As simple as any given work dress may appear once it's being worn, each one is a sartorial representation of a complicated matrix of choices. What's your style? What about the culture and politics of your office? What does your body feel best in? And of course, there's the weather.
The best work dresses strike a perfect balance between your personal style and what your work environment asks of you. But finding the perfect one can take significant time and energy.
Ahead, we've pulled the best work dresses, spanning options less than $100, those that you'll want to wear in a heatwave, and more. I spent a couple weeks testing nearly $1,000 worth of dresses across New York City, including on some very hot days.
If you're in the market for more stylish workwear, see our articles on the best flats, the best work clothes for women, the best loafers, the best suits for women, and the best work bags for women.
Advice from your tester
Andrea Bossi, style contributor: My career spans across tech, law, and media, so I understand the wide swath of office cultures and what this demands from your wardrobe. I used my expertise of over six years writing about fashion to narrow down contenders for the best work dresses. I picked from brands I know and trust for quality and style, with an emphasis on fit, fabrication, and function. As you start your search for the best work dress, here are my biggest three tips:
- Find a way to marry your workplace culture with your personal style. The perfect work dress balances what you like with what's office appropriate. Think about dress length, shoulder exposure, and fit when deciding the best silhouette for yourself.
- Take into account material and color for more modest dress codes (especially in the heat). A silk dress is probably not going to be your best friend if you're going to work in high humidity. It's important to find materials that are naturally moisture-wicking or colors that can obscure sweat stains and panty lines.
- You don't have to sacrifice having pockets. Women's clothes too often sacrifice style for function, but some of the best work dresses have evolved beyond this point. Take it from a few of our favorites, like Brochu Walker's Mina Dress and Babaton's FigureKnit Priestly Dress.
Best overall: Brochu Walker Mina Dress
What we love: This is a very elegant work dress with function and style, from the pockets to the midline smocking that adds some shape and cinches the waist.
Drawbacks: If I'm being extremely picky, I would complain about the neckline. It's a very modest V-neck, but I personally tend to love a jewel or scoop neckline for a dress like this.
When I unpackaged this piece, it looked like a sack dress (which is not my personal preference), and I was expecting to remain unconvinced. But not all dresses that look lifeless on a hanger look so drab on the body. Wearing this around town for a day, one that bordered on a heatwave, proved that this is a supreme choice for a work dress.
I consider the Mina Dress to be such a classic style, especially for a work dress, thanks to its balance: the silhouette is mostly loose but the waist features a smocking detail to spruce up its shape. It boasts a midi length, but slits give it an Aeolian touch and move it away from rigidity. It has a modest V-neck, while the drop shoulders and slight puff sleeves bring harmony. The other bit that stood out? It's made from a lightweight polyester-cotton blend that's gentle on the skin and didn't feel sensorially overwhelming amid torrid heat.
All in all, this is an easy choice for something to wear to the office and to off-sites. More than all the aforementioned things I love about how it looks, it's comfortable while still being wickedly stylish (evidenced by plenty of compliments I got throughout the day). It's loose enough to wear during summer's hottest days. Bonus points? This one packs down easy, meaning it could too serve well in a work trip carry-on.
An affordable workhorse: Lands' End Flounce Button Front Shirt Dress
What we love: It not only has a very comfortable fit but also boasts spacious pockets concealed in the bubble-hem skirt. I appreciate how easy it is to style, as a versatile yet classic take on tailoring.
Drawbacks: This frock does need a good iron before wearing, especially as the striped pattern can make it appear even more glaring when there are wrinkles.
The Lands' End Flounce dress is perfectly named. It's a flounce-y take on tailoring, turning the classic button-up shirt into an on-trend bubble-hem dress that grazes the tops of the knees. What I appreciate most about this one is its ease. For one, it has pockets. Then, its loose fit makes it extremely comfortable to wear, rather than being one of those dresses that cling and require constant adjustment.
It's made of cotton only, which gives it a softness to the touch, but this is where the biggest disadvantage comes in. This is not necessarily a dress you can just throw on without steaming or ironing it first. I suggest straightening the top half and fluffing up the trendy bubble-skirt portion below to make this dress look its best.
This trendy, day-to-night dress: Babaton FigureKnit Priestly Dress
What we love: The smooth outer fabric and inner lining create a luxe and secure feeling. I also loved its pockets and snug fit.
Drawbacks: This dress clings more tightly and highlights the body's shape, which is not something everyone is comfortable with nor something that works in all offices.
I wore this dress for a full day of meetings in the morning to cocktail parties in the evening. What stood out to me most was its solid structure. I adored the double-layer crepe fabric — albeit fully polyester — and its lining, which gave the dress a luxurious look and sturdy feeling. Despite the latter, the material was still stretchy. To me, this is a standout for anyone looking for a frock that'll take them from a full work day to after hours.
The Priestly dress fit me like a glove, which is part of why I loved it, and it was true to size, using the Aritzia size chart. (If you're on the fence, I'd suggest sizing up to avoid getting something too tight.) I felt supported throughout the day, thanks to its fabrication, which didn't wrinkle easily and kept me snatched but still able to move. The silent star of the show? Its padded shoulders don't just zhuzh up the silhouette; they also provide a cushion for my heavy work bag. Past that, its capped sleeves provide the airiness of a sleeveless dress without worrying about showing your shoulders, which may be a concern if you work in a more conservative office. Two front pockets provided a spot to keep my phone on the go. They may be smaller than the ones I'm used to on my jackets and jeans, but I was still grateful to have them.
Speaking of more conservative offices, there are some bits to flag about this mini dress. Despite all that I love about it, it is rather snug and short. (It hid mid-thigh for me, and I'm just a few fractions of an inch over 5 '4".) For something even more day-to-night that's a little less modest but still totally acceptable in some offices, I'd suggest the fully sleeveless Bond dress that has even bigger pockets.
An all-season luxury piece: M.M.LaFleur Renata Shift Dress
What we love: The pinstripes are flattering and elongating, while the back buttons let you cinch the waist so the shift shape feels more polished than boxy. We also love the practical details, like the bra-strap holder and substantial fabric.
Drawbacks: The fabric may feel too heavy for very hot days, and the hidden front placket can pull slightly on larger busts.
We love M.M.LaFleur so much that we named it the best place to buy women's workwear, and we wrote a glowing review of this high-quality label. Here's what style editor Samantha Crozier had to say about the Renata Dress, a standout piece from the brand:
"The Renata Shift Dress feels like one of those work pieces that looks polished right away but still has enough thoughtful details to make it stand out. The vertical pinstripes are especially flattering — they really elongate the body and make the dress feel a little sharper and more tailored than a plain shift. I wore a medium, and for the most part, the fit worked well, but I did notice that my DD bust was putting a little strain on the hidden button placket down the front.
What I liked most about this dress was the shape. Even though it starts as a fairly classic shift silhouette, the two buttons at the back let you cinch the waist a bit, which gives it more structure and makes it feel more flattering and intentional. That detail keeps it from looking too boxy or shapeless, and I think it makes a big difference in how polished the dress looks on. The fabric also has a nice substantial feel that helps it drape well, though it does run a little heavy for very hot summer days. Outside of peak summer, though, I think it's a really strong workwear option — easy to wear, flattering, and professional without feeling boring."
A summer work dress for petites: Petite Studio Denzel Cotton Dress
What we love: Petite Studio's petite-specific fit makes the proportions feel just right for anyone five-foot-three and under.
Drawbacks: The drop-waist shape leans trendy rather than classic, and the structured cotton can wrinkle with wear.
I'm five-foot-one, but I swear I look taller in this dress and in my other Petite Studio pieces. It even has a drop waist, which is a silhouette I usually avoid because it can make me look shorter or hit in a weird spot. Here, though, the proportions actually work. Petite Studio uses real petite models to fit its dresses instead of just shortening standard sizes, and you can really tell.
The Denzel Cotton Dress is made of crisp cotton that feels structured but is still easy to wear. The vertical stripes help create that lengthening effect, while the belted waist keeps it from looking too boxy. It's one of those summer dresses that feels casual and light enough for daytime but polished enough that I'd still wear it to a relaxed office. —Samantha Crozier, style editor, Insider Reviews
A wrap dress for tall frames: M.M. LaFleur The Taka Wrap dress
Why we love it: Wrinkle-resistant fabric, comfortable wrap skirt, fits tall frames
Drawbacks: Too heavy for hot weather
This is a great three-season dress, and I love how the asymmetrical skirt hem gives it more intrigue than your typical shirt dress. It's also so comfortable I could easily wear it on a long train ride if I needed to. The rear has an elasticated waistband, which gives the dress an easy, lightly structured feel around the middle.
If your office runs cold like the Business Insider one does, you'll especially appreciate the weighty crepe fabric, which didn't crease even after long hours seated at my desk. You can wear the sleeves at full length, but it also has buttons at the cuffs to secure them at 3/4 length. I love this feature because I don't have to keep constantly pushing up my sleeves when I want them rolled up.
My Taka Wrap Dress has held up beautifully through the wash, and it's an easy, elegant choice if you're often on the move for work.
A comfortable colorblocked midi: Tuckernuck Mitchell Dress
What we love: This dress is polished and professional for the office, but it's also elevated enough to be worn for occasions like wedding welcome dinners, baby showers, elegant dinner parties, etc.
Drawbacks: Because it's lined, it's not as lightweight as some of the others on this list. It works for the summer, but we'd avoid wearing it on the absolute hottest days.
I immediately fell in love with the Mitchell Dress from Tuckernuck when visiting the brand's beautiful new(ish) store in Washington D.C. I'm always looking for bra-friendly dresses with sleeves because I have a large cup size and prefer to deemphasize my chest. This one fit every bill. It's not too low cut, I can wear it with my comfiest bras, and the waist tie gives me some definition without making the dress feel too clingy or tight.
While it's not designed as a maternity dress, I'm 21 weeks pregnant and I can still wear this comfortably with room to grow. The chest doesn't have any stretch, but the dress fits true-to-size so my 36DDD chest can fit in a size large without any pulling. Another thing that makes this dress particularly versatile is that it's lined and has a bit of weight to it, so you can wear it beyond the summer. It comes in two color and stripe combinations — I have the navy one and love how versatile it is, whereas the green stripe version reads a little more casual. There's also a sleeveless Mitchell Dress with a more fitted bodice. — Sally Kaplan, executive editor.
For business formal dress codes: Lilysilk Pleated Sleeveless Midi Silk Dress
What we love: Its silhouette is chic and timeless, making this a prime option for days when you need to shine at the office.
Drawbacks: This dress is more delicate being that it’s made of silk. You also want to be careful with its lighter colorway that’s more prone to scuffs and stains.
Some work days call for a power dress, and the Lilysilk Pleated Sleeveless Midi Silk Dress channels exactly that boss lady energy. It’s a fully silk charmeuse dress that skims right below the knee (or hits your calves, for petite wearers like myself) and features a slip-skirt like bottom with an airy and pleated top. I loved the dress for its elegant energy. It’s exactly the kind of piece I like to wear when leading a presentation or speaking on stage. That being said, there’s a bit of a tradeoff.
This slim-fit dress is the kind they made Spanx for. With the bottom three-quarters made of a slim-fitting and lightweight silk, I was very conscious about getting bloated, and about the underwear I wore (go for something seamless). If you have a larger bottom, this dress, like many others, will hug you tighter there. Fortunately, there’s less need to worry about your bra since the flounce-y top renders it practically invisible.
In addition to fit, this dress is more delicate and requires thoughtful storage and a steaming or ironing session before putting it on. Unlike some of my other favorites on the list, Lilysilk’s dress doesn’t have any pockets. Still, I love the polish and near-stateliness of this work dress. I felt like I stood straighter and taller all day.
Bump-friendly: Quince Lightweight Cotton Cashmere Ribbed Sleeveless Midi Dress
What we love: Stretchy and still wearable postpartum.
Drawbacks: May be too form-fitting for some office dress codes.
I haven’t been buying much dedicated maternity clothing unless it’s something I know I'll get a lot of wear out of, so throughout my pregnancy, I've been looking for comfortable pieces that can adapt to my changing body and still be worn afterward. This ribbed, lightweight sweater dress from Quince has been one of my best finds (the reasonable $60 price point is a bonus).
I'm currently in my third trimester and, since this isn’t technically a maternity dress, I sized up one size from my usual, which gave me enough room for my growing bump without making the dress look oversized or shapeless. The ribbed knit stretches beautifully and bounces back into place. It still looks polished after a full day of sitting, walking, or running errands. (I’ve been wearing it with my Kizik hands-free, slide-in sneakers, which have been a lifesaver during pregnancy.) The blend of organic cotton, cashmere, and viscose feels soft and cozy, but it's surprisingly versatile across seasons. It's substantial enough for chilly air-conditioned offices, but not too heavy to wear on its own in spring or on a milder summer day.
Although I work from home now, I've spent well over a decade commuting to offices. I immediately recognized this as the kind of dress I'd have reached for on repeat back then. The sleeveless silhouette looks especially chic with an open cardigan, and it transitions easily from work hours to dinner plans with a simple change of shoes.
P.S. In case you do prefer a dedicated maternity number, Quince also makes a very similar style specifically designed for expectant mamas. — Talia Ergas, style contributor.
An Amazon gem: Allegra K Women's Sleeveless Fit and Flare Dress
What we love: This Amazon find is surprisingly flattering, with a stretchy fit that comfortably accommodates a larger bust and doesn't feel restrictive after sitting or eating. The knee-grazing length works well for the office, the fabric resists wrinkles, and the houndstooth print is easy to style year-round.
Drawbacks: It isn't lined, so it doesn't feel as high-end as pricier work dresses. The quality is solid for the price, but it still has a more affordable, Amazon-dress feel.
If you've ever seen those "What I ordered vs. what I got on Amazon" memes, you know that buying clothes on the site can be a real gamble. Thankfully, one particular gamble paid off — this Allegra K dress actually looked like the one pictured on the product page. I was shocked at how well it fit — with a figure-flattering waistband to boot — and since there's ample stretch, it didn't start to get uncomfortable after I had a sizable lunch. I have a DD-cup bust, and some form-fitting dresses don't have enough room to accommodate it. That's definitely not the case with this dress, though.
I'm 5'4, and the dress hit at the perfect length for professional settings — grazing the top of my knees. As with most things, you get what you paid for here, so the dress isn't lined. That said, the material offers plenty of coverage. As spring approaches, I plan to pair this lightweight dress with flats and a cardigan or blazer, but I also love that I can layer it with tights and riding boots in the colder months. I'm a fan of the timeless black and white houndstooth print, but it also comes in a number of other solid and plaid color options.
The best part? This dress does not wrinkle, making it a great option for work trips. — Rebecca Strong, style contributor.
A business casual staple: Modern Citizen Fei Tie-Front Organic Cotton Dress
What we love: The soft jersey fabric is comfortable but polished, and the tie detail cinches the waist for a flattering fit.
Drawbacks: The jersey may read more casual than structured workwear, and the tie detail might not appeal to minimalists.
Whether I style this dress with flats, heels, or boots, I always feel super put-together.
Modern Citizen made our list of where to shop for women's workwear clothes, winning the award for best elevated basics. And in her Modern Citizen review, Business Insider Executive Editor Sally Kaplan raved about this line's "well-made pieces at affordable price points," adding that "everything is Audrey Hepburn-level effortless." I couldn't agree more. Ever since I slipped on the Fei Dress, I've been eager to order one in every color.
The organic cotton jersey fabric — with a touch of stretchy spandex — feels incredibly soft against my skin. I also love that the tie-front feature can be worn in the front or wrapped criss-cross style in the back. It adds a sophisticated twist to this otherwise simple jersey dress and cinches my waist for an ultra-flattering fit.
The dress hits at that perfect mid-calf midi length, and comes in a range of timeless neutral and earthy tones, from black and olive green to maroon and khaki. My personal favorite is Maritime, a medium blue with undertones of slate gray that would complement any skin tone. Plus, it's worth pointing out that the high neck provides the perfect canvas for an eye-catching chunky necklace. — Rebecca Strong, style contributor.
This lightweight shirt dress: Tuckernuck Blue Stripe Callahan Dress
What we love: It's lightweight, loose-fitting, and versatile enough to wear as a beach cover-up or office dress.
Drawbacks: The relaxed fit may feel too roomy if you prefer more waist definition. Depending on your height and office dress code, the shorter hem may not work for every workplace.
This preppy number from Tuckernuck is a summer staple. I can pop it over my swimsuit at the beach, and it fits in just as easily at the office. I love how it has three pockets: one chest pocket where I hang my sunglasses, plus two side seam pockets. You can find it in eight colors.
This work dress is business up top with a stiff collar and button front half placket. On its bottom, the swingy skirt adds dimension to the otherwise boxy fit. It's lightweight and loose-fitting, especially in the chest and bodice. I'm five-foot-nine wearing a size S and the skirt hem reaches a few inches past my fingertips with my hands by my side.
I styled mine on a trip to Rhode Island with Vivaia wedges and a crochet Sandy tote from Clare V. On my commute, I wear it with Frankie4 loafers and my favorite work backpack from Lo & Sons. — Gabrielle Chase, senior associate style editor, Insider Reviews
Plus-size friendly with a custom fit: Laws of Motion Sleeveless Legend
What we love: Laws of Motion's custom sizing helps solve common fit issues, especially for pieces meant for a lot of wear. We also like the thoughtful design details, like the longer zipper pull that makes the dress easier to zip yourself.
Drawbacks: It's pricier than many work dresses, and the AI fit process may feel like an extra step if you prefer ordering standard sizes.
Style writer Sarah Chiwaya swears by the futuristic brand Laws of Motion. The label uses AI technology and a catalogue of 1,260 micro sizes to pinpoint your perfect fit. You can find your fit by taking a quiz or uploading a full-body shot of yourself for the algorithm to analyze.
Though this dress is slightly more expensive, the custom-sizing technology assures that this won't be a piece that hangs around in your closet because something about it just doesn't fit right. It's made to be worn a ton, bringing the cost-per-wear down.
"I always feel ready to take on the world in Laws of Motion. I also really appreciate the thoughtful details they incorporate in their designs, like the longer ribbon on the Legend's zipper pull, making it easier to zip up yourself (even if you have short arms like me!)" writes plus-size fashion expert Sarah Chiwaya in her guide to the best places to buy plus-size workwear.
A silk maxi: Quince Washable Stretch Silk Tiered Maxi Dress
What we love: The washable silk feels elevated but still practical, and the tiered A-line shape is flattering without feeling overly formal. The smocked waist adds definition, and the fabric isn't see-through.
Drawbacks: The maxi length may be too long for some petites, and the silk fabric may require more careful laundering than lower-maintenance materials.
This Quince silk tiered maxi is an easy work-dress win: polished, comfortable, and simple to style with flats, loafers, or a blazer. The tiered shape adds movement without feeling too dressy, while the smocked waist keeps it looking put-together. Plus, the washable silk feels elevated but still weekday-practical.
"I particularly love the tiered A-line silhouette, which is very flattering, and the forgiving elastic high waist. Plus, it's not see-through at all," says freelancer Talia Ergas.
Read more in our full Quince washable silk review and Quince clothing review.
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Disclosure: Written and researched by the Insider Reviews team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our partners. We may receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at reviews@jkmperu.com.
