What’s acceptable at the office has changed drastically in the past few decades. Where once you’d be expected to fit one particular image of professionalism, now you have room to express your personal tastes and experiment with modern style. Funnily enough, one fun way to do this is by incorporating retro aesthetics into your wardrobe! Certain elements of historical fashion, such as tailored blazers and high-waisted skirts, harmonize beautifully with existing workplace standards while also bringing a certain sophisticated charm to the table that lets your individualism shine in a professional manner.

Here, we’ll be showcasing some fashionable yet comfortable items from the Retro Stage catalog that we think would make excellent additions to your vintage-inspired office attire, whether that’s because they work well on their own or because they can easily be styled with other pieces to create a polished look. Let’s get started!

White & Gray 1950s Lace-Up Swing Dress

Starting with a fantastic example of classic and contemporary elements blending together, we have this lovely swing dress with a frilly white bodice and pinstriped gray skirt. The flutter sleeves and tied collar bow make for a sophisticated yet youthful look, and if you want to add some modern edge, this piece also comes with an optional leather waist ribbon.

Gray 1940s V-Neck Lapel Lace Patchwork Jumpsuit

This gray jumpsuit isn’t all tidy tailoring and notched lapels—built into the sides of the pant legs are panels of delicate lace that are easy to miss but make a huge impact. Together with the white pearl-accented belt, they work to offset the no-nonsense vibe and create a well-rounded look. And don’t worry about the lack of sleeves! If your workplace has some kind of strict no-shoulders policy, you can easily layer a long-sleeved shirt or blouse underneath to meet expectations while looking fabulous.

Black 1930s Solid Leather Patchwork Fishtail Dress

The fishtail silhouette gained popularity in the 1930s, when draped fabric and hip-hugging garments were all the rage. This updated take loses the draping in favor of a sleeker, more fitted design that will work well at the office. The mature boat neckline flows into a playful deep V in the back (which you can cover with a bolero or cardigan if need be), and the bold leather waist panel gives the appearance of a cinched-in waist without being too flashy.

White 1950s Button-Down Shirt

If you just want to experiment with working retro clothes into your work wardrobe, or if you want to take it slow to start, separates like this gorgeous blouse are the way to go. Its button-down design and satiny material make it a wonderful choice for the office, while the adjustable bow and trapezoid neckline add that unique flavor that sets this piece apart from your typical business casual fare.

Light Khaki 1950s Solid Lapel Button Coat

Outerwear might feel less important than the other parts of your outfit, but think about it: do you want to wear just any old jacket over your carefully styled retro look? This simple, well-tailored four-button coat comes in a lovely neutral khaki color and offers an extra layer of sophistication and intrigue. The extra length creates a classically feminine silhouette and provides additional protection to whatever’s underneath in inclement weather.

1960s Ivory Solid Blouse & Gray Retro Skirt Set

For those who prefer simple elegance to structured couture, this two-piece set is a fantastic option. The off-white blouse makes the most of its flowing fabric with a collared wrap neckline and subtle bishop sleeves and is finished with pearl button accents that mirror that satin-like sheen. Conversely, the plaid pencil skirt reins things in with its sturdy, fitted construction, button-accented pockets, and chunky matching belt.

2-Piece 1950s Lapel Rolled Sleeve Plaid Coat & Strap Dress

This cute and classic combo exemplifies that preppy plaid aesthetic we all know and love, adopting a monochrome palette for a chic, retro result. Cropped at the waistline, the coat maintains a sleek, tailored design that allows its standout features to shine—namely its horizontal buttons, large plaid collar, and matching rolled cuffs. The dress is a great piece to wear on its own or with a collared shirt layered underneath, with its thick shoulder straps and fabric-covered button accents giving it a distinct personality.

Black & Beige 1960s Puff Sleeve Pencil Dress

With its adorable puff sleeves and bow accent, this two-tone pencil dress is almost like a 1960s take on Disney’s iconic Snow White design. The feminine whimsy of this piece is evened out with more refined elements, including crisp black trim emphasizing the square neckline and a high-waisted skirt made of textured black-and-white boucle fabric.

2-Piece 1940s Ruffle Lantern Sleeve Blouse & Strap Skirt

There’s something about the combination of a white shirt and brown bottoms that feels incredibly classy. This two-piece ensemble’s gorgeous button-down blouse is complete with pleating along the collarbone, a high ruffled neckline, and frilled cuffs. The brown pinstripe skirt features a high waistline with front button accents as well as internally buttoned suspender straps for a neat, put-together look that’s undeniably office-appropriate.

Blue & White 1930s Polka-Dot Tie-Neck Jumpsuit

This stunning all-in-one jumpsuit is available in two colors and has a distinctly retro feel thanks to its fun polka-dot fabric and adjustable asymmetrical neck bow. The large cuffs and lightly pleated pant legs give off a professional aura that’s stylishly contrasted by a plunging wrap V-neckline. Pro tip: if you worry you might be crossing the line with a low-cut bodice like this one, you can always opt for a nice camisole underneath!

1950s Retro Contrast Short-Sleeved Lapel Dress

Ending off on a high note, this versatile swing-style dress comes in four different variants, including both solid-color and plaid options. Its button-down lapel-collar construction may seem relatively simple, but each and every element is meticulously tailored to create a clean-cut look that’s greater than the sum of its parts. All four styles are finished off with their own unique color of sleeve trim plus a matching belt.

Conclusion

You don’t have to feel confined by the mental image of frumpy slacks and loafers as professional business attire! By embracing your retro sensibilities, you can dress in a way that makes a statement at the office and makes you feel more like yourself—all without breaking dress code. So get out there and have fun with it! After all, if you’re not true to yourself, who else is going to be?

You can find all these gorgeous selections and so much more on the Retro Stage website.