"When I turned on Netflix’s Running Point, the last thing I expected from the basketball-filled plot was to completely re-examine my idea of workwear. Seeing Isla Gordon (Kate Hudson) eschewing the quiet luxury aesthetic in exchange for bold colors and power dressing left me feeling inspired in ways I haven’t since first seeing How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days and Sex and the City when I was younger. After a full episode, it was clear to me: We have a new workwear icon on our hands.
Running Point follows a former party girl, Isla, who’s unexpectedly appointed president of her family’s basketball team, the Los Angeles Waves, when her brother checks into rehab. To me, it felt like Succession meets Ted Lasso with a touch of The Other Two. While the plot line immediately sucked me in, I couldn’t get my mind off of Isla’s powerful, modern take on workwear.
Years of working from home—then subsequently enduring the “office siren” trend—left me feeling like I couldn’t remember exactly how to get dressed for the office, but Running Point gave me the inspiration I needed. These are the outfits I’m taking straight from Isla Gordon and embracing as part of my 9-to-5.
1. A vest and turtleneck
While vests have been popular for quite a while now, I never felt comfortable wearing one to the office on its own. Gordon showed me a genius solution: layering a turtleneck underneath. I’m planning on pairing the simple combination with my favorite work trousers and skirts during transitional weather this spring.
2. A fitted-waist blazer
After years of oversized blazers being the only work jackets I reached for, seeing the the cinched-waist blazer trend executed to perfection on Gordon was the reminder I needed to give it a shot (pun intended). The more form-fitted silhouette brings a touch of femininity to the 9-to-5, making them a welcome addition to my weekly workwear rotation.
3. A textured set
Unexpected texture like tweed, silk, corduroy, or suede can make simple suiting silhouettes feel a little more interesting. I’ll be giving my cotton blends a break in exchange for fabrics that add a little more intrigue.
4. Bold pinstripes
Pinstripes are gearing up to be one of 2025’s top pattern trends, and Gordon executes them to perfection by opting for them in silhouettes and colors that feel modern—not stuffy.
5. A button-down and black dress
Button-downs are a workwear staple, but aren’t one that make me feel inspired very often. With Gordon opting to layer hers under a dress, I was reminded to try styling mine in new ways. While I might not be able to opt for a midriff-bearing dress, I can try styling mine underneath one of my office-ready LBDs.
Langa Chinyoka, Contributing Writer
Langa is a Los Angeles-based writer and strategist. She is currently an editor and content strategist at a marketing agency. Her work has appeared in The Paris Review, British Vogue, Highsnobiety, Eyeswoon, Camille Styles, The Good Trade, and more.