Workwear Trend: how to dress for back to work?

Office looks for a stylish back-to-work season!

Heeled Mary Janes or block-heeled sandals, retro sneakers or textured-soled sneakers? Every fall, the same question arises: which shoes should you choose to create your office look? From the confident working girl to a more casual look, the workwear trend is a no-brainer. As the back-to-work bell rings and fall looms on the horizon, it's time to rethink your workwear. It's not always easy, especially when memories of summer vacations are still fresh. For inspiration, we look to the Fall-Winter 2025-2026 collections that reinvent women's workwear fashion. Between sensual shapes like the delicate curves of straps and bold fashion details like the leopard print, elegance is combined with boldness. The idea: inject strong, well-chosen pieces into your wardrobe to assert a chic and contemporary women's workwear style. Here are some essentials and inspirations to achieve your office looks this season!

Heeled baby shoes: the retro-chic piece for your office looks

Elegant and comfortable, heeled Mary Janes embody the perfect transition from summer to fall-winter footwear. With their retro look, they add a sophisticated dimension to women's professional outfits. At Vanessa Wu, the Kate Mary Janes are a must-have for a refined workwear look. Their clean lines and stable heel make them ideal for combining style and comfort all day long.

In terms of style, Mary Janes are worn with a flowing mid-length skirt to add a touch of glamour to the silhouette. For a more modern office look, pair them with elegant raw denim, chosen in a straight or flared cut. The combination of the elegance of denim and the finesse of Mary Janes creates a chic contrast that perfectly illustrates the workwear spirit!

Sneakers: the casual-chic twist on the workwear trend

Young woman wearing Vanessa Wu's Charlize monogram sneakers with retro soles.

Long reserved for casual wear, sneakers now have their place in women's workwear fashion. Worn
reasonably, they become the comfortable and modern addition to professional outfits. Vanessa Wu's Charlize retro sneakers perfectly illustrate this trend: their refined design and elegant finishes infuse a sophisticated look, ideal for contemporary workwear looks. They pair easily with tailored pants or a shirt dress to break the strict codes of the office uniform.

Another great option: the Esmée sneakers with textured soles. Their design and leopard print add depth to the silhouette and assert a fashionable dimension, while maintaining a professional look. To style them, wear them with wide-legged pants and a structured jacket, creating a balance between casual and elegant. These designs demonstrate that sneakers, far from being reserved for the weekend, perfectly embody the workwear trend.

Heeled sandals: extend summer with elegance

Young woman wearing Vanessa Wu's Alex multi-strap block heel sandals in a total camel look.

Even in the fall, heeled sandals find their place in the workwear wardrobe. They appeal to those who want to maintain a summery touch in their women's professional outfits. Vanessa Wu's Alex sandals, with their block heels, offer the ideal compromise between elegance and comfort. Their modern design and stability allow them to be worn all day long without sacrificing style.

For a confident office look, pair them with high-waisted flowing pants and a silk shirt for a sophisticated professional look. They also work beautifully with a midi skirt in autumnal hues for a feminine edge. By incorporating sandals into your office looks, you'll extend the warm weather while still respecting the workwear trend!

Conclusion:

Back-to-school is the perfect opportunity to redefine your workwear style and invest in key pieces that modernize your professional wardrobe. Heeled Mary Janes, elegant sneakers, or sophisticated sandals: each choice reflects a way of interpreting the workwear trend according to your personality and daily life. By opting for iconic models like those by Vanessa Wu, you can transform your women's professional outfits into truly assertive, comfortable, and modern looks. More than just a dress code, workwear becomes a fashion playground, combining style, functionality, and self-confidence!