Thursday, August 24, 2023

Our Favorite Ways To Style Fall 2023’s Business-Core Trend

The catwalks of New York Fashion declared businesscore would be the trend of fall 2023, and with only a few weeks away till autumn, we’re here to act on it. Bussiness-core also just happens to be the perfect grown-up way to scratch your back-to-school shopping itch. As you look towards the season ahead, upgrade your workwear with a fresh pair of trousers, layerable knits, and polished blazers that put a trending twist on officewear. Business-core buys for fall also expand to tote bags, and we have all the investment pieces you could want from trendy brands like Polène and Isabel Marant that you’ll proudly carry from the office to happy hour.

Whether you’re a corporate girlie on a mission to upgrade your work attire collection or simply want to be classy and pair a statement blazer or tote with your everyday jeans, scroll ahead for the best professional business clothes for fall. Heading into the new season, you’ll be looking poised and ready to tackle any obstacle with your new uniform. It’s time to finesse the business-core trend before it officially hits the streets. 

Sophisticated Blazers

Everyone has their go-to black blazers, but this fall is the perfect chance to push the envelope with this classic piece with modern cropped styles or fresh details. There are glossy sculpted blazers, double-breasted kinds, and checkered ones. To give it more of a laid-back preppy vibe, roll or clip back the sleeves for a more relaxed silhouette.

Layerable Sweaters

Sweater weather’s right around the corner, and while we adore our chunky oversized knits, we’re focusing our picks on layerable pieces for the office. We have the sweaters that’ll allow you to evoke that chic Parisian look by draping blazers over turtlenecks or pairing posh knitted polo sweaters with trench coats

Elevated Button-Front Shirts & Blouses

Button-front shirts have evolved from stuffy, stiff styles to more relaxed, glossy variations like washable silk designs. These timeless shirts can be fashioned into numerous outfits and occasions, whether your work’s vibe is more business casual or corporate.

Polished Pencil Skirts

Pencil skirts dominated the runway during Paris Fashion Week, and while we fell for high-fashion brands like Dior and Saint Laurent’s luxe designs, we’ve also compiled a list of more affordable takes on the sleek silhouette.

New Work Trousers

As you begin to pull out your old fall work pants from the back of your closet, consider adding a new pair or two to your lineup. There are one-tone wide-leg and tailored designs for the minimalists and preppy houndstooth and pinstripe prints for those looking for a subtle statement piece.

Business Totes

Long gone are the boring work bags that you only use for their practicality. Invest in a fashionable, versatile work tote that you can wear to the office and still use on off-duty days. There are chic totes from trendy brands like Sézane, Isabel Marant, and Polène, as well as from reader favorite ones like Lululemon and Everlane.

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

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Perfect Fall Fashion With TikTok’s Soft Girl Aesthetic

TikTok has become a hub for the latest fashion cores and aesthetics. While the styles tend to have short lives, the soft girl aesthetic is here for fall. Though the hyper-feminine, pastel-hued look first appeared last autumn and disappeared to allow mermaidcore to take the stage, it’s made it’s stealthy return. And with #softgirlaesthetic raking over 241.1 million views on TikTok, its reign is strong. Fashion enthusiasts online are scrambling to hop on the bandwagon and curate their own take on the dainty look.

Maybe it’s the Barbiecore effect — people aren’t ready to let go of their puff sleeves, mini skirts, and pink attire — or fall’s soon-to-be cozy vibe is already in the air. Either way, as you begin to tap into fall fashion with cropped jackets and midi skirts, consider creating your own soft girl aesthetic with the layerable silhouettes ahead. We’ve gathered key staples, such as puff-sleeve dresses, peplum tops, polo shirts, and cozy cardigans — all in light shades like sky blue, copper, and pink. You can’t complete the look without Mary Janes or ballet flats either, and frilly and slouchy socks are a must. Who knew creating the ultimate soft girl look was this easy?

Puff Sleeve Dresses & Tops

Puff sleeves exude delicateness and femininity with their delicate touch. If you don’t have one in your wardrobe already, take a peek at our selection of mini dresses and short-sleeve options.

Peplum Tops

For another take on soft, airy tops, consider a peplum style. The trendy style will give your outfit personality with its flattering cinched look, smock waist, and flared hem.

Polo Shirts

Switch up your tops with a new addition of a preppy collared top. These polo shirts aren’t your dad’s ol’ Ralph Lauren ones, as they have scalloped details, button-front touches, and more.

Cardigan Sweaters

Take your pick from cashmere off-the-shoulder cardigans or ones with a slight texture to them. Either way, you can use them for layering on cool autumn days.

Delicate Airy Skirts

Don’t forget the crucial piece to the ultimate soft girl look: a skirt. There are all sorts of dreamy, romantic ones to choose from, whether you’re searching for a floral print, eyelet, tiers, or pleats.

Ballet Flats

Stay comfortable in a pair of ballet flats. The timeless shoe is available in soft, warm tones that match a plethora of fall outfits.

Mary Janes

Your childhood Mary Janes are all grown up, evolving into flirty styles with silky fabrics and platform heels. The popular shoe was all over NYFW runways, from Sandy Liang to Coach, and soft girls everywhere have added the Parisian-inspired shoe to their collections.

Frilly To Slouchy Socks

With the soft girl aesthetic, you can never have too many frills. After you’ve picked out your chosen ballet flats or Mary Janes, find a set of frilly or slouchy socks to complete the look.

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

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