• Home
  • ABOUT
  • Work Outfits
  • Career & Lifestyle
  • CONTACT

Whitney Lee

Petite Workwear & Business Casual Outfit Ideas for Women

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, Work Outfits · Tagged: capsule wardrobe, fall outfits 2023, fall outfits for work, timeless wardrobe, work outfits for women

MEET WHIT

Hey girl! I’m Whitney Lee!

I share realistic outfit ideas for working women who want to look put together without overcomplicating their wardrobe.

From Amazon workwear finds to everyday outfit formulas, everything here is designed to be wearable, affordable, and repeatable!

  • Amazon
  • Email
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • TikTok

Recent Posts

  • Career Change at 30: A Complete Guide for Women Starting Over
  • What to Wear to Work When It’s Hot Outside- Elegant Outfits to Wear on Repeat
  • The Best Flare Pants for Work: 3 Outfits you’ll LOVE!
  • Cute Summer Work Outfits for Petite Women in 2026
  • Best Petite Blazers for Women Under $100 (Amazon + More)

Archives

Career Change at 30: A Complete Guide for Women Starting Over

What to Wear to Work When It’s Hot Outside- Elegant Outfits to Wear on Repeat

The Best Flare Pants for Work: 3 Outfits you’ll LOVE!

Easy classic staples outfit I’m wearing to the off Easy classic staples outfit I’m wearing to the office all summer!! 

Perfect for a business casual day and easy to mix/match! 

Shop on my Amzn Stft! 

#officeoutfit #businesscasualoutfit
How you Dress is a Career Strategy 👩🏼‍💻 Two equal How you Dress is a Career Strategy 👩🏼‍💻

Two equally talented women walk into a boardroom. One is polished, put together, and clearly intentional about how she shows up. One is not. They will not be perceived the same way. Most of the time, they will not be given the same opportunities.

How you dress tells your team you take this seriously.

How you dress tells your boss you are ready for the next level. That you’re confident for the role.

How you dress tells the room you respect yourself and you respect them.

“A polished woman is not trying too hard. She is trying on purpose.”
A week of work outfits I’ve been wearing on repeat A week of work outfits I’ve been wearing on repeat this summer 🙌🏻☕️ 

Shop all work outfits on my LTK! 

What’s been your go-to summer look?! 

#officeoutfit #businesscasualoutfit @aritzia @express @spanx @amazoninfluencerprogram
That’s not failure, that’s growth. The version of That’s not failure, that’s growth.
The version of success I dreamed about at 22 isn’t the version I want today and that’s okay.

Back then, I thought success looked like checking all the boxes, chasing titles, and always reaching for the next thing. As I’ve grown, so have my priorities. Now, success means peace, meaningful relationships, doing work that matters, and building a life I don’t need a vacation from.

Your goals are allowed to change. Your definition of success is allowed to evolve. That’s not giving up or falling behind- it’s a sign that you’re growing into the person you’re meant to become. 🤍

Comment a 🤍 if this is you!
How to dress for work when it’s hot outside?! This How to dress for work when it’s hot outside?! This button down dress is soo good! Stretchy, lightweight and doesn’t wrinkle! 

I need all the colors 🙈 

Comment ‘dress’ and Dm you the details! 

#workwear #businesscasualoutfit #summeroutfitideas @aritzia
Office outfit of the day is this gray dress I’m we Office outfit of the day is this gray dress I’m wearing on repeat this summer!! 

It’s so good! And it’s on sale! 💃🏼 details on my LTK! 

#summeroutfits #businesscasualoutfit #officeoutfit
Office outfit of the day is this button down dress Office outfit of the day is this button down dress from @aritzia ☕️ I need it in all the colors 🙈 

Details on my LTK and Shopmy! 

#officeoutfit #officeoutfits #workwear
Amazon outfit of the day ☕️ this dress is one of m Amazon outfit of the day ☕️ this dress is one of my favorites! Wish I had it in every color 🙈 shop it on my Amzn Stft! 

#officeoutfit #workwear #ootd #businesscasualoutfit
Follow on Instagram

Copyright © 2026 Whitney Lee · Theme by 17th Avenue