Style
3 Looks Bustle Editors Are Planning For Their Back-To-Work Debuts
Prepping for a return to the office can feel a lot like the ‘makeover’ montage in any of your favorite teen movies: Endless articles of clothing, thoughtful accessorizing, and examining every little detail of the look. It makes sense, of course. While we’ve happily adopted athleisure as our primary clothing category over the past year and a half, we’re also itching for a return to normalcy: Normalcy being head-turning colors and trends that let our personalities truly shine.
With Macy’s as our go-to personal style source, it’s easy to express ourselves through fashion, for any occasion. Prefer a maximalist wardrobe of bold shades and loud patterns? It’s sorted. Gravitate towards neutrals and traditional cuts? Found. On the hunt for the latest must-have pieces before everyone else them? Done and done. Think: Bright power suits, statement-making coats, and sleek button-up blouses. These are styles that can be worn one way now, and can be layered for a completely different look later on. Here, three Bustle style experts share their fall-ready back-to-work outfits.
Jessica Andrews, Deputy Fashion Editor
The best fall pieces are ones that have endless styling potential. Typically, that means layering essentials that work well with multiple outfit combinations. For Bustle’s Deputy Fashion Editor Jessica Andrews, that comes in the form of a white poplin shirtdress, black lace-up boots, and an oversized sweater vest. With a neutral foundation, she’s able to experiment with different head-turning shades that really make a splash. “Bold colors are a mood booster,” she says. “They make me feel immediately joyful and energetic.” For the upcoming season, a plaid yellow peacoat and quilted lemon crossbody add just the right pop.
Elly Ayres, Senior Branded Fashion Editor
Senior Branded Fashion Editor Elly Ayres says there’s one fall item that makes her feel more confident, regardless of what it’s being styled with: “A head-turning boot always helps me land my look,” she says, noting both the practicality and stylish design of this lug-sole Chelsea pair. Striking the right balance between her three key styling principles (statement-making, playful, and always comfortable), the shoes pair well with other pieces in her rotation. In addition to color, Ayres loves to “channel playful personality through funky silhouettes or unexpected textures.” Change into stilettos and add a bright green bag with a luxe chain-link detail to take the look from afternoon brainstorm to post-work happy hour.
Vienna Skye, TikTok Creator
“Any comfortable outfit can be upgraded with the right accessories,” says TikTok creator Vienna Skye. With a preference for natural shades and lots of layering pieces — “My fall wardrobe tends to be a bit more neutral,” she admits — she’s levelling-up her seasonal style with monochromatic pieces. A ribbed knit midi dress, beaded hoop earrings, and a thick wool coat (all in varying shades of gray) keep things chic and on-trend, but still comfortable and functional. “I love cool add-on pieces that can throw some extra texture and life into any outfit.“
Photography: Michelle Watt; Stylist: Ian Bradley; Set Design: Tim Ferro; Set Design Assistants: Marin Marinov and Laila Ibrahim; Senior Branded Fashion Editor: Elly Ayres; Branded Fashion Director: Jenna Wexler; Hair: Yoichi Tomizawa; Makeup: Tiffany Patton; Production: Danica Butkovich; Digital Tech: Curts D'Amour; Photo Assistant: Stephen Han
