The 26 best office wear brands
Talbots, Banana Republic and J.CREW lead our ranking of 26 office wear brands. Compare what each brand makes, visit its official site, or shop it online.
Office Wear brands, ranked
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1
Talbots
Traditional workwear with non-iron shirts, ankle pants and suiting in classic cuts, suited to a conservative office.
Top products: Hampshire Ankle Pant· Non-Iron Paisley Floral Button Down Shirt
Website: talbots.com |Brands like Talbots
Popularity 10.0/10
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2
Banana Republic
Mid-range workwear with tailored trousers, blazers and shift dresses, a step above fast fashion in finish.
Website: bananarepublic.gap.com |Brands like Banana Republic
Popularity 7.8/10
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3
J.CREW
Preppy American brand with polished tailoring, fine knitwear and oxford shirts for smart-casual offices.
Website: jcrew.com |Brands like J.CREW
Popularity 7.7/10
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4
Chico's
Drapey wardrobe pieces in soft fabrics, with layered tops and statement jewellery for work and evenings.
Website: chicos.com |Brands like Chico's
Popularity 7.0/10
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5
Calvin Klein
Minimal American sportswear with pant suits and blouses, pitched at modern professional women.
Website: calvinklein.us |Brands like Calvin Klein
Popularity 5.2/10
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6
J. Jill
Comfort-focused women's clothing with soft knits and relaxed silhouettes, sold through catalogue and stores.
Website: jjill.com |Brands like J. Jill
Popularity 5.1/10
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7
LOFT
Everyday workwear for women, including petite and plus sizes, with pencil skirts and knit tops.
Website: loft.com |Brands like LOFT
Popularity 5.1/10
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8
Liz Claiborne
Long-running American women's workwear label, known in its heyday for tailored separates and blouses.
Website: jcpenney.com |Brands like Liz Claiborne
Popularity 4.5/10
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9
Express
Trend-led workwear with tailored pencil skirts and blouses, sold in stores and online.
Top products: Tailored Pencil Skirt
Website: express.com |Brands like Express
Popularity 4.4/10
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10
White House Black Market
Polished women's workwear with pencil skirts, knit dresses and a strong petite range.
Website: whitehouseblackmarket.com |Brands like White House Black Market
Popularity 4.3/10
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11
Zara
Spanish fast-fashion label with frequently updated blazers, trousers and dresses at moderate prices.
Website: zara.com |Brands like Zara
Popularity 4.0/10
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12
Eileen Fisher
Loose linen and knit pieces, made largely from organic and recycled fabrics.
Website: eileenfisher.com |Brands like Eileen Fisher
Popularity 3.9/10
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13
Jones New York
Structured blazers and suit separates in classic American office cuts, often in stretch fabrics.
Website: jny.com |Brands like Jones New York
Popularity 3.9/10
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14
Theory
Manhattan-based label whose stretch wool trousers and fitted blazers have a clean, understated cut for city offices.
Website: theory.com |Brands like Theory
Popularity 3.7/10
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15
Pendleton
Wool plaid shirts and jackets made in Oregon, more outdoorsy than polished office wear.
Website: pendleton-usa.com |Brands like Pendleton
Popularity 3.7/10
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16
Torrid
Plus-size women's clothing with stretch fits across a wide size range, from smaller to extended sizes.
Top products: Georgette Harper Chiffon Sleeve Pullover
Website: torrid.com |Brands like Torrid
Popularity 3.7/10
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17
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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18
H&M
H&M, a Swedish fashion retailer, sells affordable clothing for men, women, teens and children. Its women's dresses, sweaters and skirts follow fast-moving trends at low prices. Accessories sit alongside its clothing, and the retailer sells online in many countries.
Website: www2.hm.com |Brands like H&M
Popularity 3.6/10
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19
Anne Klein
Anne Klein is your one-stop-shop for the best designer clothing, accessories, shoes, etc. The label became noted for its characteristic clean lines and primary forms after being founded by Anne Klein and her husband, Arnold Greenberg. You'll appear polished from...
Website: anneklein.com |Brands like Anne Klein
Popularity 3.6/10
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20
Lane Bryant
Everybody is beautiful, and Lane Bryant embraces each of them with their wide range of clothing and lingerie. This woman-owned for women brand creates and manufactures all types of apparel like dresses, tops, tunics, jeans, pants and even bras, panties...
Website: lanebryant.com |Brands like Lane Bryant
Popularity 3.5/10
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21
Boden
Boden was established in 1991, back when catalogs and mail-ordered clothes weren't a 'thing' in Britain. It is now a successful company that is up and running, driven by originality and family values executing its views aesthetically and bravely in...
Website: bodenusa.com |Brands like Boden
Popularity 3.3/10
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22
CAbi
A fashion brand for women’s clothing and attires, CAbi works for more than just business. At CAbi, they believe that confidence is the key to everything. Their original designs are created to flaunt each customer's expectations and wishes as their...
Website: cabionline.com |Brands like CAbi
Popularity 3.3/10
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23
Gap
The Gap, Inc. is a clothing retailer. Men's, women's, and children's clothing, accessories, and personal hygiene products are available from the company. Customers may purchase its goods online via Company-owned websites as well as through third-party logistics and fulfillment services....
Website: gap.com |Brands like Gap
Popularity 3.2/10
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24
Coldwater Creek
Coldwater Creek produces women's clothing including jackets, blouses, sweaters, pants, tunics and dresses. The brand says it uses sustainable materials at several stages of manufacturing and keeps prices moderate.
Website: coldwatercreek.com |Brands like Coldwater Creek
Popularity 3.2/10
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25
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 3.1/10
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26
Lafayette 148 New York
Lafayette 148 New York makes women's pants, dresses, jackets and blouses in quality fabrics with careful tailoring. The label also sells handbags, accessories and shoes, which share the same polished approach as the clothing. Attention to fit and finish runs...
Website: lafayette148ny.com |Brands like Lafayette 148 New York
Popularity 3.0/10
Official websites and social accounts
| Brand | Website | X / Twitter | YouTube | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Talbots | talbots.com | /TALBOTS | talbotsofficial | @TalbotsOfficial | – |
| Banana Republic | bananarepublic.gap.com | /BananaRepublic | bananarepublic | @BananaRepublic | – |
| J.CREW | jcrew.com | – | – | – | – |
| Chico's | chicos.com | – | – | – | – |
| Calvin Klein | calvinklein.us | /calvinklein | calvinklein | @calvinklein | – |
| J. Jill | jjill.com | /jjillstyle | jjillstyle | @jjillstyle | – |
| LOFT | loft.com | – | loft | – | – |
| Liz Claiborne | jcpenney.com | – | – | – | – |
| Express | express.com | – | – | – | – |
| White House Black Market | whitehouseblackmarket.com | /WhiteHouseBlackMarket | whbm | @whbm | whbm |
Office Wear Buying Guide
When it comes to office wear, there are a variety of factors that come into play. While professional attire can vary greatly depending on the workplace, there are some key tips and tricks to keep in mind when shopping for office wear. Here's a comprehensive office wear buying guide to help you navigate through the confusion:
1. Understand the Dress Code
The first and foremost step to buying office wear is having an understanding of the dress code in your workplace. While some offices require formal business attire, others have a casual dress code. This will help you make a well-informed decision on what to wear and how formal to go. If you are unsure about the dress code, ask your superiors or HR department for more information.
2. Invest in Quality Clothing
Good quality clothing does more than just look good; it also lasts longer. Invest in pieces made from high-quality materials that will withstand the test of time, such as wool, cotton, and silk. This will not only save you money in the long run, but it will also keep you looking sharp and well-dressed for years to come.
3. Stay Comfortable
Comfort is key when it comes to office wear. Whether you're sitting at a desk for long hours or commuting to and from work, it is essential to choose clothing that you feel comfortable in. This doesn't mean sacrificing style for comfort. With the wide variety of materials and fits available, finding clothing that is both comfortable and stylish is easier than ever!
4. Keep it Simple
When it comes to office wear, simplicity is key. Avoid bold prints or excessively bright colors, as they may come across as unprofessional. Instead, opt for classic pieces in neutral colors such as black, grey, and navy. These timeless pieces will not only look professional, but they'll also be easy to mix and match with other items in your wardrobe.
5. Accessorize Smartly
Accessories can add a touch of personality to your office wear, but it's important to do so wisely. Stick to professional accessories such as a simple necklace, stud earrings, or a bracelet. Avoid statement accessories or anything too flashy, as it will distract from your overall professional demeanor.
6. Find the Right Fit
Fit is everything when it comes to dressing for the office. Clothing that is too tight or too loose can appear sloppy and unprofessional. Make sure you purchase clothing that fits well and accentuates your body in a flattering manner.
7. Dress Appropriately for the Occasion
When attending meetings or events, it is important to dress appropriately for the occasion. This could mean dressing more formally or even more casually. Consider the purpose of the event and the people you'll be around and dress accordingly.
8. Don't Skimp on Footwear
Your choice of footwear can make or break your outfit. Make sure to invest in comfortable and professional pairs of shoes that are suitable for your workplace's dress code. Avoid shoes that are too high or too casual, stick to simple and classic styles instead.
9. Layer Your Clothing
The weather can be unpredictable, so make sure to layer your clothing. This means wearing a light jacket or cardigan over your shirt or blouse. Layering not only adds a touch of style to your outfit, but it also serves a practical purpose, keeping you warm during chilly office days.
10. Embrace Trends in Moderation
While it is important to keep your office wear classic and timeless, that doesn't mean you can't embrace trends in moderation. Adding a touch of a current trend through a statement accessory, patterned blouse or pant, or modernized blazer can help you put a fashionable spin on your office wardrobe while still remaining professional.
Conclusion
Whether you're just starting out in your career or have been in the workforce for years, dressing for the office can be a daunting task. Keep these 10 tips in mind next time you're shopping for office wear and you'll be well on your way to creating a practical and stylish office wardrobe.
11. Consider Your Body Type
When shopping for office wear, consider your body type. Different styles and cuts flatter different body types, so it's important to find pieces that enhance your best features. For example, if you have an hourglass figure, you may want to opt for a tailored jacket that emphasizes your waist. If you have a pear-shaped figure, a-line skirts and dresses may be more flattering.
12. Don't Forget About Grooming
Grooming plays a crucial role in maintaining a professional appearance. Make sure your hair is well-groomed and tidy, and avoid any extreme haircuts or colors. Keep your makeup simple and natural-looking, avoiding anything too bold or dramatic. Make sure your nails are clean and well-manicured, and avoid any loud or excessive nail polish colors.
13. Think About Your Commute
Depending on your commute, it may be necessary to choose office wear that is comfortable and practical. For example, if you walk or bike to work, you may want to opt for comfortable shoes and clothing that allows for ease of movement. If you take public transportation, you may want to opt for layers that can be easily removed in crowded environments.
14. Mix and Match
One of the easiest ways to create a cohesive office wardrobe is to mix and match pieces. Invest in a few core pieces such as a blazer, dress pants, and a skirt, and then add other items that can be mixed and matched, such as blouses, cardigans, and statement accessories. This will not only save you money, but it will also allow you to create a variety of different outfits.
15. Don't Be Afraid to Seek Inspiration
If you are struggling to put together a professional outfit or are looking for new ideas, don't be afraid to seek inspiration. Look to fashion blogs, Pinterest, or even co-workers for ideas on how to style your office wear. This will not only help you put together stylish outfits, but it will also keep you motivated to keep your office wardrobe updated and fresh.
Conclusion
Dressing for the office can be a challenge, but with these additional tips, you'll be well on your way to creating a professional and stylish office wardrobe. Remember to consider your body type, grooming, and commute, mix and match pieces, and never be afraid to seek inspiration. With a little bit of effort and creativity, you can create a wardrobe that makes you look and feel your best in the workplace.
