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fashion

The 15 Best Work Dresses That Are Polished, Comfortable & Oh-So Versatile

Starting at $45

Author image: Screenshot 2024 03 04 at 4.32.14 PM
By Jael Rucker
•
Updated Jun 13, 2025
Additional reporting by

PureWow editors select every item that appears on this page, and some items may be gifted to us. Additionally, PureWow may earn compensation through affiliate links within the story. All prices are accurate upon date of publish. You can learn more about the affiliate process here.

best work dresses CAT
Abby Hepworth for PureWow

You heard it here first: Success starts with a killer wardrobe, but that doesn’t always mean donning a boring button-up shirt. Right smack in the middle of any professional look is the trusty work dress (plus some stylish accessories, of course)—the kind of outfit that effortlessly mixes style and class. Whether you're owning the boardroom, totally nailing presentations or casually working the networking game, finding that ultimate work dress will have you feeling (and looking) 100. Here, 15 styles to add to your collection ahead of your next big meeting.

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The Best Work Dresses at a Glance

1

Best Long-Sleeve Work Dress

Boden Imogen Collared Jersey Dress

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$129 at Boden
2

Best Shirtdress for Work

Exquise Tobie Shirt Dress

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$198 at Anthropologie
3

Best Short-Sleeve Work Dress

Ann Taylor Belted Knit Shirtdress

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$149 at Ann Taylor
4

Best Sheath Work Dress

Universal Standard Envelope Neck Ponte Dress

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$148 at Universal Standard
5

Best Sleeveless Work Dress

JCrew Mathilde V-Neck Dress

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$228; $183 at J.Crew

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How I Chose the Best Work Dresses

To make our work dress selects, I spoke with Cara Benevenia, a professional stylist, who explained to me what makes a work dress really pop—as well as what styles are most suitable for a variety of workplaces, and where to go for less-expected finds. I also scoured customer reviews and made sure to include a variety of different fabrics, lengths and price points.

Meet the Expert

Cara Benevenia has been a stylist since December 2022, but she’s been styling shoots for her handbag brand since 2019. She currently assists NYC-based stylists Madeline Manning and Jenesee Utlely with various clients, and her expertise is in commercial womenswear.

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boden collar midi work dress
Boden

Best Long-Sleeve Work Dress

1. Boden Imogen Collared Jersey Dress

Boden

Wrap dresses are wonderfully flattering, but all too often they run the risk of being a bit too low cut for a more traditional office. This Boden number has all the appeal of a classic wrap, but with a fixed collar so there won’t be any accidental peeks throughout the day. The jersey material flows very nicely and is super comfortable, making this a great year-round option. And the belt can be tie to fit any number of ways, or removed entirely if you prefer. Reviewers do say this one runs a tad small, so you might want to consider going up a size when ordering.

FAST FACTS

  • Size Range: US 0 to 20/22, also Petite and Long
  • Materials: 52 percent Tencel modal, 48 percent cotton
  • Care Instructions: machine washable
$129 at Boden
anthropologie equise tobie work dress
Anthropologie

Best Shirtdress for Work

2. Exquise Tobie Shirt Dress

Exquise

This best-selling shirtdress is incredibly versatile, working just as well for summers at the office as it does for brunch with friends, all depending on your styling. For work I’d recommend keeping the skirt fully buttoned and the top unbuttoned just enough to see a bit of collarbone (that peek of skin can help break up such a large swath of fabric). The pleating at the waist creates a gorgeous hourglass figure, and it has pockets, too. There are also tons of great colors to choose from, both patterns and solids, all of which come in Petite and Plus sizes.

FAST FACTS

  • Size Range: XXS to 3X, also Petite
  • Materials: cotton, polyester, elastane
  • Care Instructions: dry clean
$198 at Anthropologie
ann taylor belted work dress
Ann Taylor

Best Short-Sleeve Work Dress

3. Ann Taylor Belted Knit Shirtdress

Ann Taylor

Another great option with a removable belt, this Ann Taylor number comes in classic black or the beautiful sky blue pictured above. The sleeves offer some coverage, but the real appeal is in their slightly flared shape—not enough to make layering a blazer or jacket over top difficult, but just enough to add some interest when worn alone. And the crewneck collar gives a modern appeal, especially with those gold buttons. As for sizing, reviewers do note that the silhouette can hug your curves, so if you prefer something looser they advise going up one from your usual size.

FAST FACTS

  • Size Range: XXS to XXL, also Petite
  • Materials: 95 percent polyester, 5 percent spandex
  • Care Instructions: machine washable
$149 at Ann Taylor
universal standard sheath work dress
Universal Standard

Best Sheath Work Dress

4. Universal Standard Envelope Neck Ponte Dress

Universal Standard

Can you ever go wrong with a classic little black sheath dress? This ponte frock is available with a crewneck, V-neck or envelope neck (pictured here), but it’s the third that I find most elegant for a day at the office. The material is designed to give you shape but also to move with you throughout your day, so you won’t have to deal with tugging on the hemline or sleeves as you bop from meeting to meeting. It’s also machine washable and dryer safe (on low), so cleaning and care is a total breeze. (FYI, the belt is not included.)

FAST FACTS

  • Size Range: US 00-0 to 38-40
  • Materials: 60 percent rayon, 35 percent nylon, 5 percent elastane
  • Care Instructions: machine wash cold, tumble dry low
$148 at Universal Standard
jcrew mathilde work dress
J.Crew

Best Sleeveless Work Dress

5. J.Crew Mathilde V-Neck Dress

J.Crew

This J.Crew number may look simple, but the appeal is all in the subtle detailing. Seaming around the bust, neckline and waist help to define that gorgeous silhouette, as does the included matching belt. The lightweight material is also specifically designed for summers in the office and inspired by vintage warm-weather suits. It comes in both the cream hue above and Robin’s egg blue, both of which are available in regular, petite and tall lengths.

FAST FACTS

  • Size Range: US 00 to 24, also Petite and Tall
  • Materials: 70 percent rayon, 30 percent viscose
  • Care Instructions: dry clean
$228; $183 at J.Crew
modern citizen work dress
Modern Citizen

Best Jersey Work Dress

6. Modern Citizen Prima Jersey Midi Dress

Modern Citizen

This easy dress is incredibly comfortable thanks to the lightweight jersey fabric. And that wide waistband is oh-so flattering too. It comes in five color options, including the red pictured above, olive green, navy, white and black, and all have pockets except for the white. They also also come in petite sizes so you don't need to book a trip to the tailor to get that perfect fit. Reviewers generally say this dress fits true to size, however if you’re between two you may want to opt for the larger.

FAST FACTS

  • Size Range: XS to XXL, also Petite
  • Materials: 49 percent EcoVero viscose, 43 percent organic cotton, 8 percent spandex
  • Care Instructions: machine wash cold, hang to dry
$168 at Modern Citizen
tuckernuck jackie work dress
Tuckernuck

Best Mini Work Dress

7. Tuckernuck Tweed Jackie Dress

Tuckernuck

Tuckernuck’s tweed Jackie dress caused a frenzy in Washington D.C. last fall, so of course the PureWow team had to test to see if it truly lives up to the hype. Spoiler alert: It absolutely does. According to Senior Commerce Editor Stephanie Maida, “The style is striking for its swingy, ‘60s-esque A-line silhouette that, based on its more than 900 5-star reviews, has proven flattering on all sorts of body types (including my 5-foot-1 frame).” The braided accents at the neck and hips were a particular favorite for Maida, and she notes the fabric is actually much more comfortable, and less rigid, than you might think. That said, she does recommend going down one size from your usual, as this frock tends to run big.

FAST FACTS

  • Size Range: XXS to XXXL
  • Materials: 100 percent polyester
  • Care Instructions: machine wash cold, tumble dry low
$268 at Tuckernuck
maggy london denim work dress
Nordstrom

Best Denim Work Dress

8. Maggy London Contrast Stitch Denim Midi Dress

Maggy London

Who says you can’t wear denim to a traditional office? This sleeveless midi is proof that the casual, everyday material can indeed be zhuzhed up for office life. It’s the dark indigo wash and structured silhouette that give this dress a much more polished vibe. The seaming along the bodice is also incredibly flattering, and gives just enough detail to help break up all that dark blue. Oh, and did I mention it has pockets, too?

FAST FACTS

  • Size Range: US 0 to 16
  • Materials: 70 percent polyester, 25 percent rayon, 5 percent spandex
  • Care Instructions: machine wash, line dry
$148 at Nordstrom
hm blazer work dress
H&M

Best Blazer Work Dress

9. H&M Linen-Blend Jacket Dress

H&M

Blazer dresses can be a little tricky for the office–sometimes they’re too short and look like you just forgot to put on pants, other times they’re too big and can wind up looking sloppy. But this H&M version avoids all that with a longer hemline and sleeveless silhouette. It comes in four chic colors, and is fully lined to maintain that crisply tailored appeal. The belt can also be removed or replaced with a different style of your own.

FAST FACTS

  • Size Range: XXS to XXL
  • Materials: 68 percent rayon, 32 percent linen
  • Care Instructions: dry clean
$55 at H&M
mmlafleur cassandra work dress
M.M.LaFleur

Best Button-Front Work Dress

10. M.M.LaFleur Cassandra Dress

M.M.LaFleur

M.M.LaFleur is a fabulous place to pick up impeccable workwear that will last a lifetime, and this button-up dress is one of the brand’s best-selling styles. Reviewers rave about the material, which is lightweight and breathable but still has enough heft to avoid wrinkling throughout the day and maintain that lean silhouette. They also love the versatility, noting that this piece can be work as a dress or as a vest layered over other wardrobe staples.

FAST FACTS

  • Size Range: US 00 to 18
  • Materials: 90 percent polyester, 10 percent polyurethane
  • Care Instructions: machine wash cold, do not tumble dry, line dry, low iron, dry clean
$369; $259 at M.M.LaFleur
loft polka dot work dress
LOFT

Trendiest Work Dress

11. LOFT Dotted Cinched-Front Midi Dress

LOFT

The words “trendy” and “office attire” don’t always go together, but this LOFT midi manages to combine them in the most gorgeous way. There’s no denying that polka dots are the number one print of the year, but opting for a much smaller scale makes them feel less over. That, plus the higher neckline, sleek A-line silhouette and midi length make this totally appropriate for meetings and water cooler chats.

FAST FACTS

  • Size Range: XXS to XXL, also Petite
  • Materials: 57 percent cotton, 43 percent polyester
  • Care Instructions: machine washable
$75; $45 at LOFT
white house black market striped work dress
White House Black Market

Best Patterned Work Dress

12. White House Black Market Asymmetric Twist-Front Dress

White House Black Market

Another great patterned option, this WHBM dress uses stripes of varying sizes and a twist of the fabric at the hip to create an fabulously interesting silhouette. The hem does hit above the knee, but only just barely, and the full-coverage neckline is 100-percent bra-friendly. The waist has a hidden elastic for a more comfortable fit, and the whole thing can be machine washed (score!), though I would recommend skipping the dryer in favor or laying it flat to dry.

FAST FACTS

  • Size Range: US 00 to 18
  • Materials: 58 percent cotton, 42 percent rayon
  • Care Instructions: machine wash cold
$150 at White House Black Market
quince cashmere work dress
Quince

Best Cashmere Work Dress

13. Quince Cashmere Midi Sweater Dress

Quince

Ideal for those days when you just want to snuggle up on the couch wrapped in your favorite cashmere blanket but, alas, are forced to go into the office instead. This comfy sheath is made of 100 percent Mongolian cashmere that’s every bit as soft as you hope, and lightweight enough to not feel stifling in summer. And tons of reviewers offer ideas on how to style this beauty for almost any occasion—with a leather belt and blazer, with a matching cardigan and loafers, with pointy-toe flats and a statement necklace, the possibilities are endless.

FAST FACTS

  • Size Range: XS to XL
  • Materials: 100 percent Mongolian cashmere
  • Care Instructions: hand wash cold, lay flat to dry, iron at low temperature if needed
$110 at Quince
aritzia wilfred regal work dress
Aritzia

Most Versatile Work Dress

14. Wilfred Regal Dress

Ailfred

Wear this button-up under a blazer or cardigan for summer days, then styled over a pair of matching trousers as a vest once fall hits. Indeed, the mini length may be a tad to short for taller folks, but does make this a fantastic layering piece over midi skirts or trousers. The buttons are fully functional and the crepette fabric is fantastic at resisting wrinkles. This dress does appear to run small, so I highly suggest double checking the size chart or going up one size (or possibly two) from your usual when ordering.

FAST FACTS

  • Size Range: US 00 to 16
  • Materials: 100 percent polyester
  • Care Instructions: dry clean
$148 at Aritzia
sezane pippa work dress
Sézane

Best Work Dress for Casual Friday

15. Sézane Pippa Dress

Sézane

This Sézane T-shirt dress is constantly selling out, but the good news is that the brand is also frequently restocking and releasing new color options, too. What makes it so popular, you ask? The cotton-blend material is incredibly soft and has a great weight to it, and the tie at the waist hits at just the right spot. It’s also adjustable so you can tailor this midi to fit your figure. And while a cotton T-shirt dress may not be right for that big meeting with your boss next week, it’s definitely polished enough for a more casual setting, like summer Friday’s or lunch with your coworkers.

FAST FACTS

  • Size Range: XX to XXXL
  • Materials: 94 percent 0rganic cotton, 6 percent elastane
  • Care Instructions: wash in cold water
$160 at Sézane

Frequently Asked Questions

What Dresses Are Suitable for Work?

“When I think of dresses suitable for work, I immediately think of easy midi styles,” says Benevenia. “Red flags in this category are anything tight, low-cut, and short. Green flags are dresses in seasonless fabrics that can be styled with an array of footwear and layered with various topper options like blazers, chunky sweaters, and leather jackets.” 

What to Look for in Work Dresses

“When searching for work dresses, look for fabrics that can be transitional across seasons, like denim, twill, and lightweight knits,” Benevenia suggests. “Midi styles will go for miles in your wardrobe because they can be worn with flats in the fall or boots as the temperatures begin to drop. Sleeveless jumper-style dresses are so versatile because they can be layered under blouses and chunky sweaters or over with leather jackets and blazers.” Ready to conquer all the seasons in style? You got it.

Where to Buy Work Dresses

Alright, let's talk about snagging those perfect work dresses—you've got a bunch of options to dive into. Think about the big names like Macy's, Nordstrom, and Bloomingdale's—they're like treasure troves of choices. And hey, if you're all about that office-ready vibe, specialty spots like Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, J.Crew, and Loft have your back. But wait, there's more! We're talking about online havens like Amazon, Zappos, and ASOS – they're like your virtual fashion playgrounds, offering everything under the sun. And for those of you on the hunt for unique pieces, don't sleep on local boutiques and thrift stores—they can be home to some real hidden gems. And for a touch of luxe, brands like Michael Kors, Calvin Klein, and Kate Spade have got you covered with some seriously chic choices.

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Screenshot 2024 03 04 at 4.32.14 PM
Jael Rucker

Associate Commerce Strategist

  • Covers all things commerce and entertainment
  • Has over a decade of editorial experience in both fashion and entertainment, and was previously with ONE37pm before joining the PureWow team in March 2024
  • Studied journalism and marketing at Columbus State University in Georgia
read full bio
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Abby Hepworth

Editor

  • Covers fashion, trends and all things running
  • Received certification as an RRCA run coach
  • Has worked in fashion for over a decade
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