The 23 Best Work Dresses of 2024

At work, you spend plenty of time worrying about hitting a product deadline, acing a presentation, or impressing your boss. You shouldn’t have to spend precious brain power stressing over what to wear. A great work dress has the power to instill conference and show off your personal style, no matter how buttoned-up your office may be. Not every style of dress will work for every job, think of it like this: a judge and an architect have two very different lists of activities on any given day. 

These days, many offices have relaxed their dress codes and jeans and sneakers are often totally fine. But keeping your closet stacked with a few types of dresses (the shift dress and sheath dress are two common styles) that you can throw on for the office offers something that jeans could never! The variety of colors, textures, and silhouettes is begging to be belted, layered, and styled with some killer shoes and jewelry.

Whether you’re more likely to draw your workwear inspiration from Shiv Roy or Miranda Priestly, there’s a dress just waiting to find its spot in your Monday-to-Friday rotation.

Best Overall

Rachel Comey Jana Dress

Rachel Comey

What We Love: The rich colors, silk fabrication, and unique twist on the shirt dress silhouette make this dress our favorite option for the office. 

What We Don't Love: If you only wear neutrals, this dress won’t work for you.

Our favorite work dress comes from New York-based designer Rachel Comey. What stood out to us was the bold yet elegant print, soft silk fabric, and relaxed fit that can be worn loose or cinched. Lightweight with long sleeves, it’s a style that can be worn year-round and in both traditional and more creative offices — how’s that for versatility? “I love a work dress with a sleeve as it easily stands alone as an outfit,” says stylist Stacey Oliver. “A jacket or blazer can be added to elevate the look.” For a playful addition, try a pair of colorful tights. 

Size: XS–L | Colors: 2 | Material: Silk

Best Budget

Future Collective Button-Up Midi Dress

Target

What We Love: This dress can be worn alone or styled open as a jacket. 

What We Don't Love: Some wearers say the material is a little stiff. 

Target’s Future Collective has teamed up with influencer Reese Blutstein to create this adaptable denim button-front dress. The knee-length silhouette is long enough to wear solo at the office, but you can also repurpose the dress as a jacket, worn with a pair of trousers or a skirt and tee underneath.

We love the sturdiness of the denim used, but for some wearers, it might come off a little stiff. That being said, it is machine washable, so you can expect it to soften over time. 

Size: XXS–4X | Colors: 1 | Material: Cotton

Best for Winter

Vince Mock Neck Dress

Vince

What We Love: The long sleeves and mock-neck will help keep you warm. 

What We Don't Love: We wish there was wool or cashmere included in the fabric. 

Chilly temperatures may make you want to give up dresses altogether, but a knit dress can help to offer a little extra warmth. The mock neck and long sleeves offer some coverage on their own, but can also be layered up with a jacket, cardigan, or scarf. The A-line skirt is fitted at the waist but flows outward below the hip. This ribbed dress is less bulky than other sweater dresses and has a comfortable stretch, but we do wish it had some wool or cashmere in the weave for added warmth.

Size: XXS–XL | Colors: Heather, cassis | Material: Rayon, polyester, nylon, spandex

Best Shirt Dress

Everlane Hammered Satin Shirt Dress

Everlane

What We Love: The pleating adds subtle shape to the dress.

What We Don't Love: Silk would be preferred to viscose. 

“An essential work dress for a well-edited wardrobe is the classic shirt dress,” says stylist Jenni Lee. “The silhouette is flattering and comfortable on all bodies and can easily be dressed up or down” Everlane’s take, in a silky hammered satin, feels like a welcome update to a timeless silhouette. Pleats both in the front and back of the dress create a more accentuated shape at the waist. The sleeves may be a bit long for petite women, but the volume at the wrist will keep it from feeling too baggy or from hanging too long. 

Size: 00–16 | Colors: 3 | Material: Viscose

Best Neutral

Zara Wrap Dress

Zara

What We Love: The unique silhouette is structured but not boring.

What We Don't Love: We wish this came in additional colors.

Neutrals don’t have to be boring. This draped style from Zara is a rich chocolate brown, a color that’s easy to style with other minimalist colors like tan and ivory or bolder hues like red or light blue. We love the ease of the button-detail wrap and the way that the dress has a subtle pleat that adds dimension to the look. “I'm a big fan of versatile styles that can effortlessly transition across seasons and various work settings,” stylist Emelia Morris says. To transition this dress from fall to spring, swap leather boots for a pair of mules, and style with lighter layers. 

Size: XS–XL | Colors: 1 | Material: Polyester, polyamide

Best Wrap

Mango Pleated Wrap Dress

Mango

What We Love: The flowy look of the pleats is elegant but not fussy.

What We Don't Love: The V-neck may need to be pinned depending on fit. 

When we’re on the hunt for fashionable size-inclusive brands, Mango is often at the top of our list. This wrap dress, which comes in sizes 0–20, is lightweight and soft, with a pleated skirt that flares out from the wrapped waist. When wearing a wrap dress, make sure it’s not cinched too tight, to avoid discomfort. It should be snug against your body, but should never feel like it’s cutting in when you move. The painterly print catches the eye, but the soothing color palette keeps the dress elevated. One concern to keep in mind is that the drapey fabric and wrap silhouette may mean that the neckline can droop, potentially exposing your bra. When trying it on, make sure you double-check whether a small pin or piece of double-sided tape may be necessary to keep it closed.

Size: 0–20 | Colors: 1 | Material: Polyester

Best All-Season

A.P.C. Valentine Dress

A.P.C.

What We Love: The delicate floral print is subtle enough to feel neutral.

What We Don't Love: The fit is a little baggy. 

Calling all aspiring French girls! A.P.C is the cool Parisian label creating everyday basics with an elevated touch. The long-sleeve collared dress is the type of year-round staple that you can wear to the office when it’s 35 or 80 degrees. One thing we love is the subtle floral print, in both red and classic black, which is simple enough that it won’t clash with stripes, oversized florals, or abstract prints in the same color story. The French girl’s way to style this dress would be with the addition of ballet flats or sling-back kitten heels, plus a brown leather shoulder bag. Swipe on a red lip and you’ve completed the look. 

Size: EU34–EU42 | Colors: 2 | Material: Viscose

Best Black

Self Portrait Midi Dress

Matches

What We Love: The silhouette of this dress looks good on everyone. 

What We Don't Love: The skirt’s underlayer isn't flush with the hem.

From far away, it may look like this ensemble is made up of a skirt and jacket, but the reality is it’s a one-and-done dress. The textured bouclé upper is balanced out by the pleated chiffon skirt, which flows easily as you move. For dressy days at the office, this style is simple yet elegant, with long sleeves, a high, V-neck, and an ankle-length hem. Style the dress with a pair of black pumps and a sleek leather handbag for a tonal, polished look. Our one critique: we wish that the layers of fabric at the hem matched up as the different lengths may be a little distracting.

Size: 0–12 | Colors: 1 | Material: Polyester

Best Modest

Ulla Johnson Prudence Dress

Ulla Johnson

What We Love: Ruffle details make this dress feel unique. 

What We Don't Love: The cotton material may mean wearing long underwear underneath to be warm enough during winter.

Ulla Johnson’s Prudence Dress is our pick for the shopper who is looking for a dress that offers a bit more coverage. The long sleeves and long hemline are more modest, but the breathable cotton fabric means you won’t be overheating. The subtle color palette of purples and browns, ruffle details, and the A-line silhouette are feminine but also relaxed. A blazer, pair of tall boots, and statement earrings will all compliment the style, with a bohemian flair. If you’re planning on wearing the dress during cooler months, we suggest adding a pair of thermal leggings or tights underneath to make sure you don’t get too chilly.

Size: 00–16 | Colors: 1 | Material: Cotton

Best Printed

Ralph Lauren Crepe Shirtdress

Ralph Lauren

What We Love: The equestrian-inspired print adds a preppy touch.

What We Don't Love: The tie front is less versatile than a belt would be.

In Ralph Lauren’s history as an iconic American brand, it’s become known for its equestrian silhouettes and details, like this print inspired by a horse’s harness. The menswear-inspired shape gets a feminine touch thanks to a front tie that cinches across the waist. The material is 100 percent recycled polyester, and the dress is unlined, meaning that it’s soft and flowy, without much structure. Lean into the preppy vibe by styling the dress with riding-inspired boots and a cinched blazer. Though the tie front may not be as versatile as a belt, it still adds shape to the dress. 

Size: 00–18 | Colors: 1 | Material: Recycled polyester

Best Button-Up

Argent Vest Dress

Argent

What We Love: The dress looks just as good tied at the waist or untied. 

What We Don't Love: The knee-high slit may not be ideal for those in more formal offices. 

Argent’s modern take on workwear brings a sense of ease to traditionally stiff staples. This sleek vest dress, with a full-length button-up front, takes tailoring and turns it into something with a bit more movement. The adjustable and removable waist belt allows you to wear the style cinched tightly, or with a slightly looser silhouette. The viscose wool crepe fabric comes from Italy and has a bit of heft to it, creating a beautiful shape on the body. If you’re concerned about the front slit on the dress, we suggest styling it with black tights so it’s a bit more subtle. 

Size: 0–10 | Colors: 1 | Material: Viscose, virgin wool

Best Floral

Dôen Pussy Bow Dress

Net-a-Porter

What We Love: The rich jewel tones work for all seasons.

What We Don't Love: The delicate silk fabric means you must hand wash it, which some may not prefer. 

Doen’s floral dresses are some of our favorites due to their high-quality materials and tasteful designs. This colorful maxi dress features florals in a wide range of lush tones, without it feeling too busy. The long-sleeve style, tied with a pussy bow at the neck, draws inspiration from the silhouettes of the ’70s. The dress is modest but still has a playful twist to it that stops it from feeling too dowdy, and we love how it looks on women of all ages. It’s also worth noting that the dress is made from 100 percent silk, which means it's ultra-soft to the touch and helps with thermoregulation (in other words, it keeps you from getting sweaty). 

Size: XXS–XL | Color: 1 | Material: Silk

Best Faux Wrap

Nanushka Janet Dress

Nanushka

What We Love: The twist front detail can be styled in multiple ways.

What We Don't Love: The tie-dye colorway may be too bold for some offices.

Sometimes, you simply want a dress that looks more complicated than it actually is. What we love about Nanushka’s Janet dress is that it features a twisted panel detail that can be worn around the waist to create a faux wrap, or around the neck for a more evening silhouette. This dress’ fitted body-skimming silhouette still feels professional and sleek, especially when worn with an oversized blazer over the top. While the gray colorway works for any office, the tie-dye may be best suited to creative offices where you can experiment a bit more with color.

Size: XXS–XL | Colors: 2 | Material: Recycled polyester

Best Pleated

COS Pleated Maxi Dress

Cos

What We Love: The stretchy fabric is comfy all day long.

What We Don't Love: We wish the material was a little bit thicker.

If you’re familiar with Issey Miyake, then you already know about stretchy yet structured accordion pleats, a signature of the designer. British label Cos’ take, in a rich sage green, is a comfortable work-appropriate maxi dress that will add a pop of color to your professional wardrobe. The loose shift silhouette, with a wide boat neckline, is begging to be worn with a bold chunky necklace and a pair of kitten heels. We love how light and fluid the fabric is, but as such it’s also a bit thin, worth noting if you’re concerned about it becoming sheer.

Size: XS—L | Colors: 2 | Material: Polyester

Best Sheath

J.Crew Sleeveless Sheath Dress

J.Crew

What We Love: The simple sheath is easy to style with layers like a sweater or blazer.

What We Don't Love: It can run a little large, so may be worth sizing down.

“Sheath dresses offer a tailored and professional look, perfect for more formal work environments, " says Morris.” J.Crew’s simple take on the sleeveless sheath is unassuming, but the tailored shape gives it an instant polish. The brand is a favorite of ours for classic wardrobe staples with a touch of prep, so it’s a great starting place if you’re in need of a dress for a Zoom interview or your first day on the job. The lightweight crepe fabric isn’t constricting or uncomfortable, despite the sleek shape. A sheath dress is a great starting piece when building out a layered look for the office, so don’t be afraid to style this dress with statement jewelry, or textured outerwear like a bouclé jacket or a velvet blazer.

Size: 00–24 | Colors: 2 | Material: Recycled polyester, polyester

Best Slip

Silk Laundry 90s Slip Dress

Silk Laundry

What We Love: The hand-feel of the fabric is like butter.

What We Don't Love: The V-neck may not be appropriate without being covered.

Oliver’s suggestion for a work dress that can translate to after-hours is a simple slip dress. “A blazer or jacket makes a slip dress appropriate for work during the day. Accessorize and add shape with a belt around the waist, she suggests. “Also consider layering a thin turtleneck under the dress for a sexy and chic look.” By adding layers over or under a slip dress, it goes from being a little skimpy for the office to something sleek and simple that can work for work.

Size: XS–XL | Colors: 1 | Material: Silk

Best Denim

Tibi Denim Shirtdress

Tibi

What We Love: The unique design gives the appearance of wearing a denim top and skirt.

What We Don't Love: The loose silhouette may bunch under a fitted jacket.

Tibi’s founder Amy Smilovic has created her own lexicon around fashion — referring to the brand ethos as "CMC," or chill, modern, and classic. This denim shirt dress checks all three of those boxes. It’s a remixed take on the denim dress, fresh with funky details like a waistband and back pockets. We love that while denim tends to be more casual, paired with work heels, this is a way to bring it into the office in a more elevated manner. A great work dress should bridge the gap between professional and playful, and we love how the unexpected silhouette here toes that line.

Size: 00–14 | Colors: 1 | Material: Cotton

Best Work-to-Date (Plus)

Reformation Frasier Dress

Reformation

What We Love: The button detail and ruching add a unique touch.

What We Don't Love: May be a little too formal to easily style sneakers. 

Sometimes, life requires hopping straight from a work day into a special occasion, say a first date. If you need to go for something a bit dressier, we suggest this green dress from Reformation. The brand is best known for the popularity of its wedding guest and party dresses, but a sleek, ruched design like this one works just as well for the office. We love the not-quite-fitted silhouette and lightweight fabric. But, since it skews a bit fancy, we’d suggest pairing it with flats, loafers, or kitten heels over more casual sneakers.

Size: 14–24 | Colors: 1 | Material: Viscose, rayon

Best Caftan

Sea Petunia Caftan

Sea

What We Love: This simple dress has pockets!

What We Don't Love: It may be too lightweight for cooler months.

Caftans aren’t just for the beach. This simple sheath silhouette is seriously underrated as an option for the office. Made of cotton and linen and embroidered with a red floral motif, Sea’s Petunia caftan is a lightweight, breathable style that’s great for warmer days at the office. The fit is relaxed so you don’t have to worry about tugging at your dress all day while sitting at your desk. We also love the added bonus of pockets, something that isn’t always a given when it comes to dresses.

Size: XXS–L | Colors: 1 | Material: Cotton, linen

Best Mini

& Other Stories Belted Mini Dress

& Other Stories

What We Love: The structured material looks beautiful on.

What We Don't Love: It doesn’t have much stretch.

A short hemline can work for the office just as well as something below the knee. The key when choosing something cropped is to make sure the dress is structured and otherwise professional. We love the tweed fabric and waist belt that give this shift a dressy feel. In either white or dark navy blue, try styling this dress with a taupe blazer to lean more into the workwear feel. If you’re not usually partial to shorter hemlines, you can also consider styling it with a pair of matte tights to offer you a bit more coverage on your bottom half. 

Size: 0–14 | Colors: 2 | Material: Cotton, polyester, acrylic

Best Polo

Filippa K Jersey Rib Polo Dress

Filippa K

What We Love: The simple silhouette is easy to style.

What We Don't Love: The material may be a bit sheer.

A polo collar doesn’t have to be inherently preppy. We love the style because you can wear it buttoned-up to the neck, or open for something a bit more casual. The body-hugging fit of this dress could easily be paired with a cardigan over the top, or for something more formal, a leather trench coat. The soft jersey fabric, which is knit in Portugal, will make a comfy base layer as you move through the day. When you try it on, just double-check to ensure that the dress doesn’t appear sheer in direct light.

Size: XXS–XL | Colors: 2 | Material: Cupro, elastane

Best Jersey

Leset Rio Bateau Dress

Shopbop

What We Love: The simple silhouette is timeless.

What We Don't Love: There’s no zipper, so you have to pull it on.

Like wearing a sweatshirt to work, this heavy jersey fabric will keep you warm and cozy all day long. The dress’s silhouette is a favorite of Morris’ “I adore fit-and-flare dresses for their ability to flatter different body types while adding a touch of feminine flair to the workplace,” she says. All that being said, we love the simple gray fabric, which is ideal for days when you want your look to be a bit more sleek and pared back. Pull this dress on, and no one will know that you’re basically wearing your sweats around the office.

Size: XS–XL | Colors: 1 | Material: Viscose, polyamide, elastane

Best Cape-Cut

La Ligne Silk Dress

Net-a-Porter

What We Love: The silk fabric is elegantly flowy and comfortable.

What We Don't Love: The waist ties may get in the way. 

For those who ascribe to a less is more philosophy, you’ll want to stick to work dresses that can pull their weight for other occasions. What we love about this silk-crepe dress is that depending on how you style it, it’s elegant enough to work as a wedding guest dress but easy enough to dress down that it could be fit for a summer day at the beach. We love the way this dress hangs and flows elegantly as you walk, and its lightweight fabrication makes it the perfect summer style for days at work.

Size: XS–XL | Colors: 1 | Material: Silk

What to Keep in Mind

Office Dress Code

Every office or workplace will have its own unique dress code. An artist’s studio may encourage more colorful, bold dressing, while for a law office, it’s potentially important to stick to neutral colors and a fit-and-flare silhouette, as seen in Leset's Rio Bateau Dress. If you’re starting at a new workplace, wait a few weeks before purchasing too many new items, just to ensure that you have a good handle on what flies at the office and what might not. 

Versatility

Before you purchase a new dress, consider not just how it looks, but how it might work for you functionally within your current wardrobe and as part of your daily routine. “I always encourage my clients to try on the dress with at least three different shoe options and two different blazers so you can see if the dress has versatility,” says Lee. Even the most beautiful dress won’t be worn if you can’t figure out how to style it. Additionally, she suggests sitting down to test how comfortable it is around the waist and if you can cross your legs before buying a dress. It’s important to ensure that you don’t wait until you’re already at the office to realize that a dress is a little too tight, too sheer, or too itchy.

Your Questions, Answered

What is the difference between a sheath and a shift dress?

“A sheath dress narrows in at the waist and is form fitting without being snug while a shift is straight throughout,” says Oliver. “Both styles are excellent for work.” It’s worth noting that while both silhouettes can work for the office, it's important to consider the length, material, and other fabrication details to determine if an individual dress works for the office or not. We like J.Crew's Sleeveless Sheath Dress given its conservative length and easy-to-style color options.

What shoes should I wear with a work dress?

What shoes you wear with a work dress will largely depend on the style of dress as well as the type of office you work in. “you must consider how much standing versus sitting you'll be doing on any given day,” says Lee. “If comfort is key, but you need a little lift, a block heel mule or glove bootie is a chic option.”

If you’re on your feet for much of the day, flat shoes, sneakers, flats, loafers, or sandals can also be appropriate in business casual or creative offices. “If you’re one of those people who prefer flats over heels, ballet flats offer both comfort and chic style, making them a fantastic choice, especially if your workday involves a lot of walking,” Morris suggests.

How do you style a summer dress for work? 

Transitioning your wardrobe from season to season and making your summer staples work for fall is all about thoughtful layering. Lee suggests styling a mesh turtleneck or long-sleeve top under a dress while Morris recommends adding heavier layers on top like a blazer or cardigan, along with tights and tall leather boots to wear your summer dresses during fall. The warmth added by cool-weather fabrics like wool and cashmere can help to make lightweight cotton or silk withstand cooler temps.

What are the rules for wearing prints to work?

"In some workplaces, conservatism reigns supreme, favoring solid, muted colors over bright and bold patterns," says Morris. You can express a bolder style in terms of accessories, such as in your choice of Apple watch bands, for example. “However, in less conservative settings, prints can absolutely find their place in your work wardrobe.” Florals, painterly prints, and abstract styles can all work for the office, but you’ll want to stick to a color palette that feels suited to your place of work. The goal is to show off your style, while still staying within the parameters of what your work requires.

Why Shop With Us

Aemilia Madden is a writer covering fashion for InStyle. For this article, she researched a wide range of work dresses and consulted with three experts, stylists Jenni Lee, Stacey Oliver, and Emelia Morris.

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