4 looks for the 2026 back-to-work

The start of the working year marks the return of busy days, cooler temperatures, and the desire to refresh your wardrobe. It’s also the perfect time to revisit your essentials and come up with new outfit combinations. To help you make the transition from summer to fall, we’ve put together four easy-to-wear back-to-work looks for both men and women.

For a men’s back-to-work outfit that’s both comfortable and full of character, go for a mix of casual pieces with vintage touches.

The sleeveless sherpa jacket instantly adds an autumnal feel to the look. Easy to layer, it can be worn over a sweatshirt to create a casual and comfortable silhouette—perfect for days when temperatures are still mild. To give the outfit some structure, add a woven belt, which adds an extra touch of texture while naturally tying the look together.

This look works especially well with jeans or chinos and a pair of sneakers.

For back-to-work, there’s no need to overcomplicate your outfit. A few well-chosen essentials are all it takes to create a comfortable and trendy women’s look.

Let’s start with a sleeveless sherpa jacket, perfect for adding a touch of warmth to a transitional outfit. It layers easily over a T-shirt for a simple, casual silhouette. The result is lightweight while instantly giving the look a more fall-inspired feel.

To complement this outfit all day long, a tote bag is the ideal practical and elegant accessory. Its generous size makes it easy to carry everything you need for the first day back: a laptop, notebook, wallet, or small personal items.

Pair it with straight-leg jeans or flowing pants and a pair of sneakers, and this combination becomes an easy-to-recreate women’s back-to-work outfit.

For this second men’s back-to-work look, it’s all about fall’s signature fabrics. Denim and velvet come together to create a look that’s modern, comfortable, and easy to wear every day.

A denim overshirt is a great alternative to a light jacket when temperatures start to drop. Worn open over a T-shirt or a light top, it creates a casual look while adding structure to the silhouette.

Underneath, velvet pants add a new texture to the ensemble. Their warm fabric is particularly well-suited for the transition into fall and helps give a simple outfit more character. To finish off the look, opt for a pair of checkered socks: a small detail that peeks out above the shoes and adds a graphic touch to the outfit.

For a more feminine take on the back-to-work look, focus on the details. The centerpiece remains the sleeveless sherpa jacket, which we’re pairing this time with a small wool scarf and a pair of solid-color ribbed socks.

The scarf adds a touch of softness around the neck and makes it easy to personalize a basic outfit. It can be tied around the neck, tucked under the collar of a jacket, or simply worn casually over the shoulders.

The solid-color ribbed socks complete the look with their understated texture. Worn with sneakers, loafers, or ankle boots, they become a true fashion statement while providing extra comfort as temperatures start to drop.

For the rest of the outfit, stick to simple pieces: jeans, straight-leg pants, or a skirt let the accessories take center stage.

The start of the school year is the perfect time to refresh your outfits and bring out your mid-season pieces. Sherpa jackets, denim, velvet, wool scarves, or textured accessories: our four looks for men and women feature easy-to-mix-and-match essentials to create outfits that are comfortable, on-trend, and perfect for the first days of fall. It’s up to you to choose your favorite look and adapt it to your personal style!