For the past few weeks, I’ve been styling a commercial shoot. My job, to dress 14 people, means a lot of shopping! So I spent 6 days in store plus another day online.

The commercial’s creative direction was quite specific. Everything must be either light blue or light green. I love when there’s a clear vision for a look. But when that vision is out of season and not a trending color, it’s hard to find! 

As I was in and out of the stores I noticed certain themes (i.e. trends) emerge. And that’s what I’m sharing today. But because I was shopping for clean and professional looks — office attire, if you will — that’s what these styles are grounded in. 

Keep reading to see what’s in store for workwear this fall.

Tie Tops

Also known as the pussy bow blouse, this scarf + shirt combo serves as a nice variation for a blazer underpinning. On my shoot, I proposed to dress one woman in this style, but the client said she looked too much like a flight attendant. If I were to wear a top like this, it would be in a print, or a fun bold color — neither of which were called for on this job. 

Blazers with Ruching

This feels very trendy to me. When my assistant and I inspected one at H&M, my first thought was “No Way!” But she convinced me of their modern appeal so I caved and bought several. We used one for the commercial!

Shiny Fabrics

While I love the shimmer of a bold metallic — particularly for shoes and bags — I am not a fan of a satin finish on a blouse. Traditionally, this look is reserved for going out at night, but that’s no longer the case. Shiny shirts are everywhere, even in office attire! I didn’t buy any for my job because the sheen doesn’t play nicely with the lights on set. And I knew the client would never go for it.

That’s what you’ll see in-store this season for workwear.

Tell me in the comments below — which will you wear!