Style Subcultures is a monthly column that celebrates individuality. Each edition explores how different aesthetics approach dressing for a new season or a specific occasion. It’s written and edited to help you define your unique style and get creative with both new pieces and what’s already in your wardrobe. You can find past editions of this column here.

When you look at traditional workwear, it can sometimes feel like the spaces themselves inspired it. Pencil skirts, midi dresses, and suits are ubiquitous – a formal setting requires formal clothes – and often in shades that aren’t much different from the colour of the office carpet. As corporate spaces have become more design-conscious, so have the clothes worn within them. Now, your office wardrobe can be a subtle signifier of your personal style without compromising on professionalism.

Stylist Danielle Goldberg gets this ethos, dressing her mix of A-list clients, who inspired each of today’s capsules, in pieces that are more refined than what they might wear when off-duty. These looks, worn on press tours or while papped travelling from meeting to meeting, are the perfect outfit inspiration for desk-based environments that let you express your creativity.

1. The Structured Prep Office Wardrobe

Inspired by Ayo Edebiri

Ayo Edebiri’s style has become more grown-up as she transitions from indie actor to a global name. Still, her outfits have a preppy element that matches her playful personality. She flips between structural pieces and more relaxed fits, but in a modest way that makes for great inspiration for work outfits.

Edebiri will throw in a pop of colour amidst monochrome and navy pieces, and the easiest way of following suit is with a statement accessory. When the temperatures drop, swap it out for a colourful knit and get creative with layering.

1. Leather pumps, Toteme $680, 2. Wool shorts, Loewe $1,200, 3. Asymmetric top, Khaite $1,680, 4. Agate earrings, Khaite $2,100, 5. Pinstriped skirt, Tibi $695, 6. Lambswool jumper, Studio Nicholson $615, 7. Wool-blend blazer, Róhe $1,240, 8. Patent-leather tote, Toteme $1,780, 9. Cotton shirt, COS $79, 10. Leather loafers, Tory Burch $300, 11. Knitted tank, Veronica Beard $280, 12. Cotton-twill jacket, Frame $548.

Ayo Edebiri for Vogue by Angelo Pennetta.

2. The Sophisticated Minimalist Office Wardrobe

Inspired by Solange Knowles

If you sway towards minimalist outfits, Solange Knowles should be dominating your sartorial moodboards. While her clothes fall into that category, you’d hardly class them as basics. Tops and knits that play with proportions will be layered, and asymmetric necklines may echo, or contrast, with the hemline. Layering this V-neck knitted COS tank over this Another Tomorrow t-shirt adds dimension and makes for a unique look for a more dressed-down office.

Knowles mixes different textures, so consider pairing dense and heavy knits with light satins or silks to make it appear more intentional than just styling basics. The same goes for jewellery: keep it all one colour, preferably silver, but mix dainty pieces with hardier designs.

122. STYLE SUBCULTURES: Dressing for Work

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