Five Outdated Workwear Items It’s Time to Get Rid Of
Plus, what to wear to the office instead.
The workplace today looks a lot different than it did even five years ago. Few industries require business formal attire anymore, and yet, your regular WFH rotation probably doesn’t cut it, either (believe me: if I could wear my favorite lounge pants five days a week, I would). If you’re just now “returning to office” on a consistent basis, that means there’s a good chance your work wardrobe could use at least a little updating.
At the same time, I’d surmise that as a savvy shopper in 2025, you value the longevity of your clothing and do not take lightly the act of parting ways with past purchases. What’s a working girl to do?
While I certainly encourage you to maximize the lifespan of your clothing (our planet and wallets can’t afford otherwise), there’s no point in hanging onto items that make you feel out of place and ultimately end up collecting dust. In today’s guide, I highlight five pieces that you should get rid of—and share upgraded alternatives.
Before you start to clean house, however, pause to remember that one woman’s trash is another’s treasure. Once you identify the workwear items that are no longer serving you, donate them to Bottomless Closet via any M.M. store. If you’re looking to earn some cash, send them to thredUp or list them on our resale site, Second Act, for any M.M. pieces. If you’re dealing with items that are irreparably damaged or fully worn out, I recommend heading to a local textile recycling spot.
The next step in your responsible work wardrobe refresh: Replace the styles you just let go of with pieces you’ll actually wear (it’s not your fault you bought that super stiff blazer in 2012 before you learned that suit jackets can be comfortable).
Below, I’ve rounded up five common workwear items it’s time to retire—and included suggestions for what to wear instead.
1. The Overly Tailored Suit You Can’t Wait to Take Off
The movement-restricting suits of yesteryear no longer have a place in your wardrobe. That’s why even M.M.’s most classically tailored styles are made from forgiving fabrics and include thoughtful details (e.g. the signature knit panels you’ll find in the back of the Yiyan blazer) designed for a life on the go. If you’re open to less traditional silhouettes, I encourage you to embrace oversized shapes for maximum comfort and an of-the-moment look. Styles like the Janette jacket and Jordan pants are distinctly relaxed without being overly trendy. Wear them together for a secretly-feels-like-pajamas business formal suit, or break them up to create business casual combinations.
Other options:
The Teddy jacket and Arlo pant: Made from cotton viscose, the dream summer suiting fabric.
The Rossi jacket and Tessa pant: Hop on this limited-edition bluebell hue while it’s still in stock!
2. The Pencil Skirt That’s Too Formal for Your Business Casual Office
Pencil skirts used to be a ubiquitous office staple, but in 2025, they’re pretty much reserved for business formal workplaces. In their place, reach for flowier, below-the-knee silhouettes that are equally office-appropriate and can be styled for a variety of settings. For instance, I like to pair the Shannon skirt with a drapey blouse for an elegant office outfit, and I can’t wait to wear it with sandals for a whimsical vacation-ready look.
Other options:
The Olia skirt: A favorite of our new Design Director.
The Orchard skirt: The machine-washable slip skirt everyone needs.
3. The Starchy Button-Down That Wrinkles Within Minutes
While well starched button-downs can look fantastic, they rumple quickly and require frequent trips to the dry-cleaner in order to look fresh. In contrast, M.M.’s innovative knit poplin styles are crafted from compact-knit Japanese cotton that looks crisp but is soft to the touch and resists wrinkles to an impressive degree. If you like a classic fit, go with the Clemens shirt—the white button-down you didn’t know you needed.
Another option:
The Filomina shirt: If you prefer a more oversized fit.
4. The Dry Clean-Only Blouse You’re Afraid to Eat Lunch In
Another item that’s too high-maintenance for day-to-day wear? Dry clean-only silk blouses. Luckily, M.M.’s design team managed to develop a range of machine-washable silk styles, including the Annika top. Basically a fancy T-shirt, this relaxed silhouette is a wardrobe workhorse that looks effortlessly put-together whether you’re on- or off-duty.
Other options:
The Brooke top: Perfect for layering under jackets. Made from machine-washable, odor-resistant, eco-conscious fabric.
The Kylan top: Easy and breezy. Feels like a vacation in clothing form—a.k.a. the next best thing to your upcoming PTO.
5. The Sweatpants That Feel Too Casual for Business Class
You’re definitely not the only one rocking athleisure at the front of the cabin, but what if I told you there’s an alternative that’s just as comfortable and a whole lot more dignified in the event that you end up sitting next to your boss? The Elena culotte has the functionality of athleisure—wrinkle-resistance, machine-washability, and moisture-wicking—paired with a polished look and a chic, swingy cut.
Other options:
The Colby pant: Made from the same OrigamiTech fabric but features a tapered leg.
The Kick Flare Foster pant: An updated take on our #1 best-selling pant of all time. I call them the “ultimate travel pants.”
I wish there was a menswear equivalent of your shop.