In September and October, the office wardrobe needs a little refresh. Summer linen clothes no longer belong in the morning, but winter hasn't arrived yet. Here's a back-to-work wardrobe for the office, designed for Quebec fall, with pieces for men and women and links to our detailed brand guides.
In summary
- Start with a 15-minute audit of what you already have.
- Follow the 1-2-3 rule: one jacket, two pairs of pants, three tops.
- Choose fine wool, heavyweight cotton, and velvet, which keep you warm without adding bulk.
- Stick to a three-color palette: it makes outfits easier to put together.
- Finish with just one seasonal accessory.
Step 1: Audit your wardrobe in 15 minutes
Before you shop, take a look at what you already have. This exercise helps you avoid duplicates and reveals what's missing.
- Take out everything you wear to the office and lay it on the bed.
- Make three piles: keep, alter, replace.
- Identify the pieces that don't go with anything else. Those are the buying mistakes.
- Make a note of what's missing: a pair of fall pants, a jacket, a shirt.
- Photograph your best combinations. You can easily recreate them.
In the end, you'll have a short shopping list. For a wardrobe that lasts all year, you can also read our guide to the capsule wardrobe: 10 essentials for timeless style. The article you're reading here focuses on fall and the office.
Step 2: Follow the 1-2-3 rule
The rule is simple: one jacket, two pairs of pants, three tops. With these six pieces, you can put together at least six different office outfits.
| Piece | Role | What to look for |
|---|---|---|
| 1 jacket | The piece that structures the outfit | Fine wool or jersey, modern fit |
| 2 pairs of pants | One dark, one colored | Low-wrinkle fabric |
| 3 tops | Shirt or blouse, sweater, textured top | One solid, one with a subtle pattern, one knit |
In store, the pieces our customers most often choose for the office are sweaters, shirts, pants, and blazers. The 1-2-3 rule covers these four categories.
Men's essentials
The blazer
The fall blazer is made of fine wool or jersey. It can be worn without a tie and stays comfortable all day. The Digel Enzo, wool jersey blazer with a stand collar is an example of a modern fit. To learn all about the brand, read our guide to Digel blazers and suits for the office or browse the Digel collection.
Pants
Choose one dark pair of pants and one in a lighter color. The 34 Heritage Cool Navy Twill in navy is a great staple. The 34 Heritage collection offers several fits and colors. To find your fit, consult the 34 Heritage size guide. The Meyer Bonn 2500 lightweight wool pants are ideal for days when you need to dress up. To learn more about Meyer pants, read our guide on why to choose Meyer pants.
Shirts
A solid shirt, a textured shirt, and a shirt with a subtle pattern are all you need. The Eterna dobby-textured shirt can be worn on its own or under a blazer. Browse the Eterna collection to find a solid or striped shirt, and consult the Eterna measurement guide to choose the right size. If you like bolder prints on Fridays, read our guide to Bugatchi printed shirts and explore the Bugatchi collection.
The sweater of the season
The Bugatchi Soft Touch zip-neck sweater replaces a jacket on milder days. Wear it over a shirt or on its own.
Women’s essentials
Pants
A pair of pants that wrinkles little and is comfortable all day. The Brax Shakira Winter Dream is designed for the cold season. The Brax Mary Ultra Light is suitable for milder days. To compare the fits, read our guide to women’s Brax pants or browse the Brax collection.
Tops
A solid-colored blouse, a patterned top, and a sweater. The VLT'S by Valentina's viscose patterned blouse adds color to an understated outfit. The Brax Liz wool and cashmere crewneck sweater provides warmth without bulk. For more options, browse the VLT'S by Valentina's collection.
The Knit Layer
The Armor-Lux Ressac wool crewneck cardigan replaces the blazer when the office is more casual. Discover the brand's history in our guide to Armor-Lux French sailor sweaters, or browse the Armor-Lux collection.
Step 3: Choose a Three-Color Palette
A three-color palette makes all your pieces work together. Here are a few easy combinations for fall:
- Navy, cream, and camel: classic and warm.
- Charcoal gray, burgundy, and white: more understated, with a touch of color.
- Forest green, brown, and ivory: natural and seasonal.
Save bright colors for just one item, such as a shirt or scarf.
Step 4: Add a Seasonal Touch
Just one accessory is enough to mark the season. A lightweight wool scarf for cool mornings, colorful socks, or a leather belt. To learn how to store your accessories, read our guide on how to store scarves, ties, and bow ties.
The Hybrid Office: What to Wear on Work-from-Home Days
If you alternate between the office and home, keep the same foundation. A sweater or cardigan is enough for days at home. Wear the blazer and shirt on days when you have meetings. This approach means you don't have to buy two wardrobes. To combine styles, read our post on relaxed tailoring.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Shopping without taking stock. You risk buying duplicates of pieces you already own.
- Choosing a piece that goes with nothing. Each purchase should work with at least three other pieces.
- Forgetting the outer layer. A fall coat completes the outfit. For better layering, read our guide to the art of layering.
- Overlooking alterations. An adjusted hem or sleeve can change the look of a pair of pants or a suit jacket. At Le Capitaine D'a Bord, alterations are free and usually take two business days.
Frequently asked questions
How do you build a work wardrobe for fall?
Start by taking stock of what you own. Then add a jacket, two pairs of pants and three tops that work together in a three-color palette.
What colors should you wear to the office in fall?
Navy, gray, camel, forest green and burgundy are reliable choices. They’re easy to mix and match and suit most workplaces.
Which fabrics should you choose for the office in fall?
Fine wool, heavyweight cotton and corduroy are reliable choices. They keep you warm, resist wrinkling and stay comfortable all day.
How many pieces do you need for a work wardrobe?
Six pieces are enough to get started: one jacket, two pairs of pants and three tops. You can then add one piece each season as needed.
Does the store offer alterations?
Yes. Alterations are free and usually take two business days. They can adjust a hem or sleeve so the garment fits perfectly.
In summary
A successful back-to-work wardrobe is built with a few well-chosen pieces that are easy to mix and match. To learn more, read our guides on Digel and Bugatchi, or our post on dressing elegantly for the holiday season. To browse the pieces, explore the Digel, Eterna, 34 Heritage, Bugatchi and Brax collections, or visit us at our Petit-Champlain boutique in Quebec City.