• Home
  • ABOUT
  • FASHION
    • Office Outfits
    • Date Night
  • Career Advice
  • TRAVEL
  • About Me
  • CONTACT

Whitney Lee

PETITE OFFICE OUTFITS | BEAUTY & all things life

October 7, 2023

How to dress for work in early fall: Brown button down dress

I’m obsessed with the early fall season- when the air is crisp but not too cold and the leaves are just starting to change color! Now is the best time to start thinking about switching out your summer work wardrobe for warmer tones and layers. The weather is still warm enough to wear dresses, but you can also start layering with sweaters and jackets as needed. If you have a button down dress, you’re in luck! It’s a versatile piece that can be dressed up or down, depending on your workplace dress code!

Here’s a few tips on how to dress for work in early fall with my favorite brown button down dress:

1. Choose the right shoes!

The shoes you choose will have a big impact on the overall look of your outfit this fall! And especially at work! Choose the right shoe that fits your work vibe. If you’re dressing up your dress, try pairing it with heels or flats. For a more casual look, you can wear sneakers or boots.

Specific shoe ideas:

  • Heels: For a dressy look, try pairing your brown button down dress with shiny cognac or nude heels.
  • Flats: Flats are a more comfortable option for work, especially if you’re on your feet all day. You can choose a pair of black or nude flats, or you can go for a more fun color or pattern.
  • Sneakers: Sneakers are a great option for a casual work outfit. You can pair your brown button down dress with white sneakers, or you can choose a pair of sneakers in a monochrome color, such as tan/neutrals.
  • Boots: Boots are a great option for colder weather. You can pair your brown button down dress with ankle boots or knee-high boots. Tan boots are a classic choice, but you can also go for a pair of boots in a different color, such as black or cognac if it’s the right tone.

2. Add a layer

If it’s chilly outside, add a layer to your outfit. A cardigan, sweater, or blazer are all great options.

Here are a few specific layer ideas:

  • Cardigan: A lightly patterned cardigan will provide a layer that you can easily throw on and off. You can choose a cardigan in a neutral color, such as light tan, cream, tweed or plaid!
  • Sweater: Sweaters will be a heavier option that will keep you warm on colder days. You can choose a sweater in a neutral color, such as tan, taupe or plaid!
  • Blazer: Adding a PLAID blazer will provide a more tailored look that can add a polished look to your outfit. You can choose a blazer in a neutral color, such as tan, taupe, or you can go for a more plaid pattern.

3. Accessorize

The right accessories can really ELEVATE your outfit. A statement bracelet, scarf, earrings and a handbag are all great ways to add a touch of personality to your look.

Here are a few specific accessory ideas:

  • Statement bracelets : A statement bracelet can be a chunkier gold piece that provides a classy, chic and neutral feel that will compliment your overall look!
  • Scarf: I love pairing plaid scarves with everything in the fall! It’s a versatile accessory that can be worn in many different ways. You can drape it around your neck, tie it in a bow, or drape it pretty around a coat. Choose a scarf in a color or pattern that compliments your dress.
  • Earrings: Earrings are a classic accessory that can add a touch of elegance to your look. Choose a pair of earrings in a color or style that complements your dress and your other accessories.
  • Handbag: Pair your outfit with a neutral crossbody bag for a chic, classy elevated look!

A brown button down dress is such a versatile piece that I love during the fall season and can be worn for so many occasions! Shown in the photo above are a few outfit ideas to style your button down dress multiple ways creating more of a capsule fall wardrobe 🙂

5 outfit ideas styling a brown button down dress for work in early fall:

  • Brown button down dress with a tweed cardigan/jacket: This is a classic and polished look that is perfect for a professional setting. Tweed is soooo on trend this season- I’m loving this look!
  • Brown button down dress with a cardigan and loafers: This is a more casual look that is perfect for a business casual workplace.
  • Brown button down dress with a plaid blazer and heels: This is a sophisticated look that is perfect for a meeting or presentation.
  • Brown button down dress with an overcoat, scarf and knee high boots: This is a cozy and stylish look that is perfect for colder days.
  • Brown button down dress with a leopard print scarf and black pumps: This is a trendy and fun look that is perfect for a fashion-forward workplace.

Happy Fall Yall!

Related

Posted In: FASHION, OFFICE WEAR · Tagged: capsule wardrobe, fall outfits 2023, fall outfits for work, timeless wardrobe, work outfits for women

MEET WHIT

I love to hear people’s stories….. what I love most is how someone’s story can be such a guide for someone else. That’s what I want this little space to be. Where we connect, inspire, tell our stories. Talk about all things from fashion to travel to health or to what gets us up in the morning.

Dolly said it best when she said “Find out who you are and do it on PURPOSE.”

  • Email
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest

Recent Posts

  • 7 Powerful Ways to Prevent Burnout as a Corporate Girly (Without Quitting Your Job)
  • The Best Amazon Fall Home Decor
  • How to wear your summer dresses in the Fall
  • Neutral Fall Work Outfits for Women: Capsule Wardrobe for the Office
  • 15 Elevated & Affordable Fall Office Outfits for Women in 2025

Recent Comments

  • Best Places to Buy Work Clothes on a Budget - Whitney Lee on Spring Office Outfits for Women: May Recap
  • The Best Amazon Winter Office Outfits for Women - Whitney Lee on Summer Business Casual Outfits for Women
  • The Prettiest Summer Business Professional Office Outfit for Women - Whitney Lee on The Best Summer Corporate Outfits for Women
  • Elevated Casual Date Night Outfit Ideas for Winter! - Whitney Lee on How to Dress for Date Night in 2025
  • Spring Office Outfits for Women: May Recap - Whitney Lee on The Best Summer Corporate Outfits for Women

Archives

  • September 2025
  • August 2025
  • July 2025
  • June 2025
  • May 2025
  • April 2025
  • March 2025
  • February 2025
  • January 2025
  • November 2024
  • October 2024
  • September 2024
  • August 2024
  • May 2024
  • February 2024
  • January 2024
  • December 2023
  • November 2023
  • October 2023
  • June 2023
  • May 2023
  • April 2023
  • February 2023
  • January 2023
  • December 2022
  • November 2022
  • October 2022
  • September 2022
  • August 2022
  • June 2022
  • May 2022
  • April 2022
  • March 2022
  • February 2022
Amazon office outfits- links on storefront- in bio Amazon office outfits- links on storefront- in bio 🫶🏻 #officeoutfit #corporategirl #amazonfashion #fallstyle #amazonoutfit #workwear
The calm before the storm- your daily reminder to The calm before the storm- your daily reminder to romanticize your work day 😌 #ootd #officeoutfit #corporategirl
Romanticizing everything in this short life of min Romanticizing everything in this short life of mine..because what else do we have? 

#mindset #happiness #life
It’s October 1st- my all too well season 🫶🏻🍂

#fall #october1 #fallstyle
Business casual outfit idea with jeans for the cor Business casual outfit idea with jeans for the corporate girlies. 🙌🏻 Amazon Blazer is 10/10!! Such great quality. On storefront- in bio. Full outfit on LTK 🫶🏻 

#ootd #officeoutfit #amazonfashion #falloutfit #businesscasual
Fall mornings at the office before the grind start Fall mornings at the office before the grind starts 🫶🏻 knitting maxi dress in bio!  #amazonfashion #dayinthelife #morningroutines #ootd @amazonfashion
1. Doing your best will look different every day.I 1. Doing your best will look different every day.I like to think about becoming 1 percent better every day. Some days your best is crushing your to-do list. Other days it’s showing up. Both are enough.
2. You don’t have to carry it all alone. Especially for leaders, work can feel overwhelming. Delegate tasks and empower your team!
3. Rest isn’t unproductive. Take a pause, getting rest will allow you to show up as your best!
4. Build micro rituals that re fill you! I love creating a slow morning routine that gets me started for a great day! 
5. Keep your ‘WHY” in front of you. Burnout hits faster when your drive becomes disconnected from your purpose. 
#corporategirl #motivation #corporatelife
Amazon fall office outfits loading…obsessed with Amazon fall office outfits loading…obsessed with this look! All workwear on my storefront! 

#ootd #amazonfashion #officeoutfit
Follow on Instagram

Copyright © 2025 Whitney Lee · Theme by 17th Avenue