If you’re starring in Selling Sunset, the best work dresses are going to look very different from someone who’s in a formal 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 are all staples to have in heavy rotation alongside other essential work clothes like trousers and tote bags.
Glamour’s edit of the best work dresses
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 or breathable linen, 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 touch.
The best midi-length dresses for work
Not too little, not too big, just right. Whether 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.
The best sleeveless dresses for work
During summer, sleeveless dresses are a must to keep you from sweating through your dress on your commute. (Bonus points if the fabric is light and breezy.) A sleeveless sweaterdress is a comfortable choice that can easily be worn under a blazer for a bit of extra coverage. Or, you can opt for a structured button-down dress instead.
The best minidresses for work
Believe it or not, you can wear a minidress to work. The key when wearing this dress style to work is to think about balance. With a shorter hem, consider a high neckline, shift-dress silhouette, or longer sleeves. In colder months, style a minidress with tights 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 fits in somewhere a little less regimented too.
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 polka dots or leopard print.
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 goth. 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.
