From Mary Tyler Moore to Rachel Green, women have always been shaking things up at the office with new and exciting takes on business attire. Workwear was constantly evolving during the 20th century as ladies found new ways to innovate in the professional world, and that means there’s a ton of rich fashion history just waiting for you to discover it.

If you’re someone who’s bored of plain gray blazers but you aren’t sure how to liven things up, keep reading to see our tips, tricks, and recommendations for bringing vintage spirit into the modern workplace. But first, let’s take a look at some iconic eras of vintage office wear through the lens of the silver screen.

Iconic Vintage Office Looks in Film

Teens and young adults were dressing to express themselves well before 1980 rolled around, but it was around there that working women decided to get in on it too. In 9 to 5, the three main characters (all of whom are coworkers in the same office) dress in all sorts of eye-catching colors and patterns, bringing an assertive yet feminine feel to the stuffy business environment and challenging professional norms.

Not long after, in 1988’s Working Girl, we see high-level corporate women putting their own spin on traditional office attire. This was the era of power suits, ensembles that featured structured blazers with large shoulder pads. As the name suggests, these suits gave off a powerful vibe with their distinct, authoritative silhouette, which still influences the work of designers to this day.

Nearly two decades later, Anne Hathaway’s fashion transformation in The Devil Wears Prada redefined what was considered office-appropriate. Blending modern trends with classic vintage motifs and bespoke tailoring, the character of Andy paved the way for a chic, contemporary approach to business casual clothing. Workers around the world must have heard the call, too, because nowadays, many workplaces have adopted a laxer dress code that leaves room for employees to show their personality.

Dressing for Success with Vintage Office Wear

One-Piece Outfits

Having some one-piece garments on hand is an excellent idea when you’re dressing for the office because they can be layered with other pieces or be worn on their own as a fashion statement. If you struggle with trying to coordinate your tops and bottoms while getting ready, one-pieces are probably the way to go.

The Gray 1940s V-Neck Lapel Lace Patchwork Jumpsuit is a great place to start with its overall sharp look and notched lapels. What makes this piece special, though, is the addition of a rhinestoned white belt as well as delicate lace godets along the side seams. At the other end of the spectrum we have the Black 1930s Solid Stand Collar Tie-Up Jumpsuit, which forgoes the top-to-bottom tailored design in favor of a draped blouson waistline and an off-center pussycat bow at the collar.

You can also get more expressive with your one-pieces by incorporating fun fabrics and patterns, like the Beige 1930s Polka-Dot Sweetheart Neck Jumpsuit’s puff-sleeved polka-dot bodice or the Red 1940s Tie-Neck Striped Jumpsuit’s charming candy stripes.

Polished Mid-Length Dresses

As a rule of thumb, if your skirt comes down at least to the tops of your knees, it’s probably an okay length for the workplace. This is great news for vintage lovers who are devoted to their beloved swing dresses! You can wear a lot of these dresses by themselves or even layer them with a simple blouse underneath for a more sophisticated look.

The Red 1950s Plaid Knit Dress is an example of a work dress that can stand all on its own, with full-length sleeves, a bow tie collar, and a built-in belt. The pairing of solids with patterns like plaid is a classic in professional spaces, so this piece is right at home in the office. Similarly, the White & Gray 1950s Lace-Up Swing Dress features a crisply pleated white bodice with short flutter sleeves, a gray pinstriped skirt, and an optional leather belt that ties into a bow at the back.

For the less traditional working woman, there’s the Black 1950s Lace Patchwork Mesh Dress, which embodies elegance with its sheer sleeves and fine lace appliques. Its technique of layering black tulle over beige fabric is mirrored in the Black 1950s V-Neck Polka-Dot Mesh Dress, a sleeveless alternative that’s decked out in polka dots and ruching. If it’s cold, or if your dress code is strict about shoulders, both of these dresses wear to work can be worn with a plain black or off-white undershirt.

Neutrals Made Fabulous

If office chic has proven anything, it’s that neutral tones can be exciting, too! Wearing vintage-inspired work outfits in black, gray, white, or brown is a super easy way to translate your nostalgic taste into something fashion-forward and workplace-appropriate. And if you’re craving that pop of color, you can experiment with fun accessories and stylish footwear until you’re satisfied with your look.

The 2-Piece Gray 1940s V-Neck Plaid Dress & Satin Blouse brings back that timeless solid–pattern combo that we love so much with a cropped satin top and a beautifully pleated plaid dress with a thin brown belt. Similarly, the 2-Piece 1940s Satin Puff Sleeve Blouse & Glen Plaid Overall Pants combines a stunning pair of tailored plaid overalls with its own full-length satin blouse, which also has an eye-catching V-keyhole neckline and pearl button accents at the collar and cuffs. We like to think of these garments as two sides of the same coin, each with its own unique approach that caters to different workwear styles.

Speaking of unique, we love that you can wear the bow tie collar of the Brown 1940s Small Windowpane Plaid Dress in different ways, whether you prefer to fold it over or leave it sitting high. It also serves to draw in the eye to the wonderful windowpane plaid fabric and mottled cream-and-brown buttons that fasten the dress shut. The Black 1950s Sleeveless Buttoned Solid Jumpsuit features its own metal buttons that serve as decorative accents to its solid black fabric and minimalist wide-leg design. As you can see, there are tons of options available to you when it comes to neutral tones, so don’t be afraid to try new things when you’re planning next week’s outfits!

Styling Tips

Here are a few tips to guide you as you start on your vintage office fashion:

● Combine staple vintage elements with minimalist modern office trends for a clean-cut, balanced result.

● Opt for classic patterns like polka dots and houndstooth as well as muted color palettes to keep retro office chic and avoid being too flashy.

● Keep your footwear simple and comfortable, whether it’s classic pumps, Mary Janes, or kitten heels.

● Check the weather and adapt to seasonal temperature changes by layering with a trenchcoat or cropped blazer.

Inspiring Confidence Through Fashion

You might be asking yourself why it even matters what you wear to your job, and our answer to that question is simple: feeling good in your clothes makes you a happier person. No matter what we’re doing, being happy makes it better, so there’s no good reason not to give yourself those little extra comforts whenever you can. What’s more, adopting vintage fashion in the workplace serves as a tribute to the ways clothing has empowered women in professional spaces throughout history. Developing your own style is a great way of keeping that legacy alive!

Rock the Professional World the Retro Stage Way

It’s never too late to start experimenting with new vintage work clothes, especially when it comes to making a statement at the office. By embracing your vintage side in the workplace, you’ll open the door to endless possibilities for fashion-forward yet sophisticated looks that will make your days all the more special. Check out Retro Stage’s office collection today to find the perfect pieces to complete your professional wardrobe!