Getting dressed for the office has never felt particularly easy. But lately, it somehow feels more complicated than ever. With dress codes becoming increasingly ambiguous, the question of what to wear to work can feel surprisingly difficult to answer. Finding office outfits (jackets included) that strike the balance between polished and approachable isn’t always intuitive—especially when the goal is to look put together without defaulting to the same tired formulas.
As a stylist, I work with clients all the time who want to modernize their work wardrobes, just not in the traditional pantsuit-and-heels way they once did. One of the easiest ways to do that without overhauling your entire closet? Start with your jackets. While blazers have had a white-knuckled grip on office style for decades, there’s a whole world of work-appropriate jacket alternatives that feel just as polished, but far more interesting.
Below, I’m highlighting a few office-approved blazer alternatives, each paired with a simple styling idea to bring the look to life—plus four shopping picks if you’re in the market for one yourself. Think of it as equal parts outfit inspiration and practical workwear refresh.
1. A suede jacket
Forget what you thought you knew about styling suede—especially a brown suede jacket. The rich texture pairs beautifully with just about any neutral (such as navy, black, camel, or cream) and instantly adds dimension to an otherwise flat outfit. There are plenty of silhouettes on the market, too, from tailored to slightly oversized, making it easy to find one that suits your office dress code. Finish the look with a leather belt and structured bag to keep the outfit feeling polished rather than overly casual.
2. A collarless jacket
The styling power of a collarless jacket really rests in its neckline. With a V-neck version, layer it over a tee or tank to create contrast and add dimension. If you’re working with a higher neckline, button it all the way up and wear it almost like a shirt for a cleaner, more tailored effect. It also creates the perfect frame for a necklace stack—something that isn’t always as visible with a standard blazer. Because the silhouette feels more streamlined when fully buttoned, it pairs especially well with flat-front trousers or even polished denim.
3. A military-style jacket
A military-style jacket adds instant structure to softer office basics. Throw one over a silk blouse and tailored black trousers, then ground the look with classic ankle boots or loafers. The utility-inspired details bring just enough edge while still reading polished enough for day-to-day office wear. Plus, it does most of the styling work for you, making it a far more interesting alternative to another plain blazer.
4. A funnel-neck cape jacket
A funnel-neck cape jacket comes in a variety of silhouettes and can sometimes read more like outerwear than an everyday office layer. But that’s where the fashion payoff comes in. The sculptural shape makes more of a statement while still being light enough to wear throughout the workday over a tee or slim sweater. Paired with tailored trousers, it reads like a classic office outfit—but with a far more modern, on-trend feel that keeps things visually interesting.
Tinsley Crisp, Fashion & Beauty Staff Writer
Tinsley Crisp is a Fashion & Beauty Staff Writer at The Everygirl and specializes in reporting on the season’s latest trends and hottest products. As a New York City-based stylist, she’s committed to injecting joy into the art of getting dressed and delivering attainable yet aspirational content to our readers.
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