There are few wardrobe challenges quite as universal as the search for the perfect workwear dress. It has to master a complex equation: polished yet effortless, smart without skewing overly corporate, comfortable enough to wear from early-morning meetings to late-afternoon catch-ups, and elevated enough to make you feel like the most confident version of yourself. Really, it's far from simple.
For many of us, the daily question of "What am I going to wear to today?" can quickly turn into a wardrobe stand-off. It’s far too easy to fall back on the same rotation of trousers and knits. But a great dress, once you find the right one, can actually make getting dressed a whole lot easier. Just throw it on, add boots or flats, and you’re out the door.
Luckily, there's no shortage of workwear dress options to shop. Just one look at Cos, Massimo Dutti or Victoria Beckham makes that clear. So you need to refine your search to the styles that will make you feel the most confident. For some, that may be a chunky knit dress, for others a more floaty polka dot pick, or you may be part of the camp that prefer a more formal feeling structured shape.
Whatever workwear dress you fancy, I've found the chicest options to shop below, because there's enough on your agenda without worrying what to wear.
Shop the chicest workwear dresses
This black knit dress will pair perfectly with knee-high boots and a statement belt.
This subtle leopard print is a sophisticated alternative to black and makes a great desk to dinner option.
For a feminine take on a pinstripe suit, opt for this merino wool dress from Jigsaw.
Victoria Beckham is another label offering particularly polished office-friendly pieces. Layer a red sweater over your shoulders for chilly meeting rooms.
This is the workwear dress I have my own eye on—minimalist enough to be styled in a myriad of ways yet still exceptionally chic.
After a more formal feel? Roland Mouret is the designer to turn to.
Toteme excel with elevated everyday basics and this simplistic black strapless dress is proof. Style with a blazer for a more modest take.
Savvy shoppers use the sales to shop next season now. This blue shirt dress is perfect for spring.
This clever 2-in-1 dress offers coverage for the office and a removable cape to go straight out after work.
If you're after a dress you can wear both to the office and for dinner afterwards, consider this metallic mini a particularly chic solution.
Invest in versatile pieces that an be layered depending on the season.
Rixo's polka dot midi dress is a favourite amongst fashion fans, especially as it has long sleeves.
You'd be wise to turn to Massimo Dutti first for all your workwear needs.
Add a pop of colour to this grey flannel dress by layering it over a bright polo neck in red or green.
For minimalists, this navy knit dress will work for every kind of office day.
If your workwear dress collection is already rather chunky, perhaps you'd prefer to step into a more trend-led style like this chic check?
The heavier leather fabrication of this dress means you won't need a jacket to fight the office AC.
