What to Wear When You Don’t Want to Think: Easy Work Tops for Women Over 40
I get it. Some days you just “can't.” The alarm didn't go off, the kids were being holy terrors, the pet puked on the duvet, or you're just not looking forward to the work day, but you still have to get dressed and show up (even if it's only on Zoom). We grown women over 40 want comfort and polish, whether it’s for Zoom, the office, or errands. These throw-on-and-go easy work tops for women solve that.
Easy Work Tops for Women Over 40
No need to worry if you need to tuck it in or leave it out, pair with wide leg or narrow, pants or jeans. These easy work tops for women will go with whatever pants you currently have and like in your closet for a quick throw-on-and-go look that is still polished and professional. And don't worry, I have a good mix of misses, plus size, and even some petite and tall options as we grown women come in a gorgeous range of shapes and sizes!
The Zoom-ready Top
Just need to be polished from the waist up? These easy work tops are professional, stylish, and designed to look great on camera. There's a focus on prints, drape, and details to add interest and sophistication. And whether it's elegant trousers or your pajama pants on the bottom half, no one is the wiser.
The NYDJ Pleated Front Tunic is a pullover blouse that features a stand collar and long, full sleeves trimmed with ruffles, as well as front and back pleating and a front button placket. The tunic length and curved hem make this style perfect for layering over skinny jeans, slim ponte pants, and leggings. Machine washable, it is available in a variety of prints and sizes XXS-5X. Click to shop.
If you love patterns and comfort, check out the highly-rated Lilly Pulitzer Elsa Silk Top. Available in a fantastic range of prints (and a few solid colors) that switch up each season, this silk blouse has 3/4 sleeves (great for petites and staying out of the way of your keyboard), gold buttons, and smocking detail for fit and an elevated effect. Sizes XXS-XXL. Click to shop.
The Effortless Blouse
For those days you just want something to throw on with jeans to elevate your look from weekend to workplace, these are the tops for you. Made from easy-care fabrics, they'll be at the ready for that not-so-casual Friday when you're short on time or patience but need to be on the ball and in person.
The Quince Washable Stretch Silk Dolman Sleeve Blouse is a great blouse. I know, I own it! The popover style looks great tucked in or out, paired with your favorite jeans or slipped under your power suit. And yes, it's machine washable! I throw mine in on the gentle cycle, line dry, and with a hot shower or my favorite garment steamer it looks like new ready to wear again. Several colors to choose from; click here to shop sizes XS-XL and click here to shop sizes 1X-3X.
The Chico's Splitneck Pullover Crepe Blouse is a gorgeous blue that will brighten your day and your image on that video call. Pair with dark rinse jeans or pants in shades of black, gray, ivory, navy, or camel. Shirring on the cuff, shoulder, front and back yoke offer design, shape, and drape to look great tucked in or untucked, alone or under a blazer. Machine washable in sizes 0/2-20/22. Click to shop.
The Knit Top That Feels Like Pajamas
It's stretchy, it's soft, but it still maintains chic work style. These tops give you WFH comfort while still being video call-ready.
The Moore Liquid Jersey Blouse from Universal Standard is made from soft and drapey liquid jersey that flows over the body and looks great both tucked in and loose. The understated details, such as a spread collar, V-neckline, and gathering from the shoulders, add a touch of sophistication to what feels like a comfy tee. Machine washable, sizes 00-40, in multiple solid colors and prints. Click to shop.
The Boden Short Sleeve Smocked Cuff Top is a perennial favorite that consistently gets high reviews for being comfortable, cute, and versatile. Made from a TENCEL/cotton blend, this top's hem hits between the waist and hip, so it looks great tucked in or out, dressed up or down. Machine washable, it is available in a bevy of beautiful colors and sizes 0-20/22. Click to shop.
The Statement Top
Perfect for when you want to look “extra” without added effort, these work tops incorporate bold color, pattern, or detail to make you stand out from the crowd while still appearing polished and professional.
The Gravitas Ba Trieu Convertible Blouse has a concealed button front placket with gold button detail at mandarin collar and cuffs, blouson sleeves, and an optional front tie that can be held in place with a hidden belt loop at the neck. The custom-made georgette fabric is printed in NYC's Garment District, and 10% of the proceeds will benefit Stop AAPI Hate. Available in a mix of prints and solids, this blouse comes in sizes 0/2-24W/26W. Click to shop.
In a heavyweight refined ribbed knit, the Ann Taylor Horsebit Mock Neck Top is that effortlessly cool piece that elevates your favorite jeans or trousers. Designed to be left untucked, you can pair with most any silhouette bottom. Come colder months, try styling it over a crisp white button-front shirt or under a sweater coat in the same color as your trousers. Available in two colors and sizes XXS-XXL. Click to shop.
The Elevated Tee
With more structure than your favorite weekend t-shirt, these elevated knits have neckline, sleeve, or fabric detail that bring the style quotient up a notch. Perfect for casual office environments or weekly Teams meetings, they also make great base layers under blazers and cardigans.
The Whitney Wrap Top from Frances Valentine is a confidence-boosting silhouette that looks great with trousers for the workplace, or your favorite jeans for a night out. The wrap belt can be tied in the front or back for different effects. Machine washable, this would also be a great top for travel. Sizes XS-3X in multiple colors. Click to shop.
The Didion Drape top from M.M.LaFleur in washable silk is a personal favorite and one of the label's best seller year after year. The relaxed silhouette looks like a blouse but feels like your favorite T-shirt. It looks great untucked with straight to slim trousers and tucked into skirts and pants; I love it for throwing under a cardigan or blazer for a video call. Machine washable, this top comes in a range of solids and prints in sizes XS-XXL. Click to shop.
Life is hard enough, and many are back in the office more than ever before. Hopefully, these easy work tops for women inspire you to see that getting dressed can be a bit simpler but still stylish and professional. To shop the looks in this article, click the bold teal text or use the carousels of images to go directly to the retailer. Bookmark and pin this article, as I'll be updating it seasonally with the best easy work tops I find each quarter!
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Thank you for this post! This is one of the style areas I struggle with the most – the in-between of “house casual” and “corporate attire”.
That Gravitas blouse is gorgeous and the price seems reasonable. I used to wear blouses like that all the time when I was a young attorney and it just seems like they are hard to find anymore. Nobody dresses up in my office these days, but time to bring in some pizzazz!
Thank you, Alison! This is such a helpful post! So many options I will be considering for days I need a little oomph without much effort.
I’d love to know if anyone has seen a similar silhouette to the Frances Valentine top at a lower price point. It’s gorgeous but out of reach for my budget