5 Favourite Tops for Work (That Don’t Feel Like Workwear)
5 Favourite Tops for Work (That Don’t Feel Like Workwear)
I’ll start by saying this…
I don’t actually have a traditional work wardrobe.
As a pattern designer working from home, my daily outfit usually involves testing a new pattern, trying fabric combinations, or filming a “What’s In The Pattern” video. There’s no office dress code here… unless the dogs decide there should be one.
But many of you do head into workplaces where you want to look polished and professional without feeling stiff, overdressed or uncomfortable.
And if I were building a small collection of tops for an office-style wardrobe, these five would be at the top of my list. They’re polished enough for work, comfortable enough to wear all day, and versatile enough to mix and match with skirts, wide leg pants or tailored trousers.
Let’s walk through the week.
Monday – Spill The Tea Tie Neck Top
Monday calls for something polished but still easy to wear.
The Spill The Tea Tie Neck Top is one of those pieces that instantly makes an outfit feel a bit more special. The tapered tie neckline adds a beautiful feminine detail while still keeping things modern and wearable.
I’ve made a matching set using the Easy Does It Skirt in a pink and navy crinkle rayon and I absolutely love it. It feels coordinated, stylish and very work appropriate without being overly formal.
Another favourite is a woven crepe version paired with black crepe palazzo pants. It’s simple, elegant and incredibly comfortable.
And the sleeve options give you flexibility depending on the look you want. The cap sleeve creates a sleek, minimal silhouette, while the long sleeve with elastic at the wrist adds a slightly softer feel.
It’s the kind of blouse that quietly elevates an outfit.
Tuesday – About Town Popover
By Tuesday we’re ready for something that looks polished but still feels completely relaxed.
The About Town Popover is perfect for that.
It has that lovely feel of a classic shirt, but without the fuss of buttons. The collar and neckline give it a polished look while the relaxed shoulder keeps it comfortable and easy to wear.
It can be sewn as a shirt, a cropped top (which is not cropped in the traditional sense but the perfect length for a high waisted skirt or pant), a longer top or even a dress, which makes it incredibly versatile for a work wardrobe.
One of my favourite combinations is sewing it in linen and pairing it with wide leg pants like the Vacation Vibes Pants or Walk Boldly Pants (I have a fabulous pair in pinstripe scuba). It creates a clean, modern silhouette that feels effortlessly put together.
It’s polished. It’s comfortable. And it’s exactly the sort of top that makes Monday mornings easier.
Wednesday – Rise & Shine Top
By Wednesday most of us appreciate something easy.
The Rise & Shine Shell Top is one of those wonderfully simple pieces that seems to go with everything. It’s a sleeveless woven shell with a gently flared silhouette that works beautifully over skirts or tucked into trousers.
The clean neckline and narrow facings give it that neat, polished finish that looks perfect for work.
Because the design is so simple, fabric choice really gets to shine. A crisp white linen feels fresh and modern, while prints add personality and colour to your outfit.
It’s also a brilliant layering piece if your office air-conditioning has a mind of its own. Just add a blazer or lightweight jacket and you’re good to go.
Simple. Polished. Effortlessly wearable.
Thursday – Be Mine Top
By Thursday we’re usually ready to inject a little personality into the work week.
The Be Mine Ballon Sleeve Top does exactly that.
This design is all about the sleeve. The beautiful 3/4 balloon sleeve creates a soft statement that instantly elevates even the simplest outfit.
The relaxed fit makes it comfortable to wear all day, while the flared silhouette pairs beautifully with skirts or trousers.
There are also several neckline options to choose from — high, mid or low — so you can customise the look to suit your style.
In a bold print it becomes the hero of your outfit. In a solid colour it feels chic and refined while letting that gorgeous sleeve take centre stage.
It’s a little dramatic… in the best possible way.
Friday – Hello Gorgeous Puff Sleeve Tee
And then we reach Friday.
In many Australian workplaces, Casual Friday means the dress code relaxes just a little. Comfort becomes the priority — and quite often that means jeans make an appearance.
The Hello Gorgeous Puff Sleeve Tee is perfect for exactly that.
It’s made for stretch fabrics, so it feels just like wearing your favourite t-shirt. But those beautiful puff sleeves instantly elevate the look, turning a simple tee into something far more stylish.
Pair it with your favourite jeans and suddenly that casual outfit feels polished and intentional rather than just “thrown on”. It’s the easiest way to make a relaxed Friday outfit feel a little more put together.
But it doesn’t stop there. Styled with something like the Symphony Skirt or tailored pants, the Hello Gorgeous Tee easily works earlier in the week too. It’s comfortable, stylish and surprisingly versatile.
Then when Friday evening rolls around and dinner plans appear, you’re already halfway dressed.
Swap flats for heels, add a bold earring or lipstick, and suddenly that comfy tee becomes the perfect dinner top.
And suddenly you're Friday night ready.
Sewing Your Own Work Wardrobe
One of the joys of sewing is creating clothes that actually suit your life.
With a few versatile tops like these, you can mix and match with your favourite skirts and pants to build a wardrobe that feels comfortable, modern and uniquely yours.
And whether you work in an office, from home, or somewhere in between… it’s always nice to have a few beautiful tops ready for the week ahead.
xx Kate
