Office fashion trends in 2025: Cuts, accessories, and the business casual do's and don'ts

Till recently, I wasn’t aware to what extent can shoes enhance a professional look. I would opt for simple sandals that were slowly losing their charm. I was laid-back, thinking, “As long as they’re not broken or falling apart, they’re fine. Who’s even noticing shoes so carefully?” Then, one of my colleagues kindly pointed out that shoes are a crucial part of your office style—they can either elevate your fashion game or drag it down a few notches.

The lesson? Every detail of your outfit speaks volumes before you even say a word. In the workplace, what you wear isn't just about following the dress code, it’s an unspoken language that reflects your personality and professionalism. So, be it a smart blazer or carefully curated ensemble, office outfits wield strong influence over how you’re perceived, and how you feel.

So, how do you achieve your signature look of professionalism, while keeping with the fashion trends? Well, UAE based designers have a couple of suggestions.

Dressing for work in 2025: Creating your own style first

Dressing well for work in 2025 isn’t just about following trends, explains Carina Harvey, a Dubai-based personal identity coach and stylist. “It’s about aligning your style with your personality, lifestyle, and professional presence. The great thing is that elevated simplicity is very much ‘on trend’ right now, enabling you to strike the perfect balance between comfort and practicality matched with sophisticated professionalism.”

So, she suggests: Consider structured yet soft or comfortable tailoring, quality fabrics, neutral tones and timeless staples with modern updates like oversizing. “The basics of your outfit should begin taking into consideration your industry and lifestyle.” From there, bring your personality into your outfit. “Choose colours, textures, and accessories that reflect your personal energy. The most important thing is to wear what makes you feel comfortable, confident and authentic,” she says.

Every detail carries meaning, unique to you. Accessories are an easy way to add personality—think vibrant shoes or bold statement jewelry.

Hopping on to fashion trends: Add pop of colour

Office wear has evolved significantly in the recent years, with colour emerging as a key element, notes Niti Gupta, owner and founder of the Afra World, Dubai. “This shift reflects a broader change in how we view professional attire. Today, a pop of color on a formal outfit is a statement, signaling confidence and individuality and a subtle way of saying, ‘I’ve arrived’,” she says. “The trend represents a more vibrant, personalised approach to office fashion, with professionals no longer confined to a muted colour palette.”

Elaborating further on the shift in colour, Dzovig van Kleef, personal stylist and luxury personal shopper, Dubai says that 2025 has introduced new alternatives. “Deep brown, rich burgundy, and dark navy are emerging as power colours, offering sophistication while adding warmth and depth to professional outfits.  Instead of a black shift dress, try one in brown or burgundy, paired with a blazer or cardigan in a complementary shade. A well-chosen cardigan remains a must-have, perfect for layering over dresses, skirts, or pants—especially in air-conditioned offices,” she says.

Stick to solid colours, recommends Talha Batla, who recently launched a new collection for officewear. Go for coordinating pieces that feel trendy, yet professional. A handbag, a wristwatch, all add to your look too. "And don't forget the power of shoes. They can really elevate the style game," he says.

The evolution of modern silhouettes

But mastering office style isn't just about colour and accessories, it's also about embracing evolving silhouettes that redefine workplace fashion. That’s not all: Square-neck bodysuits are replacing camisole tops as polished basics that pair effortlessly with skirts and pants, whether worn alone or layered under a blazer, explains Van Kleef. Another key trend is polo-style tops with buttons, now available in soft cashmere or cotton blends, ideal for tucking into skirts or high-waisted trousers. “Skirts are also shifting toward comfort and movement. The pencil skirt is taking a backseat, making way for A-line midi satin skirts, which are universally flattering and effortlessly chic. Paired with a blazer and belt, they create a refined office-appropriate look that transitions easily from day to evening,” she says.

The return of classic pieces in new forms

The timeless white button-down isn’t going anywhere—but in 2025, it’s getting a bold refresh. Oversized fits are taking center stage, with many women embracing styles straight from the men’s section for an effortlessly chic yet professional look. It’s power dressing, but with a laid-back twist.

Denim is also making waves in office wear, with dark-wash, straight-leg styles becoming the go-to for a polished yet modern aesthetic. Paired with heels and a structured blazer, it strikes the perfect balance between casual cool and boardroom-ready.

Men’s workwear: The new business casual

The classic business suit isn’t disappearing, but the era of slim fits is fading fast. Straight-leg trousers, whether in denim or traditional fabrics, are redefining sharp tailoring. The biggest shift? Business casual is embracing a relaxed sophistication, according to Van Kleef.

Instead of the rigid, matching suist, men are mixing it up—think blazers in contrasting colors paired with sleek trousers. And the button-down? It’s getting swapped for polo-style shirts with soft collars, a refined yet relaxed alternative that ditches the need for a tie. It’s office-appropriate, but with a modern edge.

Dressing with purpose

According to Gupta, in 2025, office fashion isn’t just about looking polished, it’s about mastering the balance between sharp tailoring and all-day comfort. Professionals need outfits that can carry them seamlessly from back-to-back meetings to last-minute presentations without a hitch. The key? Tailoring that flatters and feels effortless, ensuring you look put-together from morning coffee to after-hours networking.

But in today’s fast-paced, high-stakes work environment, dressing well is more than just a style choice, it’s a strategy. You never know when an unexpected opportunity or high-profile meeting will land in your lap, and the right outfit can make all the difference. The modern professional isn’t just dressing for the job, they’re dressing for the game-changing moment that could happen at any time.

The changing landscape of office style

Kelly Lundberg, a speaker, author and personal brand strategist explains that how you present yourself, has long been documented as a crucial factor in making a good first impression. However, as office fashion has evolved over the years, so too has the way we interpret professionalism and personal branding. Today, dressing for work isn’t just about following a dress codes, it’s about aligning your wardrobe with your role, industry, and personal brand,” she says.

Fashion or style, after all, is communication. “Style brings a level of confidence, even when you don’t fully feel it,” she explains. Your clothes tells a story.

Ultimately, office fashion is about balance, aligning professionalism with authenticity. Whether you choose a structured blazer or a stylish yet comfortable pair of loafers, the key is to ensure your style aligns with the image you want to project, she notes.

So, the takeaway? Balance function with self-expression, ensuring your wardrobe empowers you to show up as your best self every day.

Style tips for the modern professional

Gupta shares some tips:

·         Mix and match: Revamp your office style by effortlessly mixing and matching suits and separates. Instead of splurging on a whole new wardrobe, swap blazers, trousers, and skirts to create fresh, modern looks. Play with textures, colours, and fits to add a contemporary edge while keeping your style polished and versatile.

·         2. Incorporate unconventional colours: Break away from the usual neutrals and experiment with confident, professional shades like pink, teal, or soft blue. These unexpected hues inject personality into your look while keeping it workplace-appropriate.

·         Stay on trend with seasonal shades: Keep your wardrobe fresh by embracing the season’s hottest colors. Each season introduces a new palette—incorporating just one trending shade keeps your style effortlessly current. Check out Pantone’s latest color forecasts and weave in a statement piece or subtle accent to stay ahead of the fashion curve.

·         Well-fitted clothes: Tailoring is essential for achieving a polished look, while high-quality fabrics ensure durability and comfort. Make sure that the clothes you invest in fit properly and feel comfortable throughout the day.

The do’s and don’ts in business casual, explains Van Kleef.

While business casual offers more flexibility, certain missteps can make an outfit look too relaxed: 

·         Avoid going fully casual: A blazer with trousers works, but avoid pairing a blazer with jeans—opt for chinos or relaxed dress pants instead. 

·         Avoid going too sporty: A polo shirt with trainers leans too much toward athleisure. Instead, pair it with loafers or dress shoes. 

·         Avoid short sleeves:  Long sleeves maintain a polished look.  Avoid patterned socks.

·         They are too casual for business settings; stick to classic solid colors. 

·         Do ditch the tie, but keep it structured. A button-down shirt worn without a tie is still professional. 

·         Invest in quality accessories. A smartwatch and a leather bag instantly elevate any outfit.