5 autumn trends you can actually wear to work – The Irish News

Workwear is no longer bounded by a neutral array of suit trousers, loose shirts and trainers.

As office dress codes have relaxed, there’s more scope for personality, but translating the season’s more adventurous trends into something suitable for a Monday morning can still be tricky.

“I think the interesting thing with workwear now is that people want to feel current without looking as though they’ve just copied a trend from [Instagram],” says fashion stylist Oriona Robb, “and that balance is really important.”

But Instagram and TikTok’s workwear inspiration, often dubbed as ‘office siren’, is far from the reality of dressing appropriately for the office. So here’s how to actually translate autumn trends into workwear.

1. Capris

After spending the summer pairing capris with ballet flats and flatform sandals, capri pants aren’t disappearing just because temperatures are dropping.

The cropped silhouette actually translates perfectly into autumn and workwear – but Robb says you need to get the fabric and fit right.

“I think they can absolutely work for the office […] I would always choose something tailored and structured rather than anything too tight or casual – so no prints or denim.”

And when it comes to the shoes, you’re almost spoilt for choice.

“I’d pair them with a pointed kitten heel or a leather loafer,” says Robb, who thinks it’s the perfect workwear outfit for a mild autumn day.

Adding a simple cashmere or wool jumper and a smart jacket elevates the capris from summer staple to office essential.

Mango Capri Trousers with Openings, £29.99

2. Bandanas and handkerchiefs

If you don’t fancy overhauling your office wardrobe every time a new trend emerges, accessories can provide a relatively inexpensive way to experiment.

Silk scarves and bandanas have been 2026’s biggest accessory trends – but if you think the headband is too casual for work, there are other ways to wear the trend.

“I love them tied at the neck, tucked into the collar of a shirt, or even wrapped around the handle of a handbag,” Robb says.

“I’d probably be a little more cautious with wearing them as a headband in a traditional corporate environment, because it can very quickly start to feel very casual. In a creative industry, though, it can work beautifully.”

A patterned silk scarf can also introduce colour to an otherwise conservative combination of a white shirt and navy trousers, bringing a classic office outfit into 2026.

Accessorize Knitted Paisley Large Triangle Scarf, £24

3. Chartreuse and pea green

Perhaps trickier to envisage in a working environment is one of autumn’s boldest colour trends: the acidic shades of chartreuse and pea green.

“Chartreuse and pea green can feel intimidating, but they actually become very sophisticated when you ground them with earthy and neutral colours,” Robb explains.

“Chocolate brown is probably my favourite pairing because it makes the green feel richer and more expensive […] but navy, cream, charcoal and deep burgundy also work really well.”

Using the colour as an accent tends to work better than utilising it as a standout piece.

“If someone is nervous about wearing it, start with a blouse, scarf or bag rather than a full look,” says Robb.

A chartreuse top with rich brown trousers, for example, is a relatively simple way to introduce the colour without sacrificing a classic workwear wardrobe.

And Other Stories Gathered Tie-Belt Blouse, £77

4. Fringe

Suede seemed to be the Western-inspired trend that dominated autumn 2025’s wardrobes – but this season it’s all about fringe.

But tassels and tailoring aren’t necessarily natural bedfellows, so keeping it pared back is key when taking fringe into the workplace.

“A subtle fringed hem on a skirt or a shirt with a little movement, or even a fringed leather bag can nod to the trend while keeping [the look] sophisticated,” says Robb.

“For me, professional dressing should never mean boring, but your clothes also shouldn’t enter the room before you do.”

Pairing one fringed piece with minimal tailoring should help keep the overall look office-ready.

H&M Handmade Wool-Blend Burgundy Cape, £90 (was £119.99)

5. Satin and silk

Satin skirts and silk blouses can tend to feel too evening-ready, and wrong styling can make the slip-inspired trend feel more like pyjamas than professional attire.

It seems the solution is to contrast your pieces.

“Silk and satin can work beautifully for daytime too, especially when they are balanced with smarter pieces,” Robb explains.

“A silk blouse in a neutral colour – probably not a vibrant red – with tailored trousers, or a satin midi skirt with a white shirt and tights feels elegant and perfect for the office.”

Introducing wider trends into your workwear wardrobe is becoming more and more appropriate. “There is much more room for individuality, and I think that’s a positive thing,” says Robb.

“That said, I don’t think anything goes […] The question I always encourage clients to ask is not simply, ‘Can I wear this to work?’ but, ‘What is this communicating about me?’”

Massimo Dutti Flowing Satin Midi Skirt, £120