Sign up to our free weekly newsletter for insider tips and product reviews from our shopping experts Sign up for our free IndyBest email
These days, a "work dress" doesn't have to be something staid and plain. Dressing like you mean business is as much about the cut and the fit as anything else. We've scoured the high-street and the web to find pieces that are flattering, office appropriate and on-trend, in one perfectly formed packaged.
From Whistles' pretty-with-an-edge Lorie Spray Paint Bodycon number, to Closet's sweet Contrast Collar Dress, there's something to suit all tastes and budgets.
Click on the gallery to see the IndyBest buys
Click here to buy now
Show all 10 1 /10Office chic: 10 best work dresses Office chic: 10 best work dresses French Connection Abstract Animal Jersey Dress The dropped waist with frill edging, funnel neckline, three quarter length sleeves and abstract animal print make this jersey dress a savvy choice for work and a great dress for going out too. It’s effortlessly smart and easy to wear.
£75, frenchconnection.com
Office chic: 10 best work dresses Just Blue Marl Ruched V Neck Dress This store is a great find for work attire as it’s both reasonably priced and there’s a huge selection. This dress is made from soft stretchy grey marl knit fabric that’s fully lined. It doesn’t crease, meaning it travels well for business trips, and it looks elegant for evenings out too.
£44.99, justblue.com
Office chic: 10 best work dresses Closet Contrast Collar Dress This sleeveless black dress has a nod to the 1950s, but with a contemporary twist. Wear it in the winter with a long sleeved white top underneath or a short cardi and in the summer, just how it is. Careful when you wash it – it needs a cold machine wash and no tumble dryer.
£42, closetclothing.co.uk
Office chic: 10 best work dresses Boden Evie Knitted Dress We love this smart knitted tunic from Boden. Don't be scared of horizontal stripes, it looks great, thanks to the cleverly positioned darker panels and super comfy material. Available in navy or deep red, dress it up with heels during the working week and down with ankle boots for those out-of-office days.
£89, boden.co.uk
Office chic: 10 best work dresses Reiss Hedy Nipped Waist Dress Blue is big news this season and this pretty 40s-inspired tea dress-style frock from Reiss, who are particularly good at elegant, on-trend workwear, is a bit of a winner. The cinched-in waist and floaty skirt will flatter in all the right places.
£159, reiss.com
Office chic: 10 best work dresses M&S Collection Half Spotted Wrap Dress with StayNEW Some styles of dress never date and this classic wrap is one of them. It’s also a style that suits all ages, as well as shapes and sizes and because this is M&S, you’ll find it in size 6 to 22. The fabric is specially treated to reduce bobbling and colour loss, so it’s durable too. The material's lighter than some on the list, so this is one to buy now to wear when Spring makes an appearance.
£35, marksandspencer.com
Office chic: 10 best work dresses Phase Eight Side Ruched Dress This slash-neck jersey dress does equally well for days when you have an important business meeting and evenings when you have a hot date. It flatters in all the right places. Team it with a statement necklace to stand out in the office.
£79, phase-eight.co.uk
Office chic: 10 best work dresses 20th Century Foxy 1960s Secretary Dress Strut your stuff, Madman style, in this sassy early 60s inspired workaday dress. Vintage dress fans will love the flattering scoop neckline with trim and button detail, pencil skirt with neat tucks and deep waist panel. And like all dresses from the brand, it’s made entirely in the UK.
£95, 20thcenturyfoxy.com
Office chic: 10 best work dresses Whistles Lorie Spray Paint BodyCon Dress This dress is one of Whistles' staple shapes that has been reworked in their new season’s "spray" print. The ruching and just over-the-elbow sleeves ensure it's flattering and smart, while the body-con skirt makes it just a little bit sexy. One to take you from desk to bar. It also comes in orange and blue versions.
£155, whistles.co.uk
Office chic: 10 best work dresses Mono textured sporty dress The luxe sportswear trend seen on the catwalk has filtered down to the high-street, and this great-value dress manages a nod to look while being chic for work. The clever panels and waist band create the illusion of a trim silhouette - pair with killer heels when only a power dress will do.
£25, dorothyperkins.com
Verdict
For women who want something affordable and that travels well (that is, doesn’t crease easily), don’t miss the Just Blue Marl Runched V Neck Dress. The added bonus is that it works well for an evening out too. For a dress that will stand out in the office, we'd go for French Connection's Abstract Animal Jersey Dress.
Buy now
1. French Connection Abstract Animal Jersey Dress, £75
2. Just Blue Marl Ruched V Neck Dress, £44.99
3. Closet Contrast Collar Dress, £42
4. Boden Evie Knitted Dress, £89
5. Reiss Hedy Nipped Waist Dress, £159
6. M&S Collection Half Spotted Wrap Dress, £35
7. Phase Eight Side Ruched Dress, £79
8. 20th Century Foxy 1960s Secretary Dress, £95
9. Whistles Lorie Spray Paint BodyCon Dress, £155
10. Dorothy Perkins Mono Textured Sporty Dress, £25
