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Our daily workwear reports suggest one piece of work-appropriate attire in a range of prices.
I love a long-sleeved dress for easy one-piece dressing for the office. No need to add a blazer or find pants to go with the top you had in mind. This tie-waist midi dress from Nordstrom looks like a slightly more modern version of some of my favorite knee-length dresses hanging in my closet.
Do I wish it came in more colors? Of course, but we’ll take what we can get. (And, as morbid as this sounds, as I’m entering my fifth decade on this planet, I’m realizing how useful it is to have a go-to funeral outfit ready before you actually need it. This one has the benefit of also being appropriate for work!)
The dress is $79.50 at Nordstrom and comes in sizes XXS-XXL.
Sales of note for 9.19.24
Nordstrom – Beauty deals through September, and cardmembers earn 3x the points (ends 9/22)
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Our daily workwear reports suggest one piece of work-appropriate attire in a range of prices.
Readers have been big fans of this brand in the past, and this fantastic short-sleeved dress is on the current list of the brand’s bestsellers. It comes in 17 (!) colors, which is usually a pretty good indication that it’s selling well.
The tie waist creates a great shape, and the short sleeves look like they’d work nicely under a sweater or a blazer.
The dress is available at Amazon and comes in sizes S-XXL.
Sales of note for 8.16.24
Ann Taylor – All suiting 25% off, and 40% off the summer edit
Our daily workwear reports suggest one piece of work-appropriate attire in a range of prices.
I’m always excited to find a dress in this gorgeous aubergine shade, and I’m even more excited when it’s from Roland Mouret. This crepe shirtdress is a perfect midi length and has some fun ruching at the waist.
With the long sleeves, I think it would be hard to add a blazer, so I would just wear this with my most fabulous shoes and some great jewelry.
The dress is $1,150 at Net-a-Porter and comes in UK sizes 4-16.
Sales of note for 8.16.24
Ann Taylor – All suiting 25% off, and 40% off the summer edit
Our daily workwear reports suggest one piece of work-appropriate attire in a range of prices.
Most retailers have their autumn collections out by now, but I know I won’t be wearing sweaters for at least another month or two. This tie-waist dress from Nordstrom is a perfect end-of-summer piece to hold you over until you can break out the warm sweaters and tights.
The dress is $79.50 at Nordstrom and comes in black, olive, and brown in sizes XXS-XXL. It also comes in plus sizes, but sadly only in the olive color.
Sales of note for 8.16.24
Ann Taylor – All suiting 25% off, and 40% off the summer edit
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Our daily workwear reports suggest one piece of work-appropriate attire in a range of prices.
What are we wearing on humid August days when we are required to show up in the office and look somewhat put-together, despite the fact that we’re melting? Let’s do a linen shirtdress. Will it get a little bit rumpled as the day goes on? Yes, of course, but aren’t we all a little bit rumpled at 80% humidity levels?
This short-sleeved dress from Karen Kane has slightly puffed sleeves and a breezy, but still structured feeling to it. I would probably swap out the self-belt for a braided leather belt to add a little more structure, but otherwise this looks perfect for getting us through until the heat breaks.
The dress is $166-$238 at Bloomingdale’s and comes in sizes XS-XL. In addition to this gorgeous green, it also comes in black and orange.
Our daily workwear reports suggest one piece of work-appropriate attire in a range of prices.
I’ve been thinking a lot about “starter” wardrobes for folks just starting out in the workforce lately, and when I came across this short-sleeved dress from Banana Republic Factory, all I could think was “I would have worn that at least once a week when I was a junior associate.”
A basic black dress that fits well is worth its weight in gold when you’re trying to build a professional wardrobe from scratch. Wear this one on its own, under a cropped cardigan, with a non-matching blazer — the sky’s the limit. And if your budget allows, grab the blue color too!
The dress is $54 at Banana Republic Factory and comes in regular sizes XS-XL and petite sizes XXS-L.
This post may contain affiliate links and Corporette® may earn commissions for purchases made through links in this post. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Our daily workwear reports suggest one piece of work-appropriate attire in a range of prices.
There are a handful of influencers who routinely show up on my feed modeling their latest selections in fast-fashion trends. Every once in a while, I take the bait and order something they’re selling, but I’m usually disappointed.
This shirtdress from Old Navy has been a notable exception. It does tend to wrinkle a bit, so I’d lean toward the darker colors, but it’s a perfect breezy option for those hot summer days when you want to be hanging out in a bathing suit but need to look like a real person.
The dress is $25, marked down from $49.99, at Old Navy and comes in regular sizes XS-4X, petite sizes XS-XXL, and tall sizes XS-XXL.
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Sure, we all know what wardrobe essentials for work professional women are supposed to have in their closets, but if you’re buying one for the first time or replacing one you’ve worn into the ground, it can be a pain to find exactly the right incarnation in stores. In “The Hunt,” we search the stores for a basic item that every woman should have.
What are your best dresses for work this year, readers — what are you hunting for, what do you love, and what dress trends are you frustrated by? I know a lot of readers dislike the “rufflepuff” styles, as they call them, for example.
{related: these are all of the best work dresses we’ve loved recently, from our daily Workwear Reports}
What Makes a Dress Appropriate for Work
For my $.02, here’s what I think makes a great dress for work:
thick enough straps or sleeves that there is no chance of bra straps showing through — look for lingerie snaps inside dresses to keep your bra in place, or ask your tailor to add them if you have a problem with falling bra straps
a work-appropriate length that isn’t too trendy — usually within an inch of your kneecap (here was our last discussion on when a dress is too short for work)
if there’s a slit, it doesn’t rise too high when you’re seated (sit down and do the mirror test to make sure!)?
a fit that is tailored and polished but not “bodycon” — no one wants to work long hours in skintight clothing!
pockets, which can be great (because, well, pockets!) but often add a lot of bulk and detract from the sleekness (I still almost always want pockets, but that’s me.)
sleeves, which can also be a double-edged sword — sleeveless styles will inevitably layer better underneath cardigans and blazers. That said, sleeveless looks are not appropriate for every office — so know your office culture if you plan on wearing a sleeveless dress by itself.
Important Details About Work Dresses You Might Not Know
Finally, note that on some sheath dresses you may have to cut your vents for the skirt — if there’s a little X sewn into the bottom of the vent, that probably isn’t supposed to be there. If your office is extremely conservative, you may want to check out our guide to pantyhose — for the rest of you, if you’re hunting for something comfortable to wear beneath your work dresses, readers love these comfortable “slip shorts” from Jockey; you can also look for a ton of shapewear.
(OK one more point: If your dress is part of a suiting set, be sure to dryclean all your pieces together so they show the same wear and tear.)
Having looked around at a bunch of stores this morning… pickings are kind of slim if you don’t want the “rufflepuff” look, as many commenters call it. There are a lot of tiered dresses, racerback dresses, floofy dresses, and so, so many mini (or maxi) dresses, neither of which are traditionally appropriate for work. (Know your office, but in our last discussion on skirt length most readers agreed that knee length or just above is the ideal length for work dresses.)
In general, broad strokes, if you’re on the hunt for good dresses for work, I’d check some of these stores — also keep an eye on our page of best work dresses, which collects all the dresses Elizabeth has recommended for our morning workwear reports.
If you’re on the hunt for more conservative, traditional dresses for work, these are some of our long-standing favorite dresses…
This short-sleeved dress from Quince looks like a great summer basic at a fantastic price. As Elizabeth noted, “I know cap sleeves aren’t for everyone, but I find them to be one of the better options for wearing under a jacket or sweater.”
In addition to beige, the dress also comes in your classic black, charcoal, and navy if you’re looking for something a little more traditional.
The dress is $49.90 at Quince. It comes in sizes XS–XL.
The Best Work Dress That Comes in a Zillion Colors: Amazon Seller MUXXN
There used to be a Facebook group for lawyer moms (it’s currently archived, alas), but a lottttt of women were singing the praises of this dress from MUXXN for work, and on Amazon it has 13,500 great reviews. For my $.02, I’d recommend sizing up — but I love that it comes in a zillion colors, is only $30, and comes in sizes S–3X.
(It’s important to note that the fabric is a bit more like a polyester T-shirt than a thick ponte — but I love looking at all the real women sharing pictures of themselves in the dress.)
If you’re hunting for an affordable dress, this J.Crew Factory one is a pretty good option — it’s $69 today, comes in 2 colors, sizes 0-18.
Another really affordable option is this modal surplice dress from Lands’ End; some colors are as low as $23 today. It’s available in regular, petite, and plus sizes with a ton of different color options. Another great affordable option: this bright Eloquii dress that we’ve featured before, down to $39 today and available in 5 colors, sizes 14-28.
A Great Fit & Flare Work Dress with Pockets: Elie Tahari
This dress may be my favorite one in the bunch, and it makes a great day to night dress — I love the wide boatneck, the drapey sleeves, the side ruching — it’s classic but fun as well. As I mentioned above, MM.LaFleur has a TON of great dresses for work.
This one comes in many colors, sizes 0P-18, for $345. (And it’s machine washable and made with recycled polyester.)
Other brands with lots of machine washable work dresses include British brands Hobbs (sizes 0-14) and Boden.
The Work Dress You’ll Have Forever: St. John
If you’re looking for a timeless sheath dress that’s a bit of a splurge, this St. John dress has been around for a zillion years in their classic Milano knit, described as a “dense, wool-blend” (50% viscose, “dry clean”) that “maintains its shape and offers near-seasonless wearability.” Nice! At $795, it’s one of the pricier options — reviewers note that it runs large, and as many readers have noted, you can often find great deals on St. John at resale sites and during big Nordstrom sales.
Other great options for a splurge include Theory, Hugo Boss, and Black Halo (their Jackie dress is still going strong after 10+ years, and I swear Nordstrom just brought it back to their product catalog.)
Readers, what dresses for work are you liking these days?
I very much want a “fresh start” with my style (clothing, maybe hair, and apartment decor). I’m turning 30 in three weeks, started a new job in April, will graduate with my masters in December, and am coming off of a breakup. I have maybe $1,000 to throw at the problem (I am cash flowing grad school, so can’t spend too too much).
I don’t love my apartment, it’s fine but not great but it’s affordable in a neighborhood that I LOVE. I signed an 18 month lease renewal in February, so I’ve got about a year left to embrace it. Luckily I’m set on furniture, but I couid use ti reorganize it / purge / redecorate a bit.
I have an appointment for highlights as a birthday gift to myself (my first time ever dying my hair!). I’m debating trying lash extensions or treating myself to more frequent professional manicures this summer. I want to change my look, not too drastically, but something. And, I want to feel more put together.
I love fashion and have been on a budget, so my clothes and accessories are a mix of cheaper brands or thrifted items with the very occasional splurge. I’ve dealt with some medical stuff over the last 18 months and am (finally) on the other end of it (I hope), but my weight has been all over the place as a result. I can’t decide if I should embrace where I am now and purge my closet, only keep what I really love and that fit, and invest in some new, nicer pieces or if I should wait and see where my body settles out. I know waiting makes more sense, but I feel like I’ve been in this bad slog of medical stuff and clothing not being what i want for so long now that I don’t want to keep waiting. And, FWIW by nicer I mean Madewell or BR, not designer!
I guess my life just felt so unsettled the last few years as I’ve known a lot of things were a) not right (old job, apartment, medical stuff) or b) not settled (being in school, being in a long distance relationship). I really want to go into this next year if my life feeling more permanent and put together and embrace coming out the other end doing alright!
Not sure what I’m asking, almost looking for a guide ir suggestions of how to decide what changes to make?
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Our daily workwear reports suggest one piece of work-appropriate attire in a range of prices.
This short-sleeved shirtdress from Zoe and Claire is a great under-$100 option for hot summer days. It’s not lined, so you may want to consider wearing a slip for extra coverage. (They’re a little harder to find these days, but I’ve had something like this in my closet for years and years.)
I would wear this to the office with a pair of loafers or mules and bring a sweater blazer just in case the air conditioning is running at full blast.
The dress is $78 and comes in sizes S–XL. It’s also available in white and mocha.
For a wider size range, try this dress from J.Crew — it’s available in white and black in 00–24 for $168. (Note that the smocking at the waist makes it a bit more casual.)
Sales of note for 6.5.24
Nordstrom– 4,000+ new markdowns for women; free 2-day shipping for a limited time on eligible items
Ann Taylor– 50% off dresses, jackets & shoes (ends 6/6)
This post may contain affiliate links and Corporette® may earn commissions for purchases made through links in this post. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Our daily workwear reports suggest one piece of work-appropriate attire in a range of prices.
Shirtdresses are summer staples for me. They’re cool enough so I don’t look completely wilted after my commute, but still polished enough for the office.
This bottle-green number from Talbots is right up my alley. I would swap out the self-belt for something in a darker color and add some comfy flats and gold jewelry.
The dress is $139-$159 at Talbots and comes in misses sizes 2-18 and plus sizes 14-24. At checkout, you’ll get 30% off!
Workwear sales of note for 5.14.24
Our favorites are in bold!
Nordstrom – Nordy Club members earn 3X the points on beauty; 30% off selected shoes
Our daily workwear reports suggest one piece of work-appropriate attire in a range of prices.
This side-knot dress from Nordstrom Rack comes in eight colors — usually a sign that it’s a hit.
We’re slowly creeping into spring in the Northeast, but I know that sweltering summer temperatures aren’t too far away. A lightweight dress is a necessity for the last few weeks of July when the short walk from the air-conditioned car to the air-conditioned office feels like it might break me.
This modal sheath will keep you cool outside but can also be layered nicely under a sweater blazer once you step indoors. At this price, it might become my new summer uniform.
The dress is $29.97 at Nordstrom Rack and comes in sizes XXS–XL.
Workwear sales of note for 4.25.24
Our favorites are in bold!
Nordstrom– 30% off selected shoes and beauty for a limited time!
This post may contain affiliate links and Corporette® may earn commissions for purchases made through links in this post. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Our daily workwear reports suggest one piece of work-appropriate attire in a range of prices.
A perfect fit-and-flare dress can be hard to find, so when I come across one, I want to shout it from the rooftops. This crepe short-sleeve dress from Elie Tahari comes in three other great colors, but the New Yorker in me is always going to gravitate towards a perfect LBD.
Add your favorite shoe and you’ll be reaching for this at least once a week until winter.
The dress is $348 at Elie Tahari and comes in sizes 0–16.
P.S. Happy Passover to those who celebrate!
Workwear sales of note for 4.18.24
Our favorites are in bold!
Ann Taylor – 50% off full-price dresses, jackets & shoes; $30 off pants & skirts; extra 50% off sale styles
This post may contain affiliate links and Corporette® may earn commissions for purchases made through links in this post. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Our daily workwear reports suggest one piece of work-appropriate attire in a range of prices.
I’m very into the color of this tweed dress from Misook. It’s not exactly spring-y, but I would seriously consider buying this and hanging onto it for that period in early fall when it’s still warm but you’re ready for the leaves to turn.
If you’re looking for something a little more suited to the spring months, it also comes in a much cheerier “sunset red” and “French blue.”
The dress is $250, marked down from $358 at Nordstrom, and comes in sizes XXS–XL.
Ann Taylor has a few more affordable (and more spring-y) options in light blue, pale yellow, and pink (all on sale for $109). For plus sizes, try this Calvin Klein dress in light blue and light pink for $89.99 and up.
Workwear sales of note for 4.14.24
Our favorites are in bold!
Ann Taylor – Mid-Season Sale: extra 40% off; extra 20% off sale styles; 40% off new spring styles
This post may contain affiliate links and Corporette® may earn commissions for purchases made through links in this post. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Our daily workwear reports suggest one piece of work-appropriate attire in a range of prices.
Diane von Furstenburg’s recent collaboration with Target has spurred some discussion online about whether the wrap dress is a “dated” look in 2024. For my two cents, the look is a classic, but in a post-2020 world, everyone is a bit more casual, so there are just fewer situations in which a wrap dress feels appropriate.
Fortunately, if you are a wrap-dress-lover who happens to work in a formal office, that seems like one of the few remaining places where the dress will shine. I love this midi-length silhouette from DvF for a slightly more updated look.
This post may contain affiliate links and Corporette® may earn commissions for purchases made through links in this post. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Our daily workwear reports suggest one piece of work-appropriate attire in a range of prices.
Three cheers for dresses with pockets! This blazer dress from White House Black Market is a perfect knee length and has an adjustable self-belt at the waist for a more custom fit.
I would add a blazer for a more formal look, but if bare arms fly at your office, it also looks great on its own.
The dress is $150 at White House Black Market and comes in sizes 00–18 and petite sizes 00–12.
(Unfortunately, the only plus-size options we could find were from ultra-fast-fashion brands and/or were inappropriate for the office!)
P.S. Eid Mubarak to those who celebrate!
Workwear sales of note for 4.9.24
Our favorites are in bold!
Ann Taylor – $50 off $200+; extra 40% off sale styles
Our daily workwear reports suggest one piece of work-appropriate attire in a range of prices.
Let’s hear it for the shirtdress as the perennial answer to “What the heck am I going to wear today?” I have one in my closet that has been to an important meeting, a baby shower, and a networking event in the past two months alone. This one from Mango has a polka-dot pattern that has just the right amount of whimsy to cover a wide range of events.
Wear it with black heels for work and add some colorful accessories for the weekend.
The dress is $59.99 at Mango and comes in sizes 0–20.
This post may contain affiliate links and Corporette® may earn commissions for purchases made through links in this post. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Our daily workwear reports suggest one piece of work-appropriate attire in a range of prices.
If you’ve got a bunch of “summer outings” with interns or summer associates coming up, this dress will do it all. You can toss on a blazer for the office, but this would also be perfect to wear for your Broadway shows, your baseball games (add sneakers), your cooking classes, or your scavenger hunts.
I’m very into the dresses-with-loafers look recently, so I’d probably pair this with my favorite Rothy’s.
The dress is $99 at Nordstrom and comes in sizes XXS–XXL.
This post may contain affiliate links and Corporette® may earn commissions for purchases made through links in this post. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Our daily workwear reports suggest one piece of work-appropriate attire in a range of prices.
The fact that I haven’t featured this dress before feels downright criminal. This knot-front pleated dress from Eloquii is one of my favorite items. The fit is gorgeous, it comes in a wide range of colors, and it’s machine washable. Amazing.
This “lilac rose” color caught my eye, but it comes in black and four other beautiful jewel tones.
The dress is on safe for $54.97 with code (originally $109.95) at Eloquii and comes in sizes 14–32.
For an alternative in straight sizes, try this Connected Apparel dress; it’s $69 and available in several colors at Nordstrom.
This post may contain affiliate links and Corporette® may earn commissions for purchases made through links in this post. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Our daily workwear reports suggest one piece of work-appropriate attire in a range of prices.
This short-sleeved dress from Quince looks like a great summer basic at a fantastic price. I know cap sleeves aren’t for everyone, but I find them to be one of the better options for wearing under a jacket or sweater.
I would pair the ecru dress with an olive blazer for a spring-y look, but it also comes in your classic black, charcoal, and navy if you’re looking for something a little more traditional.
The dress is $49.90 at Quince and comes in sizes XS–XL.
A plus-size alternative in a slightly darker shade comes from Spanx (also available in straight sizes) — it’s $138.
