What to Wear to the Office in the Netherlands: My Monday to Friday

“What do people wear to the office in the Netherlands?” If you’re starting a new job here, or just love a good office outfit, this one’s for you.

First, a confession: I’m not a fashion person 😄 I don’t wear makeup. My whole routine takes about five minutes: sunscreen and kajal, done. I always choose comfort first. But I’ve also learned that I can go from super casual to polished and put together in about ten minutes, and that’s the balance I try to keep for work.

In this post I share what office dress code in the Netherlands is really like, what I actually wear from Monday to Friday, and how I switch it up on days with important meetings.

What is the office dress code in the Netherlands?

Compared to many countries, office wear in the Netherlands is quite relaxed. In most offices I’ve seen, smart casual is the norm. Jeans are completely normal, sneakers are everywhere, and you’ll rarely see a full suit unless someone has a big client meeting or works in a very formal industry.

The Dutch also cycle a lot, so practical clothes and comfortable shoes are part of daily life. Nobody will judge you for wearing a nice jumper and clean sneakers. What people do notice is whether you look neat and comfortable in what you’re wearing.

That said, it depends on your company and your role. Banks, law firms and some client-facing roles are more formal. If you’re not sure, look at what your manager wears in the first week and adjust from there.

My office style: comfort first, polished when it matters

My rule is simple: on normal office days I dress for comfort. On days with meetings or presentations, I dress up a little.

My go-to pieces are:

• Wide-leg jeans in a few washes. They look smarter than skinny jeans and are so comfortable.
• Blazers. I have quite a few, in camel, black, navy, sage green, pink and a check one. A blazer instantly makes any outfit look ready for a meeting.
• Simple tops: a white shirt, a ribbed top, a soft knit.
• Flats and clean sneakers for most days, and a pair of heeled mules for special ones.
• A belt to make jeans look a bit more finished.

What I wear from Monday to Friday

This is a typical week, but of course it changes with the weather and my calendar.

Monday: easy and comfortable

Wide-leg jeans, a soft knit top and sneakers. Mondays are for settling in, so I keep it simple.

Tuesday: meeting day

A blazer, a simple top and trousers or dark wide-leg jeans, with flats or loafers. This is my “business casual” uniform when I have important meetings.

Wednesday: a bit of colour

A coloured blazer over a white top with light jeans. A coloured blazer is my favourite trick: it looks put together but not boring.

Thursday: presentation day look

If I have a presentation, I go a bit more formal: a structured blazer with trousers, or a dress with a blazer. Feeling polished helps me feel confident on stage. I share more about how I prepare in how to prepare for a big presentation at work.

Friday: relaxed

Jeans, a cosy knit or a shirt, sneakers. Friday energy 😄

Tips for building a simple office wardrobe

Start with a few blazers

If you buy one thing for work, make it a blazer that fits well. Start with a neutral one like black, navy or camel, then add a colour you love.

Choose comfortable shoes you can walk in

Between commuting, walking between meeting rooms and maybe cycling, you’ll be on your feet a lot. Good flats, loafers or clean sneakers are worth it.

Keep a “meeting outfit” ready

Have one or two combinations you know work, so you don’t have to think on busy mornings.

Dress for your day, not for every day

You don’t need to be formal every day. Check your calendar the night before and dress for what’s coming.

Don’t forget the weather

Dutch weather changes fast. A trench coat or a warm coat that looks good over a blazer is very useful.

Frequently asked questions

Can you wear jeans to the office in the Netherlands?

In most offices, yes. Smart jeans with a nice top or a blazer are very common. More formal industries may expect trousers or suits, so check what your colleagues wear.

Are sneakers okay for work in the Netherlands?

In many offices, clean and simple sneakers are completely fine, especially in tech and international companies.

What should I wear on my first day at a Dutch office?

Go for smart casual: trousers or dark jeans, a neat top and a blazer. You can always dress down after you’ve seen what others wear.

Do people dress up for meetings?

For important meetings or presentations, people often dress a bit smarter, for example with a blazer. Day to day, it’s usually relaxed.

Which day’s outfit is most like yours? Tell me in the comments 👇