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Whether your office is your living room or at a cubicle in a high-rise building across town, owning an array of the best work dresses is a tried-and-true solution for feeling focused in any environment. So what do the best ones look like? We’re especially fond of midi-length silhouettes, which feel right at home during meetings, project pitches, and interviews with the boss or team members. A smart dress will always ascend the ranks of your office clothes—even better if it reflects your personal sense of style.
No matter the season, a sleek and minimal number always makes a strong impression. In the colder months, a leather design could surprise you with its professional edge. Similarly, classic wrap silhouettes pair beautifully with everything from sandals and flats to boots and heels, whether you're all about trendy platform silhouettes or lovely Mary Janes.
Another year-round staple is a simple shirtdress—it always appears sleek and professional. Corduroy, wool blends, silks, and even denim are stunning in the cooler months. When going the cotton poplin route, opt for darker tones in fall and winter, like black, olive green, or a navy blue stripe, but, of course, embrace timeless white, beige, and lighter hues for spring and summer.
For an ultra-buttoned-up look, riff off tailored separates and suiting by looking to belted dresses with a bit of structure and designs. A polo collar that nods to iconic prep (teamed with loafers) is unquestionably the ultimate finish. If your dress code is lenient, knitted dresses and printed styles, from stripes to floral motifs to abstract patterns, will win big. And never forget the classic shift for extra refinement with a feminine touch.
Vogue-Editor Approved Dresses for the Office
- The Must-Have Midi: Cos flared polo shirtdress, $135
- The Seamless Shirtdress: Proenza Schouler Midi Dress, $1,290
- The Belted Dress: Loretta Caponi Belted Poplin Dress, $990
- The Wrap Dress: Róhe Double Layer Tie Dress, $650
- The Knitted Dress: Banana Republic Cece Ribbed Dress, $160
- The Well-Suited Sheath: Theory Crepe Sheath Dress, $455
- The Printed Dress: Altuzurra Jersey Maxi Shirt Dress, $1490
- The Cotton Poplin Dress: CO Poplin Midi Dress, $560
Minimal Midis
Minimal midi dresses amount to peak sophistication and are spot-on for work. Modernize your assortment with little black dresses, like from Totême and The Row, or embrace an ultra-sleek ribbed iteration, like from Gabriela Hearst. Of course, high and round-neck silhouettes never fail for sophistication.
Shirtdress
Shirtdresses are utterly iconic, coming to popularity in the ’60s and anchoring many a work dress collection. For next season, consider refreshing your assortment with spring-ready takes rendered in denim or poplin cotton—Cos and Proenza Schouler have great ones. Collared and puff-sleeved options are one of our top polished picks when seeking more detail, like from Alexis and Tory Burch.
Belted Dress
A belted dress not only defines your shape beautifully but also brings structure to your look. Options run the gamut, from Gucci’s retro-inspired designs to Alaïa’s boldly belted take. Slimmer waist-ties can be found at Ulla Johnson and Ralph Lauren.
Wrap Dress
A wardrobe staple since the ’30s and ’40s, the wrap dress is another quintessential work style—from cotton, silk ribbed iterations (styles from Veronica Beard and Cos are exemplary) to delightful prints from Dries van Noten.
Knitted
Knit dresses indeed work at work. Focus on longer lengths, higher-cut necklines, and elegant details like pleated skirts or a smart collar—see Joseph's flowing midi or Staud’s polo ribbed style. Chunkier options, such as The Row’s Daniela style, are especially great for winter under a long coat.
Sheath
Sheaths are more traditional silhouette that’s especially well-suited to a formal dress code. However, they needn’t be boring, with elements like a sculptural neckline, waist detail, and impeccably cut minimalist lines at play. Theory, Victoria Beckham, and Wardrobe NYC make some of the freshest this season.
Printed
Prints are the best way to showcase your personality in the workplace, from timeless tie-dyes (hello, Altuzurra!) to animal prints perfected by Victoria Beckham and artful pattern plays by Proenza Schouler and Bite Studios.
Cotton Poplin
No work dress feels better suited to crisp weather than once crafted from structured cotton poplin in timeless solids like black and Oxford blue or earthy tones such as khaki green. Stella McCartney, Wardrobe.NYC, Destree, and Cos deliver some of our favorites this season.