Shopping·12 min read

Cozy Fall Clothes Under $50 You Can Wear to Work

back to the office clothes
Design: theSkimm | Photo: Amazon, Old Navy, H&M
September 6, 2022

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This post was originally published in September 2021 and has been updated.

ICYMI: The season of cooler weather is right around the corner. And we’re here to help you dress for it. Because we know finding conference room–appropriate outfits might be tough after spending so much time working from home. So we rounded up the fall wardrobe essentials that’ll make spending time at your 9 to 5 easy. We’re talking stuff that’ll keep those cozy vibes strong and your wallet happy. And spoiler: You don’t have to give up leggings just because you’re no longer taking AM meetings from your couch. Promise.

Psst…this is part of our Relatable Fashion Week series. For more of our picks on all things clothing, click here. We’ve got recs for layering pieces and options for first-day or interview outfits.

Layering pieces

Long knitted cardigan
Amazon

A long knitted cardigan to wear day in and day out…

This open-front, long cardigan comes in 30+ colors and is the ideal work piece to leave on your office chair, wear M–F, and throw on over any simple T-shirt or tank top. It’s made of stretchy breathable fabric and can be easily dressed up or down. Plus it’s got two pockets and is available in sizes XS–3XL. Yeah, it’s a need, not a want. ($19.54+, Amazon)

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Everlane tank
Everlane

A ribbed tank to throw under any sweater…

Mock neck for the win. It comes in a variety of colors, is machine washable, and is made of 97% organic cotton. The textured ribbing has a touch of stretch so it’ll be breathable and will also hug your body nicely. All you need now is a chunky cardigan. ($40, Everlane)

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Cable-knit cardigan
Amazon

The coziest cable-knit cardigan for offices with subfreezing temps…

Tell me you wish you had a blanket in your office without telling me you wish you had a blanket in your office. The heavyweight fabric and long silhouette are a must for anyone who runs cold. Pair it with a sleek pair of dark-wash jeans, or make it a more formal look with a pair of trousers. Oh, and it comes in a variety of fall colors and runs from XS to 6XL. ($14.80+, Amazon)

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Shacket
Target

A lightweight jacket that comes in a few neutral colors…

Say it with us: Twill jackets for the win. These transitional pieces are a must for your return to office. The patch pockets provide storage for your wallet and office ID pass, while the roomy fit means you’ll get a flexible feel so your arms won’t be restricted. Instagram isn’t even ready for your bathroom selfies. ($35, Target)

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shoulder-baring sweater tank
Banana Republic Factory

A shoulder-baring sweater tank for when you can’t decide how you feel about the weather…

You can wear this with just about everything. Add on a poncho, coat, blazer, or cardigan and you’re good to go. The 100% cotton and allover ribbing pack the comfort. And the high mock neck adds some elegance. Win-win. ($38.97+, Banana Republic Factory)

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Sweaters

Turtleneck
Amazon

A classic turtleneck that comes in every color under the sun...

This one is the perfect piece to have as the temps get cooler. Wear it on its own during early fall, and when winter rolls through just throw it under a jumper or thick cardigan for extra warmth. 10/10 recommend. ($22.90+, Amazon)

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Split-neck pullover
H&M

A collared pullover that feels and looks like a chic sweatshirt…

This midweight fabric is ‘WFH but make it IRL appropriate’ at its best. The sporty look goes with just about anything — leggings, dresses, jeans, and skirts. Plus it comes in an adorable striped option. ($24.99, H&M)

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Balloon-sleeve sweater
Amazon

A balloon-sleeve sweater for those crisp fall days…

For when you’ve got “When Harry Met Sally” on your autumn mood board. This mock-neck style comes in a dozen colors. It runs from XS to XXL and will make your co-workers say, “I’ll have what she’s having.” ($49.30+, Amazon)

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Amazon quarter zip
Amazon

A slim-fit quarter zip if your job takes you outdoors…

This durable option comes in black, white, and navy, among other neutral shades. The material is breathable too, so you don’t have to worry about sweating through it if the heat’s on full blast when you do return to the office. Get it, get it. ($26.79+, Amazon)

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turtleneck sweater
Asos

A fluffy turtleneck sweater for when you want something a little oversized…

The baggy fit, cuff sleeves, and ribbed trim make this sweater the perfect option for days when you wanna roll up to the office feeling completely comfy. It’s made from soft polyester yarn with a touch of spandex, and pretty much screams to be paired with leggings. ($37, Asos)

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Pants

Faux leather leggings
Amazon

Faux leather leggings for when you’re feeling lazy...

These have an elastic closure and are lined with some thin fleece so they won’t be see-through. They’ve got a wide waistband, and you can pair them with heels or flats to make them a little more special for work. Dressed up, minus all the effort? Count us in. ($39.99, Amazon)

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Old Navy pants
Old Navy

High-waisted pixie ankle pants…

These cotton twill ones make the idea of real pants with zippers (not sweats) more manageable. The flattering fit is thanks to diagonal on-seam front pockets and stretchy fabric. The wash (it comes in a number of fall-friendly options) should keep its color no matter how many times you put them through your machine. Plus they have a tag-free label in the back to prevent any itchiness. ($25+, Old Navy)

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Dresses and jumpsuits and skirts, oh my

Midi skirt
Free People

A ribbed midi skirt for when you want to turn up the professional vibes a bit…

This elastic-waist, straight-silhouette skirt to the rescue. It comes in nine colors and is an easy way to jazz up your style without skimping on the comfort. The Devil Wears Free People, that’s the saying, right? ($50, Free People)

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Ribbed knit dress
Target

A long-sleeve dress to throw on with boots...

Sweaterdresses? For fall? Groundbreaking. This one has a sculpted fit so expect some body-hugging vibes. It’s also the perfect style for those cooler, breezy nights when the temps drop. An autumn essential. ($42.49, Target)

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A zip-front cropped jumpsuit…
Amazon

A classic pair of jean overalls…

The one-and-done look is a simple way to get out the door in the morning faster. These overalls come in a ton of colors and washes. Oh, and did we mention they’ve got pockets? Because they do, which makes for easy commuting. Brb, putting this on and never taking it off. ($26.99+, Amazon)

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T-shirt dress
Amazon

A simple T-shirt dress to take you from late summer to early fall…

Just add tights, a cardigan, and some boots to turn this lightweight option into something more substantial for autumn. It’s machine-washable and has that flowy fit that’ll make long days spent at the office a bit more comfortable. Plus it comes in a ton of different colors (and some striped patterns). ($12.15+, Amazon)

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Sweatshirt dress
Amazon

A sweatshirt dress for when you need something to go from the office to happy hour…

This lightweight, breathable sweatshirt dress is a simple silhouette that can go with anything. Aka the design is basically a perfect blank canvas. Just throw on a scarf, jean jacket, printed tights, knee-high boots, or some jewelry. Cheers. ($23.99+, Amazon)

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Oversized turtleneck sweaterdress
Amazon

A non-itchy oversized turtleneck sweaterdress for a quick professional look...

Keep this cleaned and in your closet at all times. In addition to its many colorways, it’s the long-lantern sleeves, ribbed cuffs, and chunky fabric for us. Wear it with bare legs, tights, jeans...whatever you fancy. Slip it over your head and you’ll be out the door in minutes. No buttons, zips, or anything to squeeze into here. ($39.99+, Amazon)

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