The 29 best office dress brands
Calvin Klein, Talbots and Banana Republic lead our ranking of 29 office dress brands. Compare what each brand makes, visit its official site, or shop it online.
Office Dress brands, ranked
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1
Calvin Klein
Sheath, faux-wrap and belted styles in classic solids and prints, with a sharp, tailored workwear feel.
Top products: Faux Wrap Dress· Cowl Neck Belted Sheath Dress
Website: calvinklein.us |Brands like Calvin Klein
Popularity 10.0/10
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2
Talbots
Traditional workwear sheaths and knit dresses in conservative cuts, with many sizes for petite and plus shoppers.
Website: talbots.com |Brands like Talbots
Popularity 8.7/10
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3
Banana Republic
Minimal sheaths, wrap dresses and knit shifts in neutral palettes, with a clean, understated office look.
Top products: Flounce Hem Sheath Dress· Factory Wrap Dress
Website: bananarepublic.gap.com |Brands like Banana Republic
Popularity 8.6/10
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4
J.CREW
Knit sheaths, shift dresses and striped cotton styles with polished details like exposed zips.
Top products: Wool Blend Zip Pocket Shift Dress
Website: jcrew.com |Brands like J.CREW
Popularity 7.9/10
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5
LOFT
Flounce details and black sheath styles at a moderate price, popular for everyday office wear.
Top products: Black Sheath Dress· Fit and Flare Dress
Website: loft.com |Brands like LOFT
Popularity 7.3/10
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6
Boden
Bright, playful prints and ruffle or keyhole dresses in British cuts, a step more colourful than most office lines.
Website: bodenusa.com |Brands like Boden
Popularity 6.7/10
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7
White House Black Market
Fit-and-flare and stretch sheath dresses with pockets, cut for the modern professional woman.
Website: whitehouseblackmarket.com |Brands like White House Black Market
Popularity 5.2/10
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8
J. Jill
Comfort-focused knit and jersey dresses in roomy, easy-wear fits, sold through catalogue and stores.
Website: jjill.com |Brands like J. Jill
Popularity 5.0/10
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9
Tommy Hilfiger
Metallic and belted sheath dresses with a preppy American edge, often leaning toward evening-friendly silhouettes.
Website: usa.tommy.com |Brands like Tommy Hilfiger
Popularity 4.7/10
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10
Theory
Minimalist tailored sheaths and knit dresses in refined neutrals, with a premium, city-polished finish.
Website: theory.com |Brands like Theory
Popularity 4.7/10
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11
H&M
Affordable black sheath and pencil dresses that turn over quickly, suited to a budget office wardrobe.
Top products: Little Black Dress
Website: www2.hm.com |Brands like H&M
Popularity 4.4/10
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12
J. McLaughlin
Preppy, resort-leaning dresses drawing on classic American tailoring, with a relaxed take on office wear.
Website: jmclaughlin.com |Brands like J. McLaughlin
Popularity 4.4/10
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13
Zara
Trend-driven cuts that change every season, with slim fits and tailored belts for the office.
Website: zara.com |Brands like Zara
Popularity 4.3/10
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14
MM.LaFleur
Work dresses sold in a try-at-home box, with stretch jersey built for travel days.
Website: mmlafleur.com |Brands like MM.LaFleur
Popularity 4.1/10
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15
Michael Kors
Polished workwear dresses with a glossy, luxury finish, often styled alongside the label's accessories.
Website: michaelkors.com |Brands like Michael Kors
Popularity 4.1/10
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16
Anne Klein
Clean-lined sheaths and textured workwear dresses that suit a classic, polished office look.
Website: anneklein.com |Brands like Anne Klein
Popularity 4.1/10
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17
Chico's
Chico's, a clothing brand sold online and in its own stores, offers soft knit tops, tailored jackets and stretch denim in its women's line. Many pieces use comfortable, fluid fabrics and come in petite, regular, and plus sizes. Blouses and...
Website: chicos.com |Brands like Chico's
Popularity 4.0/10
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18
Diane von Furstenberg
Diane Von Furstenberg is a dynamic fashion brand that makes truly classy pieces of outfits for women. They specialize in manufacturing wrap dresses and tops by blending soft and comfortable fabrics and tailoring them into the most exquisite apparel. Their...
Website: dvf.com |Brands like Diane von Furstenberg
Popularity 3.9/10
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19
Liz Claiborne
With a vision for women who lead active lives, Liz Claiborne is a widely known and award-winning designer of women's clothing. We believe every woman deserves to have her signature style - one that is chic and sophisticated but also...
Website: jcpenney.com |Brands like Liz Claiborne
Popularity 3.9/10
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20
Connected
Located near Los Angeles, Connected Apparel has won hearts and smiles for its aesthetic and beautiful outfits. Their specialties lie in workwear, dresses, evening dresses and jumpsuits; however, all their designs receive compliments for their genuine aim: making every woman...
Website: connectedapparel.com |Brands like Connected
Popularity 3.7/10
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21
Lands' End
Lands' End is all about feeling comfortable every day. The company aims to deliver products that provide comfort and help to keep you in style. Every person wants to feel good constantly. Whether 50 degrees summer day or a chilly...
Website: landsend.com |Brands like Lands' End
Popularity 3.7/10
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22
Ralph Lauren
Based in New York, Ralph Lauren sells men's and women's clothing built around classic American style. Its men's polo shirts, long sleeve shirts and women's collections carry the brand's pony logo. The men's and women's lines share a classic look,...
Website: ralphlauren.com |Brands like Ralph Lauren
Popularity 3.7/10
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23
Old Navy
Oldnavy is a leading clothing brand in US and around the world. The company has more than 1100 physical store locations. The parent company Gap Inc, started Old navy as a less expensive clothing brand in 1990. The company is...
Website: oldnavy.gap.com |Brands like Old Navy
Popularity 3.6/10
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24
Maggy London
Maggy London offers a modern collection of both effortless and timeless silhouettes designed to take you from desk to dinner in style.
Website: maggylondon.com |Brands like Maggy London
Popularity 3.5/10
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25
Hobbs
Hobbs, a London label, was founded in Hampstead in 1981, and its women's collections feature classic British dresses and leather accessories. The brand is recognized in the UK for tailored designs and detailed finishing. Its footwear is made in Italy,...
Website: hobbs.com |Brands like Hobbs
Popularity 3.5/10
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26
Trina Turk
Swimwear with designer cover-ups and sheath dresses define the Trina Turk range, which is rooted in its California origins. The swimsuits range from two-piece sets to plus-size bikinis, paired with kimono robes and other cover-ups. Trina Turk also makes women's...
Website: trinaturk.com |Brands like Trina Turk
Popularity 3.5/10
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27
Eileen Fisher
Eileen Fisher, named after the said lady Eileen, was founded in 1984, with only $350 as an investment. It now has 65 stores across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. It is a women's apparel label that designs...
Website: eileenfisher.com |Brands like Eileen Fisher
Popularity 3.3/10
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28
The Limited
The Limited is hosted by belk, the largest online distributor of durable goods, and presents modern-day clothing apparel. The collection covers every essential required by working women in comfortable fabric and minimal designs that don't compromise on making a fashion...
Website: thelimited.com |Brands like The Limited
Popularity 3.3/10
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29
Adrianna Papell
Adrianna Papell started with an aim to make women feel beautiful and confident in whatever they wear. The company then started creating gorgeous silk dresses and blouses made of the softest material to complement customers' personalities. The brand supplies all...
Website: adriannapapell.com |Brands like Adrianna Papell
Popularity 3.3/10
Official websites and social accounts
| Brand | Website | X / Twitter | YouTube | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Calvin Klein | calvinklein.us | /calvinklein | calvinklein | @calvinklein | – |
| Talbots | talbots.com | /TALBOTS | talbotsofficial | @TalbotsOfficial | – |
| Banana Republic | bananarepublic.gap.com | /BananaRepublic | bananarepublic | @BananaRepublic | – |
| J.CREW | jcrew.com | – | – | – | – |
| LOFT | loft.com | – | loft | – | – |
| Boden | bodenusa.com | /JohnnieBoden | boden_clothing | @bodenclothing | – |
| White House Black Market | whitehouseblackmarket.com | /WhiteHouseBlackMarket | whbm | @whbm | whbm |
| J. Jill | jjill.com | /jjillstyle | jjillstyle | @jjillstyle | – |
| Tommy Hilfiger | usa.tommy.com | /tommyhilfiger | tommyhilfiger | @tommyhilfiger | – |
| Theory | theory.com | – | theory__ | – | – |
Office Dress Buying Guide
When it comes to dressing up for work, most people always seem to be in a dilemma. The conundrum arises from the thought of maintaining a professional appearance while still being comfortable and stylish. Corporate dress codes can stipulate mandatory attire, but beyond these bounds, we are left to decide. Choosing an office dress that suits your personality and demands of the job can be challenging. Here's a shopping guide to help you pick the best dress for the office.
Consider the Company Dress Code
The first step in selecting office attire is to consider what the company's dress code policy entails. When applying for a new job, ensure that you inquire about the dress code policy. While some companies are casual with clothing options, others are explicit in their requirements. Some companies have a professional dress code, and others require smart casual clothing.
When dressing up for work, it is essential to dress according to your position. Different job positions have unique dressing codes. If you are in a leadership role, you should dress more formally than other employees. Front desk employees should opt for smart, professional clothing. When unsure, it is better to overdress than under-dress.
Choose the Perfect Fabric
When it comes to choosing the right material of clothing for the workplace, consider the climate, environment, and dress code policy. Avoid materials that are too casual, such as denim and cotton t-shirts. Instead, choose material that is comfortable to wear and professional, such as silk or wool.
In hot weather conditions, lighter materials are preferable, as they help you remain comfortable and cool. Cotton, linen, and silk are excellent choices in hot weather conditions. In cold weather, wool or synthetic materials are preferable, as they provide warmth and comfort.
Choose the Right Fit
The right fit can do wonders for your overall appearance, hence the need to select dress sizes that match your body type adequately. Significantly oversized clothes can make you look unkempt, while small sizes can make it challenging to move comfortably. For women's dresses, consider the length of the dress, ensuring they are never too short. Choose a fit that encompasses your body shape comfortably.
Choose the Right Length and Style
The length of your dress largely depends on your dress code policy. A general rule of thumb is that work attire should be modest, and the dress hemline should never be too short. A good office dress should not reveal too much skin or be too tight-fitting. In a professional workspace, it is essential to choose clothing that reflects formality, elegance, and modesty.
When it comes to style, consider a dress that is versatile and tailored to flatter your figure. Pencil dresses are suitable for most occasions, while a maxi dress, a-line dress, and fit and flare dress suit almost all body types.
Think About the Color
Selecting the right color for your office dress is as important as other considerations. The color of your dress can affect how you feel, how others perceive you, and how you carry yourself. Choose colors that are neutral, classic, and timeless. Neutral colors like grey, beige, and black are excellent choices for the office as they are versatile and professional.
Bold colors like red and blue can be eye-catching and add a pop of excitement to an outfit. However, always ensure the shades you select are stylish and not too bright or flashy.
Accessorize
Accessorizing is an essential facet of office dressing. Choosing the right accessories can elevate the look of your outfit while still maintaining the professionalism required in the office. Choose a simple necklace, a pair of small earrings or studs, and bangles that match your outfit color. Always wear jewelry that is tasteful and not too flashy.
Consider choosing a belt to go with your dress, which can accentuate your waist and add shape to your dress. Small clutch bags and backpacks are suitable options for the office. But make sure they blend with your outfit and are not too bold.
Conclusion
Choosing the right office dress can be challenging, but getting it right is worth it. The key is to dress modestly, choose comfortable material and select the right color and fit. Consider the company dress code policy and choose a dress style that reflects the company's culture. Accessorizing can further enhance the look of your outfit, leading to a polished and professional appearance.
By following this guide, you will be able to select the right dress for your job and look smart, elegant, and professional.
