I turned three workwear looks into weekend outfits—here’s exactly how

The best wardrobes aren’t built around trends—they’re built around foundations.

To celebrate the opening of Lauren Ralph Lauren’s newest Singapore boutique, I hosted an intimate styling workshop demonstrating how a handful of timeless pieces can create multiple looks for every part of your week.

Rather than focusing on what to buy next, the workshop explored something more valuable: how to maximise the pieces you already own by investing in versatile essentials that can be styled differently depending on the occasion.

The result? Three wardrobe building blocks that seamlessly transition from office to off-duty dressing, plus one unexpected hero piece that deserves a place in every modern wardrobe.

Building Block No. 1: The Safari Jacket

The safari jacket is one of the hardest-working pieces in a wardrobe. Structured enough for the office yet relaxed enough for weekends, it effortlessly bridges smart tailoring and casual dressing.

Rather than wearing the jacket with its matching fabric sash, I replaced it with a slim leather belt to create a more defined waist and a sharper, more polished silhouette. It’s a subtle styling tweak that instantly elevates the look while adding structure.

The other styling trick is one that’s often overlooked: dressing in a single colour from head to toe.

By wearing the safari jacket and wide-leg trousers in the same olive-green tone, the eye travels uninterrupted from top to bottom, creating one continuous line. The result is an elongated silhouette that makes you appear taller and leaner without relying on heels or complicated styling.
It’s one of the simplest fashion tricks to remember and one that works with almost any colour—whether it’s camel, navy, cream or black.

For the weekend, the transformation was surprisingly simple.

The belt came off, replaced with the original sash, softening the structure of the jacket. Worn over a textured skirt instead of matching trousers, the look immediately felt more relaxed and feminine. A silk scarf tied around the neck and flat sandals completed the outfit, proving that one jacket can tell two completely different stories.

Fashion editor’s styling tip:
Don’t think of tailoring as “office-only.” Change the silhouette, mix separates and soften the accessories, and suddenly a structured jacket feels effortless enough for a weekend lunch.

Building Block No. 2: The Knitted Polo

The knitted polo is the modern alternative to the classic button-down. Soft yet polished, it’s one of the easiest pieces to dress up or down, making it an ideal foundation for today’s more relaxed office dress codes.

Think of this as the casual three-piece suit. Rather than following the traditional formula, I swapped the shirt for a knitted polo, layered it with a coordinating knit vest and completed the look with an oversized blazer. The combination keeps the essence of classic tailoring but feels softer, more relaxed and better suited to today’s hybrid work wardrobe.

In place of a tie, a silk scarf adds a touch of femininity and colour—proof that the smallest styling changes can completely shift the mood of an outfit.

For a more relaxed take, I stripped the look back to its essentials by removing the knit vest while keeping the knitted polo, wide-leg trousers and silk scarf.

The result is lighter, more effortless and incredibly versatile. While it’s the perfect weekend outfit for brunch or shopping, it’s equally suited to workplaces with a smart-casual dress code.

The knitted polo offers the polish of a collared shirt but with the comfort and softness of knitwear, making it an ideal alternative for days when traditional tailoring feels too formal. The silk scarf continues to add personality and a subtle pop of colour, while the tonal neutral palette keeps the look sophisticated.

Fashion editor’s styling tip:
A knitted polo is one of the most versatile pieces you can own. Think of it as the bridge between a T-shirt and a classic shirt—it delivers the comfort of casual dressing while maintaining enough polish for the office. Simply adding or removing a layer, like a vest or blazer, allows the same outfit to transition seamlessly from work to the weekend.

Building Block No. 3: The Pinstripe Suit

No workwear wardrobe is complete without a well-cut pinstripe suit. Traditionally associated with boardrooms and power dressing, today’s version feels softer, more versatile and infinitely more wearable.

For this look, I styled the pinstripe blazer with its matching midi skirt and swapped the expected shirt for a simple knit top. It’s an easy way to modernise tailoring without compromising on polish. Knee-high leather boots ground the look, while a structured top-handle bag reinforces its refined, office-ready appeal.

The beauty of investing in a matching set is that it offers far more than one outfit. Worn together, it creates a strong, confident statement for important meetings or formal office days.

Separately, each piece becomes a wardrobe workhorse—the blazer can be thrown over a casual separates like a toga top and paird with bermuda shorts, while the skirt pairs effortlessly with knitwear, crisp shirts or even a simple T-shirt.

Fashion editor’s styling tip:
Invest in matching separates, not just a suit. The true value of a coordinating blazer and skirt lies in their versatility. Wear them together for maximum impact, then mix and match each piece with the rest of your wardrobe to multiply your outfit options.

Bonus Building Block: The Denim Skirt

The surprise hero of the workshop wasn’t tailoring at all—it was denim. Often reserved for weekends, a well-cut denim skirt can be office appropriate when balanced with elevated wardrobe staples

For this look, I paired the denim skirt with a romantic high-neck blouse and a tailored equestrian-inspired blazer. The structured blazer instantly elevates the denim, while the feminine blouse softens the overall look, creating a refined balance between masculine tailoring and delicate detailing.

To finish, knee-high leather boots add sophistication and make the skirt feel office appropriate, especially in more formal workplaces. A structured leather shoulder bag completes the look, reinforcing the polished aesthetic.

For the weekend, I wanted to show a completely different side of the shirt dress. Instead of wearing a shirt dress as a dress, I reimagined it as a lightweight layering piece.

Left unbuttoned from the waist down, it becomes an oversized shirt that adds movement and dimension to the outfit while allowing the denim skirt to remain the focal point.

Finished with white sneakers and sporty socks, the look feels relaxed, youthful and effortlessly chic—proof that a shirt dress doesn’t always have to be worn as a dress.

Fashion editor’s styling tip:
The secret to wearing denim to work is contrast. Pair casual pieces with elevated wardrobe staples such as a tailored blazer, a feminine blouse and polished leather accessories. It’s not about whether denim belongs in the office—it’s about styling it with intention.

The 4 Building Blocks of a Smarter Wardrobe

The Safari Set – Wear one colour head-to-toe to create a longer, leaner silhouette.
The Knitted Polo – Layer strategically to modernise classic tailoring.
The Pinstripe Suit – Invest in matching separates that work together and apart.
The Denim Skirt – Reimagine pieces beyond their original purpose. A shirt dress isn’t just a dress—it can also become a top or layering piece.

The Lauren Ralph Lauren store is located at B1-45 Takashimaya Shopping Centre. Shop all the looks here