Work dresses that will smarten up your days in the office and WFH sessions

Work dresses are one of the best things about office life. Of course, the water cooler chat is an epic incentive, as is birthday cake every time one of your colleagues does a circuit around the sun… but having a selection of chic, new in office dresses to slip into, makes any commute worthwhile.

And even if you’re balancing a diary that is a mix of IRL and WFH days, we can safely say we are so over jogging bottoms as a working uniform. There is something so enticing about smartening up your lewk – especially at the beginning of a new season. Enter: our edit of the best smart dresses to help you ace your office days.

Making your purchases last longer is a priority (hi, sustainability) so with a few twists, you’ll also be able to style these babies up for after work drinks (remember them?!) or weekend wear, if you want.

We don’t know exactly what your office dress code is or whether there is a draconian HR person ready to clamp down on any outlandish outfit choices, so our edit of the best work dresses isn’t too lairy… It features long sleeve dresses, short sleeve dresses to wear under a blazer, shift dresses and midi shirt dresses. There are some cheerful prints, a few bold colours and a smattering of denim and faux leather to whet every appetite.

While we’re not fond of old fashioned fashion rules, a general guideline is that if you’d wear something on a beach or going Out Out, it’s probably not right for an office. Likewise, backless or cut-out details might be too risqué (again we don’t know what your actual workplace is like so don’t want to judge…). That said, shorter lengths and deeper necklines shouldn’t be an instant no. Mini-lengths can be worn with black boots and tights and deep V-necks could be layered over a polo-neck or blouse to keep things appropriate.

Our edit focuses on clean lines to keep your look fuss-free, COS’s knit dress is perfectly minimal, while denim shouldn’t be off the menu either. A mid-blue wash in a slick cut – like Jigsaw’s shirt dress is also super-smart. Shirt dresses are an instant workwear winner. Polo Ralph Lauren’s pinstriped version will work all year round while corduroy is becoming a mega trend for autumn. ASOS’s chocolate brown shirt dress is a versatile purchase. Whatever your office is like and whatever your personal style, one of our edit of work dresses will, er, work for you. See you by the water cooler, then?

After more fashion content? Shop plus size fashion brands, puff sleeve tops and dresses, nightwear from pyjama sets to dressing gowns, and women’s winter coats & jackets. We’ve also got cardigans, loungewear, party dresses and wedding guest dresses for your perusal.