Finding great workwear for women isn't just about looking polished — it's about finding pieces you actually want to wear all day. The best professional staples are versatile, comfortable, and office-appropriate without feeling stiff or dated. When something fits well and moves with you, getting dressed for work becomes a whole lot easier.
We've spent years testing clothing brands to figure out which ones truly get that balance right. Along the way, we've narrowed it down to a handful of go-to pieces — think blazers that don't feel restrictive, trousers you can sit in for hours, and basics that work just as well on a busy Monday as they do later in the week. These are the workwear essentials that streamline your routine because they never fall out of rotation.
For more of our favorite workwear staples, check out our coverage on the best suits for women, the best work pants for women, the best work dresses, the best work bags for women, the best blazers, and the best plus-size work clothes.
A quick look at our top 5 favorite brands for quality women's workwear:
- M.M. LaFleur is where you should shop if you want high-quality professional outfits made with all kinds of thoughtful details for women in the workplace — like dresses with snaps to keep your bra straps in place, travel-ready suits that don't wrinkle, and lots of other expertly designed options.
- Spanx makes workwear designed to subtly shape while still being comfortable. We're huge fans of their PerfectFit collection, which we consider the holy grail of stretchy, basic black work pants.
- Everlane has remained one of our favorite places to buy workwear for years. Their high-quality professional basics are a staple of our style teams' closets. Blazers, button-downs, comfy work pants, ballet flats, and even suits — you can find it all here.
- Quince is one of those rare places that gives you sticker shock for all the right reasons. If you work in a drafty office, try any of its sweaters and jackets layered over a $40 organic cotton button-down for a cozy, preppy look. We especially recommend their workwear if you're on a budget.
- Abercrombie & Fitch might not be your first instinct when you think about workwear, but the former mall staple has become a place to find all kinds of trendy and affordable cuts. Check out their office-approved section for the brand's curated professional picks.
Best overall: M.M.LaFleur
M.M.LaFleur is the name to know for high-end, stylish, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. workwear.
M.M.LaFleur is more of a splurge than some of the other workwear brands we considered, so we thought long and hard before naming it our best overall choice. Ultimately, it won out because this is the kind of splurge that pays off in cost per wear: the pieces are polished enough for important meetings, comfortable enough for long days, and durable enough to stay in steady rotation for years.
We've tested M.M.LaFleur for years and have loved almost everything we've tried, from tailored suiting and office-ready dresses to travel-friendly separates that still look sharp after a full day of wear. The brand's clothes are made for real workdays, not just the first 20 minutes after getting dressed: Many pieces are machine-washable, wrinkle-resistant, and thoughtfully cut so they feel comfortable while still looking structured. That wrinkle resistance is especially key, since it solves one of the most annoying parts of maintaining a professional wardrobe — having to steam, iron, or dry-clean everything before it looks presentable.
The details also make the higher price point easier to justify. M.M.LaFleur's design hacks are helpful rather than gimmicky, including internal clips to keep bra straps in place and adjustable pant hems for different shoes. The result is workwear that feels genuinely engineered for busy mornings, long commutes, business trips, and days that run straight from desk to dinner.
See our favorite pieces in our M.M.LaFleur review.
Our editors' picks:
Most comfortable: Spanx
Spanx does more than shapewear. The brand excels in slick basics that transition from the office to evening plans.
Spanx is best known for its shapewear, and — to nobody's surprise — the same things that make its shapewear great (intuitive design, savvy understanding of women's bodies, and high-end materials) also make for some of the best work pants we've tested.
We tested Spanx's collection of PerfectFit Pants, and they proved to fit comfortably even over the course of an eleven-hour workday. We were particularly impressed with the machine-washable, wrinkle-resistant smoothing fabric that sculpts without squeezing. Sizing options include petite, regular, or tall inseams.
See our full Spanx Perfect Pant review to see how it looks on different body types. Plus, you can find the dress pictured above in our guide to the best work dresses.
Our editors' picks:
Best budget: Quince
Quince is a direct-to-consumer lifestyle brand that boasts affordable prices for traditionally high-cost materials.
Quince provides your run-of-the-mill clothing essentials and makes them using organic, sustainably sourced textiles. Their success can be attributed to their fair pricing, maintained by cutting out the added expenses of the supply chain. Ever think cashmere sweaters were a luxury item out of your reach? Well, Quince has them for just $50. In addition, they also make some of the best white button-downs for women and men.
Read our full Quince review to see more of our editor's favorites.
Our editors' picks:
Best for creating a capsule wardrobe: Eileen Fisher
For clothes that are as comfortable for the office as they are WFH, check out Eileen Fisher.
Eileen Fisher is all about easy dressing. The brand ethos is simple, clean shapes and great fabrics. Thanks to the timeless styles and truly top-notch materials, you can expect to have them for decades.
The brand's wide-legged pants and breezy blouses can be mixed and matched to create your new — surprisingly comfortable — work wardrobe. And since most of these pieces are minimal, and come in a range of complementary hues, all you need is a few to create the ultimate capsule wardrobe.
Read our full Eileen Fisher review here; plus, the brand made our list of the best luxury workwear for women.
Our editors' picks:
Best for professional basics: Everlane
Everlane is a go-to for foundational basics for any office wardrobe.
Everlane is a modern essentials brand known for streamlined wardrobe staples with a clean, minimal look. Its assortment spans everyday clothing, shoes, bags, and accessories, making it a go-to for polished basics that are easy to mix and match.
In terms of footwear, we typically recommend the Day shoe family, though you'll want to size up a half size for your order. We're unanimously fans of the company's $150 Day Glove flat, and we also love the Mary Jane and the Glove Boot.
Read our full review of Everlane's workwear collection to see more of our favorite picks.
Our editors' picks:
Best plus-size: Universal Standard
Universal Standard has some of the most size-inclusive clothing on the market today.
We named Universal Standard the best place to buy plus-size workwear because of it's commitment to creating high-quality essentials that pass all of our tests when it comes to style and cost-per-wear.
Workwear for plus-size women is infamously limited, but Universal Standard answers the call with a medley of designs for professional settings and the added promise of a perfect fit.
Style writer Sarah Chiwaya (pictured above) writes: "The brand also offers an extensive style selection, with options for everything from business casual to more buttoned-up workplaces. Universal Standard's designs are meant to be classic and timeless, so you can wear them for years to come"
The retailer is also featured in our guide to the best plus-size clothing brands for its stylish designs in extended sizes.
Our editors' picks:
Best for wrinkle-free basics: Lands' End
Lands' End has a No Iron collection of button-downs and blouses. These are fantastic for travel, since they won't come out of your suitcase looking like a crumpled mess. If you've ever struggled with an underpowered hotel iron, you know how key wrinkle-free fabric can be.
But that doesn't mean that this collection is perfect. The shirts aren't as breathable as cotton button-downs, but that's the price you'll have to pay for convenience. And even though they stay relatively unrumpled, you shouldn't expect pin-straight fabric. They get a few creases if you stuff them in a suitcase, but it's nothing that you can't fix by hanging them in the bathroom while you take a hot shower.
The brand also has lots of other workwear basics like chinos and blazers, which are made with the quality that you can expect from a legacy brand like Lands' End. Plus, we're huge fans of how inclusive the label is. The plus-size options go up to a 26W, which is equivalent to a 3XL. You can also find specific sizing for petite and tall folks.
Best one-stop-shop: Madewell
Madewell might be known for its jeans, but the brand has plenty of casual and business casual styles for the office.
In 2006, J.Crew introduced its sister brand Madewell as a premium denim brand for women. While you can still purchase denim, Madewell has evolved into an all-around clothing brand with everything from casual styles like jeans to office-appropriate styles like blazers, skirts, and sweaters. The retailer also makes some of the best work bags.
In addition to the many new styles Madewell has to offer, the brand also has a pre-loved section that includes upcycled collaborations, vintage finds from a variety of brands, and archival Madewell pieces for resale.
Whether your office is super casual or still a bit formal, Madewell has garments that will fit into your wardrobe. And with frequent sales and promotions, you'll save money on almost everything you buy.
Our editors' picks:
Best for colorful work outfits: Boden
Boden has a polished, colorful take on classic workwear. With playful prints, whimsical accents, and high-quality fabrics, it's a go-to for women who want office outfits that stand out without sacrificing sophistication.
British brand Boden is known for whimsical designs that would look right at home on an estate in the Cotswolds. The brand has a workwear section full of polished ensembles inspired by equestrian culture, highland fashion, and countryside layering. It's perfect for people who want to look polished while also adding some personality to their professional looks.
Best preppy: Tuckernuck
Tuckernuck is essentially the destination for East Coast prep wear, with aspirational styles that'll make you feel like you're dressed for a lunch meeting with Charlotte York.
We were amped to learn that Tuckernuck just landed on Madison Avenue, because this brand has been on our radar all year.
Tuckernuck's in-house brand offers the most accessible-priced pieces. While the pinstripes and floral patterns are definitely eye-catching, we advise checking each piece's material content before splurging on something made mostly of polyester and rayon. There are plenty of other styles made from natural textiles, such as bamboo or cotton, that are more worthy of your money.
Tuckernuck's workwear edit is incredibly easy to build an entire wardrobe with, as it considers your basic needs for comfy slacks as well as timeless work dresses fit for a boardroom luncheon.
The Tuckernuck buyers also have a keen eye for curating other brands that its customers are into. Its designer boutique is worth checking out if you want an investment piece from Ulla Johnson or Anine Bing, and the Tuckernuck exclusive edit has limited edition styles you won't find anywhere else.
Best trendy basics: DISSH
Dissh is an Australian womenswear label known for its elevated, minimalist designs made from natural fabrics like linen and cotton.
Australian brand Dissh is one you should absolutely have on your radar if you want simple silhouettes with trendy twists. Though we love their coastal aesthetic and troves of linen dresses, we've also come to rely on them for sweaters, skirts, and dresses in autumnal hues like chocolate brown.
Just beware that their clothes tend to run long. A "midi" dress on their site is much more akin to a maxi. But even though I'm just over five feet tall, I was still able to find pieces that work. Plus, shipping is usually extremely quick, even though the brand is based down under.
Best suits: SuitShop
SuitShop is the perfect place to get a high-quality suit for under $250 that feels like it was custom-tailored.
SuitShop took home our best overall award in our guide to the best suits for women, marking it as a true standout when it comes to finding the best matching blazer and pants set around. Most of the suits hover between $200 and $250, which is a true steal for the quality. There are also petite and tall options in both tops and bottoms.
"Though you could dress it down for work, SuitShop's Women's White Tuxedo is a showstopper at formal events and elegant outings. I'm five-foot-two, and the short option hits me perfectly at the ankle. I absolutely love how custom it feels despite being only $250. The material is also luxurious. It's made of satin and expertly tailored to flatter your figure," says Samantha Crozier, style editor at Insider Reviews.
Our editors' picks:
Best petite: Petite Studio
Petite Studio is a great place to find both trendy and professional pieces that are designed by and for petite folks.
Many companies tailor how their clothes drape and fit by testing them on a typical model, who is often just as tall and leggy as you would expect a model to be. If the company wants to release a petite version of the clothes, every measurement is just proportionally shortened. But not at Petite Studio. Every single piece that Petite Studio makes is tailored on a real-life petite fit model. And it's a difference that you can really feel.
Our editors' picks:
Best modern: COS
COS, under H&M, is a modern clothing brand that incorporates thoughtful fashion design into everyday wear.
COS is H&M's line of modern, upscale fashion that, while simplistic in nature, is ultimately designed to make a statement. Its vibrant colors and clean lines converge into abstract silhouettes that still maintain function and comfort. COS' selection includes great foundations for a solid office look, along with stylish, well-crafted pieces that stand out on their own.
Our editors' picks:
Best for special occasions: & Other Stories
& Other Stories is H&M's premium ready-to-wear brand made with more ethically sourced natural materials.
& Other Stories is designed by ateliers in Los Angeles, Paris, and Stockholm and distributed under H&M. Similar to Banana Republic via Gap, & Other Stories presents a more elevated version of its parent company's brand.
If you have a big conference or office party coming up, & Other Stories has an outfit to meet the moment. Their wide range of knits are made out of responsibly sourced wool blends, and their liberal use of recycled materials translates into a reasonably priced sustainable option for quality workwear.
Our editors' picks:
Best for trends on a budget: Abercrombie & Fitch
The former mall mainstay has rebranded and become a go-to retailer for everything from basics to workwear.
Abercrombie & Fitch's office-approved attire is great for anyone trying to build a professional wardrobe on a budget. Most of their pieces are under $100 and can be worn to work and on the weekends.
We're particularly big fans of Abercrombie's pants, which mostly come in five different lengths: extra-short, short, regular, tall, and extra-tall. Plus, they have a whole slew of curve-friendly picks that have more room in the hips.
Our editors' picks:
Best workwear rentals: Rent the Runway
Rent the Runway is a revolving door of designer clothing. If you're easily bored with what's in your closet, here's a fashion-forward solution.
Rent the Runway is one of our favorite places to find discounted designer shoes, bags, and clothing, where you can either rent or buy luxury workwear via any three of their subscription plans.
The middle-tier membership starts at $94 a month and costs $119 every month after that. With this package, you can choose 5 items from Rent the Runway's collection. Try them out for the month, and if you love any, you can buy and keep them. Or, you can send them all back for a fresh batch the following month.
It's a unique way to keep your wardrobe refreshed and allows for an intimate look at fashion brands like Anine Bing, Staud, Theory, and more. If you rather test out the service before going all in, you can start with a one-time rental instead.
Our editors' picks:
Best for finding your perfect fit: Laws of Motion
Laws of Motion is a brand that uses AI to pinpoint exact micro sizes to get a precision fit.
This inclusive brand brings technology and fashion together to create perfectly tailored clothing. To find your size, you either take the brand's Find My Fit quiz or upload a picture of yourself. This innovative approach means you can get ultra-specific proportions that fit your body.
Here's what our writer Sarah Chiwaya has to say about the brand: "Laws of Motion make office-ready styles for women of all sizes — and I do mean all: There are over 1,200 precision sizes in their 00-40 range! I also appreciate that their pieces work together beautifully, so if you want a capsule workwear wardrobe you can mix and match, this is a great place to start."
Best sweaters for work: Alex Mill
Alex Mill is a brand specializing in uniform designs with just the right amount of nuance.
The understated designs of Alex Mill may not stand out at first. But upon closer inspection, the brand's commitment to its own unique flair for craftsmanship is evident. Their clothing offers a simple solution for business casual that transfers just as easily to the weekend fit. The creative direction comes from a team with previous experience designing for J.Crew, Old Navy, Madewell, and Gap. They even use botanical dye in select pieces via rainwater and plant-based materials.
Our editors' picks:
Best classic designs: Ann Taylor
Ann Taylor takes a traditional approach to women's workwear with styles that have been in style for years and will likely never go out of style.
Ann Taylor is one of the best places to buy women's workwear — and you're probably already familiar with the brand. Much of the clothing is designed for work and beyond, so your outfit will fit right in when you're in the office from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and you're out enjoying the evening from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.. Not only are the materials good quality, but the timeless designs make them easy to wear right now and for many years to come.
The brand has everything from ribbed sweaters and classic overcoats to sleek dresses and skirts. Some of the benefits to shopping at Ann Taylor include petite sizing and regular sales.
Our editors' picks:
Best trendy plus-size designs: Eloquii
Plus-size fashion brand Eloquii makes everything from workwear to evening wear, with a specific focus on colorful, bold, and lively pieces.
Eloquii is a plus-sized women's clothing brand that was originally created by The Limted in 2011, but was discontinued less than two years after its launch. But due to high customer demand, a group of investors independently relaunched the brand in 2014 and in 2018, the brand was acquired by retail giant Walmart.
With sizes 14-28, Eloquii is the go-to place for women to find plus-size clothing of all types. From office attire to date nights and galas, Eloquii's range of designs canned be fitted for many occasions.
Our editors' picks:
Best work to weekend: Reformation
With great emphasis on sustainability and ethics in its business practices, Reformation makes clothes you'll be proud to wear.
Reformation started out as a small vintage clothing boutique in Los Angeles, but quickly grew into an original line of women's apparel with a focus on sustainability. All of the brand's clothes are made in their LA factory or at sustainable partner factories around the world, and it boasts a high rating from "Good On You."
While you can get everything from casual styles like jeans to formal styles like wedding dresses, Reformation is a wonderful place to shop for some of the best women's workwear for looking stylish and feeling professional. Coord sets like their Taryn Two-Piece are super trendy and easy to layer with items already in your wardrobe.
Our editors' picks:
Best for blazers: J.Crew
Don't sleep on J.Crew because of its preppy reputation. You can find bold, bright patterns and colors in pieces that are still work-appropriate.
J. Crew seems to be hosting a sale every other day — and that's great news for anyone looking to pick up some of the best women's work clothes at a discount. If you're looking for a fresh, leopard pencil skirt or a fitted blazer you may want to check J.Crew first.
We love the brand's preppy-retro blazers, classic-fit button-ups, and fun but still-professional prints and patterns. J.Crew's uniquely well-made desk-to-drinks basics are also clutch. They're professional without approaching dowdy. The best example of this is their blazer collection — sleek, stylish, and great dressed down for coffee on a Saturday afternoon or up for a big meeting.
Our editors' picks:
Best elevated basics: Modern Citizen
For sleek basics that won't break your budget, look no further than Modern Citizen.
Modern Citizen's neutral pieces make it easy to build a chic, minimalist wardrobe without spending a fortune. The site also lets you search by occasion to find what you're looking for quickly. Go to the "Work" collection to find a curated group of pieces that'll look great in or out of the office.
Our editors' picks:
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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.
