics while still presenting a professional, sophisticated image.
If you want to level up to some higher-end options, you can’t go wrong with Saks OFF 5TH at the Tucson Premium Outlets for any of the options we mentioned.
Dress to Impress with Formal Workwear at the Tucson Premium Outlets
Formal dress codes are the most defined dress code but they don’t have to be restrictive or stuffy. It’s a way for your clothing to present trust, reliability and a strong reputation. You can still have a fun, modern workwear wardrobe and show your own personal style, while following a formal dress code.
This category relies on elevated, tailored pieces that reflect professionalism and confidence. Multiple high-end brands have outlets at Tucson Premium Outlets, offering the best value for formal styles.
Corporate professionals, executives, and people in client-facing roles often wear this style. It’s also common for any professional attending a formal event.
You can build your formal workwear capsule with items like:
- A monochromatic suit: This style of suit sticks to one color palette and tone with a matching shirt or sleeveless blouse, making the outfit look sophisticated and intentional. For high-quality, tailored suits, blazers, and dress shirts, check out Brooks Brothers at the Tucson Premium Outlets. The 2024 collection emphasizes structured yet lightweight fabrics, ideal for the Arizona heat but maintaining a refined appearance.
- Separates with statement tailoring: It’s not just the clothing—it’s the fit. Consider elevating your work wardrobe with sharp blazers, tailored trousers, and blouses with unique necklines or textures. Visit the Polo Ralph Lauren store at the Tucson Premium Outlets for the 2024 collection of sleek, preppy professional wear with clean lines and rich textures.
- Simple shirts or blouses: These essentials pair well with more structured pieces like suits, blazers, and trousers. Michael Kors at the Tucson Premium Outlets is known for chic professional wear from fitted dresses and tailored blouses to slim pencil skirts.
- Bold accessories: Even the most subtle fit can be elevated with accessories that bring personality and fun to formal workwear. While the base outfit remains classy, adding bold accessories with sculptural handbags, stunning belts, and statement jewelry enhances the overall look. Low-heel, closed-toe shoes are the formal standard for women, and leather dress shoes for men. Visit Coach at the Tucson Premium Outlets for luxurious accessories like leather handbags, belts, and shoes to upgrade any formal outfit. And, in the Tucson sun, you can’t go wrong with a beautiful pair of shades from Sunglass Hut at the Tucson Premium Outlets.
While you might not wear formal attire every day, these pieces are staples in every respectable work wardrobe—for when the occasion calls for them.
Testing Out 2024/2025 Trends for Workwear
The latest fashion trends pick from a mix of decades and places, with some familiar hits from the 1970s, 1990s, 2000s, and more. Heading into the next year, these are the looks we’ll see more often on the street and in the boardroom.
Work Fashion for Fall/Winter 2024
Tailored suiting, cashmere crewnecks and draped tops have been seen across the runways, along with dark brown, burgundy, suede, and corduroy. Not surprisingly, boho and western styles are also gaining popularity. There’s lots to choose from for casual or formal dress codes.
Layering is an ideal way to blend these trends with traditional workwear using brands like Michael Kors for lightweight jackets or Express for fall-inspired blazers.
Work Fashion for Spring/Summer 2025
Blue and white denim, as well as blues, greens and browns will be popular in 2025. Preppy, sporty and stripes are some of the trends in men’s fashion for Spring/Summer 2025.
It’s a perfect time to focus on lighter fabrics like linen and cotton. Banana Republic is known for its summer blouses and trousers, while GAP has breathable t-shirts and light denim options. Flowy midi dresses, loose trousers, and sleeveless blouses mix well with lightweight blazers, cardigans, or shawls for air-conditioned environments or transitional seasons.
Shoes and Accessories for Professionals
Polished accessories can instantly level up a workwear look or take it from boring to beautiful. There are a wide range of footwear and accessory brands at Tucson Premium Outlets, so you can find your own personal style.
- Comfortable yet stylish: Cole Haan at the Tucson Premium Outlets has sleek loafers, block heels, and flats
- Add flair with the top trends: Steve Madden at the Tucson Premium Outlets for bold print shoes and structured heels
- Polished pieces for formal looks: Michael Kors at the Tucson Premium Outlets for leather bags and shoes
- Fashionable yet affordable: Aldo at the Tucson Premium Outlets for chic heels, ankle boots, and classic bags that won’t break the bank
Now that you’ve created a modern, stylish workwear wardrobe, where will you wear it? Are you heading to the office, booking a meeting with clients, or pitching to investors? At The Post Workspaces, we love to see our members’ individual styles on full display each day. Want to come check it out for yourself? Book a tour of The Post today!