If you’re starring in, say, Selling Sunset, the best work dresses are going to look very different from someone who’s in an office from nine to five. That being said, certain silhouettes are a safe bet for lawyers, teachers, and reality stars alike. Shirt dresses, structured minis, and elegant A-line styles should all be in heavy rotation alongside other essential work clothes, like tailored trousers and tote bags.
The key to shopping for work dresses is to stick to timeless styles with a seasonless approach; even sleeveless numbers can be worn throughout the winter months with a turtleneck underneath or a blazer on top. We’ll encourage a neutral, easy-to-style palette, at least to start, but you can still have fun with bold patterns and bright colors, and fabrications—everything from slinky silk to crisp poplin. Shop our edit of the best work dresses to complete your office wardrobe; all are editor- and HR-approved.
The best work dresses, at a glance
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The best shirt dresses for work
Tom Cruise’s famous getup in Risky Business can’t quite qualify as a shirt dress (it’s a little short), but it comes oh-so close. Among the most classic of office dresses, a button-down shirtdress, usually made from a stiff cotton, silk, or corduroy, is dressy without feeling overly fussy. A long-sleeve maxidress offers coverage for those who want it, but there are plenty of shorter-sleeve options too. Our tip: Look for styles with a built-in belt for a chic, figure-defining touch.
The best midi-length dresses for work
Not too little, not too big—just right. Whether you opt for a bodycon sheath dress or something a bit more flowy, a midi-dress, hitting somewhere around knee length, is an office-appropriate option that can fit any number of dress codes. If your office skews more casual, look for unique details like a ruched body or ruffle sleeves; if you prefer a more formal style, a belted, short-sleeve style is perfect.
The best sleeveless dresses for work
No matter the season, a sleeveless work dress will always come in handy. In the warmer months, you can wear it as is—a must to keep you from sweating through your dress on your commute. (Bonus points if the fabric is light and breezy.) In the chillier seasons, sleeveless styles style well under a blazer or ladylike jacket for a bit of extra coverage with a polished twist. As long as the look and length are professional, you’ll be able to wear yours year-round.
The best minidresses for work
Believe it or not, you can wear a minidress to work. The key is to think about balance: With a shorter hem, consider a high neckline, a shift silhouette, or longer sleeves to counterbalance the length. In colder months, style a minidress with tights or knee-high boots to keep your legs warm and offer a bit more coverage.
The best A-line dresses for work
There’s a reason an A-line dress is Kate Middleton’s go-to silhouette. It’s comfortable yet professional, a workwear option that befits royal duty, but easily fits in less regimented settings, too. During the cooler seasons, a long-sleeved knit option is sleek and timeless, with the ability to style back to knee-high boots or ballet flats, while a sleeveless take in classic black makes seasonless dressing even easier.
The best business-casual dresses for work
In a more casual office setting, it may be the case that anything goes. That means bold prints, more relaxed materials, and silhouettes you also might wear on vacation or out with friends. To make the most of your dress code, find ways to let your personality shine through by opting for something unique and on-trend, like denim, leopard print, or ditsy floral.
The best petite dresses for work
Petites will find confidence for work with shorter hemlines that boast a tailored look. Fit-and-flare silhouettes or those with a nipped-in design are a good place to start, to accentuate the waistline on a shorter frame. If you want to go longer, lean on styles designed precisely for those under 5-feet-4 to ensure the fabric doesn’t feel overwhelming.
How to choose and style a work dress
If you’re new to the working world or in the midst of a personal style refresh, start by investing in a few signature styles. The best work dresses are versatile—easy to wear with heels, loafers, or sneakers—and trans-seasonal with the help of a cardigan or blazer. Even in offices with fairly formal dress codes, you can let some of your personality shine through by embracing favorite colors or unique design details that fit your style, whether that be cottagecore or corporate vamp. If you’re interviewing for a new job and can’t get a read on the vibe just yet (Zoom interviews can be tricky that way!), err on the dressy side until you’ve had the chance to settle in.
By Kristina Rutkowski
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