Work Dresses for Women 2023: 19 Best Work Dresses for Any Office

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Whether it's at corporate or closer to home.

The best work dresses blend classic 9-to-5 uniforms with a few fashion-worthy updates. I would know: My personal uniform for editing BAZAAR's shopping guides consists of work dresses from bright floral midi dresses to streamlined T-shirt dresses. I arrive at the office in dresses so often, my coworkers consider it a shock when I wear work pants instead. And when I'm dialing in from home, I'm still picking a dress over matching suit sets or a skirt and a shirt. Why do I keep coming back to them, you ask? Simply put, the best work dresses are a wearable confidence boost. Between the tailored shapes and colorful-yet-polished details, they always make me look my best while feeling like me.

While I love a flowy dress for meeting new designers in-person or spending the day writing in my home office, I know my laissez-faire dress code doesn't apply to every environment. Workplaces that lean more formal call for a button-down shirt dress with tailored ease and by-the-book professionalism. For more creative environments, bold florals and dramatic puff sleeves are definitely fair-game. Then there are silhouettes deserving of capsule wardrobe status in every environment, from DVF wrap dresses to tailored sheaths.

Some weeks, I get ready for work with big questions on my mind, but with a closet full of office-friendly dresses, what I'm wearing is never one of them. And when I'm confident in what I'm wearing, I'm that much more prepared to own the week. Find the best work dresses to wear to any office—including ones I've tested and reviewed—ahead.

There are a lot of floral dresses that also qualify as work dresses. (I own at least a dozen myself.) Of the many I've tested and worn to work, this Proenza number won me over through its elegant pattern combinations. It has personality, but it doesn't feel frilly or unserious—exactly what I want when I'm working hard.

I can see this Universal Standard dress becoming an all-year-round winner. It elevates the classic T-shirt dress with a higher mock-neck. And in the back, there's a gorgeous, long bow that ties the whole look together (literally).

This midi dress went into my cart the moment I saw it. First, the contrasting top and skirt create the effect of layering separates when wearing a single dress. Second, the D-ring waist straps make a waist-accentuating moment without any extra accessorizing. In short, it's the kind of dress that takes the outfit-anxiety out of getting dressed in a hurry.

Here's a sweater dress that's breathable enough for spring yet cozy for winter wear. I've been wearing mine with knee-high boots and a contrasting bodysuit underneath for a little extra coverage. But when it gets a little warmer, I'll take it out with a quilted jacket and scrunched ballet flats.

T-shirt dresses have a less-than-corporate reputation, but I've found this Totême dress to be a winner in my office wardrobe. It's all thanks to the wide, belt-like waist detail that creates a more formal shape and altogether dressier vibe. I wear this one with everything from fisherman sandals to slingback Chanel heels—its simplicity gives me plenty of leeway to play with my accessories.

In my experience, a reliable shirt dress is as central to a good capsule wardrobe as a blazer or high-waist trouser. I like cinching this one with the belt for work, then wearing it undone on the weekend with the sleeves pushed up.

A great sleeveless dress can eliminate the guesswork that comes with putting together summer outfits for the office. This Altuzarra dress has my vote for warm-weather commuting, presenting, and otherwise getting things done during the summer. While it's sleeveless, it's still somewhat modest with the long skirt.

Fashion insiders' favorite knit pant designer also makes a perfect knit dress. All it needs for the office is a pair of slingback kitten heels.

Shift dresses are a true workwear staple, with elegant lines and versatile shades that fit into any wardrobe. (They're especially great for offices with more conservative dress codes.) Theory's shift with contrasting stitching is a great place to start.

Customer review: "Love this dress! It fits perfectly and is super comfortable! I ordered it in a second color."

No rotation of work dresses is complete without at least one wrap, whether you're partial to look-at-me prints or solid shades. Start your collection with DVF's iconic silhouette—she basically invented the category and recently increased her size range. This printed midi is a dose of dopamine dressing and a nod to 2023's red color trend.

I love the idea of paying homage to a suit set with a dress that combines a waistcoat and a full skirt. And for an extra spring layer, this dress is all but asking for a sheer long-sleeve top underneath for extra contrast.

This is the sort of dress I know would make me feel my best before a full day of meetings or a particularly challenging interview. The doodle-like floral prints and ruffled skirt are just fun—and why not make the work day more fun where I can?

This '90s slip dress is one of J.Crew design director Olympia Gayot's biggest hits—including in my wardrobe. I own the dress in black and love that it has infinite layering potential with all my favorite knits and that it's machine washable. I'm eyeing this zesty green edition for a spring update.

Customer review: "I love this dress. Bought it in 3 colors [...] They are easy to get on and out of and great to dress up or keep it causal. I bought sizes 12 and 14 because I am between sizes but kept the 12s. I had enough room in them that if I gain weight they would still fit great. I could have sized down to a 10 if I wanted a more form fitting dress."

This button-front dress is one of BAZAAR readers' favorites for spring work dresses, so I couldn't resist including it in this edit too. The ruched skirt is comfortable without looking too casual, and reviewers say they were it constantly. No wonder it's a crowd pleaser.

Customer review: "Love the fit, very flattering without being too snug. Easy to dress up or down. Fabric soft but structured. Will be able to wear a ton."

There are so many different ways to wear stripes to work and even more potential combinations on a cubicle-friendly dress. Personally, I'm drawn to this two-tone cotton dress by Tanya Taylor. First, because it artfully contrasts two striped fabrics in a single dress, and second, because I just know that twist detail along the waist is going to look good on anyone who wears it.

$65–$80 for one-time rental; $517.75 to purchase used

Who said work dresses can't have a little drama? If you're wondering how to add more flair to your office wardrobe, puff sleeves dresses are the answer. I put this Ulla Johnson dress in my rental queue after noticing the exaggerated shoulders, the country-chic print, and the reviewers who said it was a winner in their own offices.

Customer review: "Loved this dress for work. I got the smaller of my usual sizes and it fit well which I think is pretty consistent for Ulla. You can't see the contrast stitching well in pictures but it's a nice touch."

Presenting an evening dress that's appropriate for more special settings like a work awards ceremony, a holiday happy hour, or dinner with an important client. It has the feel of a party dress in luxurious navy satin; the higher neckline and midi length, however, are still dress code-approved. Styling-wise, this dress conveys power and places to be with a knee-high black boot.

This dress pays homage to the inventor of American Sportswear with a precisely structured waist, pleated skirt, and the most luxurious silk fabrication. When I want a dress that really means business, I'm choosing this one.

What you see is a long-sleeve work dress with crisp pleats and slight stretch. What you're also getting is a fully traceable garment whose full craftsmanship journey, including soft material made from wood pulp, you can review on Another Tomorrow's site. When the compliments roll in at the office, you'll have a lot to tell your colleagues about.

Halie LeSavage is the fashion commerce editor at Harper's BAZAAR. Her style reporting covers everything from reviewing the best designer products to profiling emerging brands and designers. Previously, she was the founding retail writer at Morning Brew and a fashion associate at Glamour.

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