The 25 Best Work Dresses for Owning Your Nine-to-Five

The short-sleeved version of this dress is one of my all-time favorites for spring and summer at the office. Updating my wardrobe for the winter months, I was thrilled to see it redone in a long-sleeved knit. A gathered waist and cool asymmetric hem keep things visually interesting, while the dialed-down tones can pair with everything from tall boots to ballet flats.

Sizes: XS–L

Colors: Navy, black

There’s a Daisy Jones energy emanating from this dress’s faded floral pattern and velour texture. I’ll add square-toe leather boots and a strong hoop earring to lean all the way into the Aurora vibe.

Sizes: 0–16

Color: Burgundy floral

Indulgent pure wool and an everyday colorblock pattern: This Chloé dress is an investment in feeling your best each week at work. Note the skirt’s fluttery sense of movement even with its hardworking warm material.

Sizes: XS–XL

Color: Black/cream/brown

Rixo’s dresses are the foundation of my personal work dress wardrobe. They have just enough of a vintage flourish to feel special, but they come in functional fabrics and modest-enough silhouettes to wear for meetings and conferences. You can see exactly what I mean in the Kristen midi, with its elbow-length sleeves, long tiered skirt, and floaty patterned chiffon. I love wearing mine with silver metallic ballet flats.

Sizes: 2–22

Colors: Blue polka dot, green daisy

What reviewers are saying: “Very nice material, delightful design and length.”

Here’s a style lesson that bears repeating: You don’t have to overthink your office outfits to make an impression. Theory’s wool sheath dress has earned dozens of rave reviews for its clean sheath construction, range of versatile tones, and quietly professional vibe. Just like your work, your new dress will speak for itself.

Sizes: 00–18

Colors: Charcoal, navy, black

What reviewers are saying: “Great dress for all occasions. I only travel with a carry on and this dress allows me to do so. I can wear it so many ways to mix up the look and no one knows I’m rewearing the same dress!”

There are a lot of worthy sweater dresses to wear to work in the winter, but Cefinn’s lands at the top of my personal shopping list. The deep emerald shade is as versatile as a basic neutral tone, while the tailored waist and puff sleeves bring some structure to a cuddly soft material.

Sizes: XS–XL

Color: Dark green

This is a midi dress for bringing your whole personality to work. Fashion insiders will immediately clock that the print is a Proenza signature; everyone at the office will get a sense of your love of color and classics with a twist.

Sizes: XS–XL

Color: Sage multi

Forget what you thought you knew about boxy, simple T-shirt dresses. Everlane transformed the cotton tee into a stand-alone work staple by adding a wide, banded waist. While this version has extra oomph for showing off at your standup meeting, it’s also as comfortable as the oversize tees you wear to lounge at home.

Sizes: XXS–XL

Colors: Kalamata, cream, black

What reviewers are saying: “I love this dress. It is great for summer, fall and spring. I added a brown sweater when the days got a little chillier. Very comfortable and flattering.”

Everything I love about a polished suit vest is finally in dress form, thanks to Argent. In addition to the structure through the shoulders and waist, there's now a swishy skirt for power walking between meetings.

Sizes: 0–14

Color: Black

What reviewers are saying: “Has become a closet staple, love how flattering the fit is, has already become a favorite in the few weeks since I've purchased.”

To wear anything from Pleats Please is to know just how comfortable a formally leaning dress can be. These designs are beloved by fashion insiders and art-world experts for their stretchy, pliable micropleats, which deliver an eye-catching texture on top of wear-all-day ease.

Sizes: S–XXL

Colors: Red, black, beige, and more

This 100 percent silk dress arrives with three ways to style it: tied in a bow in the front, tied in the back, or left undone. Each option conveys a slightly different attitude—to tailor exactly to your Monday morning mood.

Sizes: 2–12

Color: Black/cream

Cubicle coziness ahead. This maxi dress is knit from a plush blend of angora and lambswool, so you’ll feel like you’re swathed in a gorgeous blanket while sitting at your desk. Of course, you’ll look like you’re ready to take on a miles-long to-do list in this dress’s bold combination of pink, cherry red, and black.

Sizes: XS–3X

Color: Pink multi

What reviewers are saying: “I just absolutely love wearing this sweater dress. It’s soft, cozy, warm and ever so stylish. I think the design and color palette is classic and edgy at the same time.”

Start 2024 strong by putting Toteme’s heathered work dress in your rotation. From the twisted seams that give a layered effect to the soft flannel material, it’s the quiet luxury way to start a winter work outfit.

Sizes: 30–44

Colors: Gray, navy

Flex your fashion expertise, subtly. This dress’s distinctive chain-link print is made up of tiny interlocking Gs—the same ones adorning your favorite designer bags and loafers.

Sizes: 36–46 IT

Color: Brown

Pari Passu is one of the best plus-size brands for classic workwear suited to any office. This wrap dress comes in a soft, opaque fabric with a hint of stretch—plus pockets. Try it with tights and a tall leather boot in the colder months, then a low kitten heel in the spring.

Sizes: 14–22

Color: Cabaret

Sweater dresses can skew a little too relaxed at time. JW Anderson flips the script with a sweater dress that has a half-belt attached to the front, creating a more tailored silhouette and some visual interest.

Sizes: XS–L

Color: Brown

J.Crew’s dresses always have a sensibility that works across seasons. This button-up shift is winter-appropriate, with semi-sheer tights, socks, a T-strap kitten heel, and a big faux-fur coat. Then in the spring, it’s polished with nothing but a ballet flat and a few key pieces of silver jewelry.

Sizes: XXS–3X

Color: Black

Another dress from another of my favorite work clothing stores, Sézane’s purple Piana makes me feel awake on dreary winter days. Taking in the bright violet shade is enough to wake me up on a Monday morning. Tasteful side slits for showing off a great leather boot (or some nice tights) are a nice plus.

Sizes: XS–XXL

Colors: Purple, light beige

Any hesitations you have about the bubble-hem revival will be smoothed over by this silk Tibi dress. The chocolate-brown shade and unexpected cape detail make this dress more of a structural statement piece than an overly nostalgic moment.

Sizes: 00–14

Color: Brown

The age-old pop of color has its place at the office, too. A bright, zippy pink is plenty appropriate for work when it’s coating a long-sleeved midi with a comfortable ruched bodice and flowy skirt. Something special, indeed.

Sizes: XS–XL

Colors: Pink, navy

What reviewers are saying: “Just as it looked in picture. Nice quality.”