The 9 Best Fashion Brands to Build Your Work Wardrobe
Finding the right clothes for work has never been an easy task, especially coming out of a years-long pandemic where the best athleisure and leggings reigned supreme. As many of us make the transition back into the office for 2023 (or want to look professional while we work remotely from anywhere else), we’re finding that the clothes that worked for us three years ago aren’t cutting it. Maybe the styles are outdated or your sizes have changed—or you donated everything in a mid-pandemic cleaning frenzy. Regardless, it is time for a wardrobe refresh with new threads from a chic work clothes store.
Below, we pulled together nine brands women will actually want to shop for stylish (and affordable) clothes for the office. Whether you are looking for high-quality basics or trendy pieces, we’ve featured something for you. Shop them all now.
Best for Sustainable Shopping
When it comes to shopping sustainably, Everlane is easily my go-to. Not only is the brand transparent when it comes to where and how its garments are made, but it designs with longevity in mind. By avoiding the trend cycle completely, Everlane places all of its energy into producing high-quality, timeless pieces perfect for the office because they last forever and never go out of style. Whether you are a sustainably conscious shopper or just looking for some high-quality basics, Everlane is a solid option.
Price range: $$ – $$$
Everlane The Italian Leather Day Ballet Flat
Everlane The Cozy-Stretch Pullover
Now 44% Off
Everlane The Gathered Drape Trench
Now 15% Off
Best for Shopping on a Budget
Just because you are on a budget doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style. H&M is the perfect medium for someone who wants to follow trends without the financial burden. On its site, it has easy-to-style basics all the way to flamboyant party attire making them a practical choice when shopping for any occasion.
Price range: $- $$
Best for Suiting
While suiting is on the more formal side of things, is always a sharp choice when working in the office. Banana Republic is one of my favorite, more affordable options when it comes to finding tailored blazers and pants. On the brand’s site, you can find a wide selection of cuts and colors at many different price points.
Price range: $$ – $$$
Banana republic Heritage Explorer Wool Pant
Banana Republic Off-the-Shoulder Sweater Dress
Banana Republic Punto Pull-Through Leather Belt
Best for Modern Workwear
In my own experience, shopping for high-quality minimal styles has always served me best when it comes to workwear, and COS caters to just that. COS’ commitment to designing high-quality essentials for the modern wardrobe has made it an easy brand to incorporate into your everyday rotation.
Price range: $$ – $$$
COS Checked Mini Shirt Dress
COS Curved Leather Tote Bag
COS Pleated Wool-Blend Mini Skirt
Best for Maternity
Finding work clothes is already challenging enough, and throwing a growing belly into the mix can make it seem impossible. Luckily, ASOS has an entire section on its online shop dedicated to mothers-to-be stocked with tons of office-friendly options. Everything from basic shirts to smart blazers to floral dresses can be found in the maternity section. so why sacrifice style when you don’t have to?
Price range: $ – $$
Asos Topshop Maternity Plisse Wrap Dress
Asos Asos Design Maternity denim 90’s Maxi Skirt
Asos Maternity Asos Design Maternity Natural Crinkle Top
Best for Classic Pieces
J.Crew has been a staple for the last couple of decades when it comes to shopping for clothes appropriate for the office. With Olympia Gayot as their Executive VP of Women’s Design, the brand has undergone an aesthetic rebrand, swapping out its nondescript basics for colorful knits and interesting silhouettes. They are definitely one to watch.
Price range: $$ – $$$
J. Crew Cashmere relaxed V-Neck Sweater
J. Crew Winona Penny Loafers
J.Crew Relaxed-fit washed cotton poplin shirt
Now 31% Off
Best for Bold Styles
Zara is a great option for shoppers who enjoy keeping up with trends or taking fashion risks. The Spanish brand is known for producing bold, yet chic, styles at an affordable price point. If you are looking to get more experimental with what you wear to work without breaking the bank, then Zara is an excellent place to begin.
Price range: $ – $$
Zara Draped Wool Blend Dress
Now 70% Off
Zara Full Length Pinstripe Pants
Best for Basics
Aritzia is the place to go when it comes to shopping for basics. Whether you are looking for a simple T-shirt to style under your favorite oversized blazer or an easy, everyday wrap dress, they have it all. The brand places an emphasis on everyday luxury.
Price range: $ – $$$
Babaton Kath Sweater
Now 15% Off
Best for Luxury
If you are looking to add a bit more luxury to your workwear rotation, The Frankie Shop is a great place to look. The brand defines itself as a multinational concept store synonymous with smart suiting and blending masculine and feminine silhouettes. On The Frankie Shop site, you can shop a selection from a wide range of brands and designers that encompass its core pillars.
Price range: $$ – $$$$
The Frankie Shop The Bea Blazer
The Frankie Shop Telli Layered Midi Skirt
Kae Button Back Shirt – Sky
Emma Sutich is the second assistant to the Editor-in-Chief at ELLE Magazine. She thinks listening to electronic music, wearing all black, and stopping for something sweet are always good ideas.
