Best Work Dresses for Chic Office-Ready Style
The hunt for the perfect work dress is one that goes on and on. It’s the perfect combination of professional and comfortable, strong but not an OTT statement, elegant but not evening wear. Work dresses need to work hard for us. They need to last for seasons even though we wear them often. We expect a lot from them. But we still don’t want to pay $$$ when it’s “only our work clothes”.
Finding the best work dresses is quite the task!
So, to help save you time on shopping for your work clothing and leave you with more time to shop for the more fun things in life, like sequins and summer dresses, we’ve put together this list.
Depending on your personal style and your individual office dress code, each of these sections may or may not apply to you but hopefully, there will be a few key pieces in here that are PERFECT.
Everything here is from Shop It To Me and because we know you want high-quality dresses without breaking the bank, everything here is in the sale. You heard it right!
So, whether you’re starting your first job at the office or you just fancy a workwear overhaul, dive into this work dresses shopping list and see if there’s something that calls your name!
Simple Black
Black doesn’t have to be boring. In fact, it’s still a classic because it’s chic, elegant and professional. Feel like you’re headed to a funeral when you wear black? Avoid completely plain designs and try pieces with a little added femininity and you might just change your mind.
These black dresses are perfectly professional, yet maintain an effortlessly stylish edge. If you feel a little too black, this is the perfect way to add a chic animal print or pop of color when it comes to your shoes.
Statement Red
Who said you can’t choose statement colour palettes for work? Red is powerful and turns heads in all the right ways when it’s done properly. Opt for bold fire truck red and choose powerful, structured and tailored shapes when it comes to dresses to keep the look overtly professional and office-appropriate.
If you go all out with a bold color for work, keep your look classy with simple accessories and jewelry.
Pastel Hues
It’s not just bold and bright reds that work when it comes to choosing colors for your office wardrobe. Why not delve into the on-trend world of pastels and see how they can work for you?
Clean lines and sharp tailoring helps make pastel hues office-appropriate and avoiding flirty, floaty and overly feminine shapes keep it professional while allowing you to play with colour.
Work Wrap Dresses
The wrap dress is forever a classic. It’s a must-have for any professional women’s wardrobe and it is just as smart and chic as it is flattering. Seriously, if you have never tried a wrap dress on, you need to experience the instant femininity and power that it makes you feel. Trust us, it works!
You don’t want the neckline to cut too low so make sure you order a size that will work for your bust. Plus, you can also add a simple camisole underneath if you want a little extra coverage at the cleavage.
Maxi Dresses
Not all maxi dresses are work appropriate but that doesn’t mean they are all not! Some maxi dresses are perfect when styled professionally and give you the extra coverage of length with the pros of added comfort.
If you’re going to do maxi dresses in the office, make sure you pair it with closed toe shoes. You don’t want to make it look like you’ve just stepped off a cruise ship and forgotten to get changed!!
When it comes to choosing the right maxi dresses, you do need to be careful. Avoid over the top prints and flowing fabrics. Also avoid anything with a shimmer or glitter in the fabric as this is not office-appropriate. Stick to elegant prints like polka dots or stripes or just keep to solid colors if you’re trying this out for the first time.
Maxi dresses can actually work brilliantly in the fall and winter when paired with long boots, so consider how you might style it like this when selecting your prints and colors. If you can’t style it with boots for winter, think about whether it is indeed office-ready or just too summery.
Top Accessories You Need to Pair with Your Favorite Work Dresses
It’s all well and good having a wardrobe full to the brim with stylish work dresses perfect for the office but what about the accessories that pair with them? Get this right and you’ll be able to mix and match and piece together your looks every morning with ease.
The Perfect Pumps
Whether you wear high heels or flats for work, pumps are the perfect choice to pair with your smart dresses. Chic, tailored and professional, pointed pumps add a sophisticated edge to any look and pair just as well with trouser suits as they do with short or midi length dresses.
A Classic Tote
The perfect classic tote handbag is ideal as your go-to work bag. You’ll be using this day after day so it’s wise to invest in a high-quality leather bag and size depends on the length of your daily essentials list! A top handle tote is elegant and modest and even high street and premium high street styles can look just as chic as top-end designer styles.
Simple Jewelry
When it comes to creating stylish and professional work outfits, jewelry is often best kept simple. Statement jewelry can create excitement with a simple outfit but is often not necessarily appropriate for the office. Stick to sleek and minimal styles that add to the look instead of drawing attention away from it.
A Smart Coat
Often, you will want to add a chic, smart coat to your work dress outfit to complete the look. For fall, styles are best kept fairly lightweight and structured to keep in line with the tailored look of your dress.
Work dress shopping can be a drag. But, it can also be a breeze if you do it right! Sign up with Shop It To Me and you’ll find designer and premium high street work dresses cut to a fraction of the price tag. That means you can get beautiful quality pieces that you’ll wear over and over again but your bank account won’t mind as much!
Sign up today with the quick 2 min process and you’ll be bargain hunting in a whole new way for your new workwear wardrobe!