The best work clothes for women have come a long way since the ‘80s power suits of the Working Girl era. Dress codes—if there are even any—are more relaxed and casual in most offices. And for formal(ish) workplaces where a suit or blazer may be required, you’ve got more modern options to pick from. As editors and writers who have worked both from home andthe office, we’ve experienced this shift firsthand—and have some well-considered recommendations. Ahead, we researched the best work clothes for women for your 9-to-whenever wardrobe and regular life, too.
Since dress codes have relaxed, the best work clothes for women are polished yet laidback, too.
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We organized this list by category—best for affordable pieces, plus-size options, petite lengths and more—picking a top brand for each. The best overall pick, Everlane, has work clothes that touch on all those categories. Bookmark this page, too, because we frequently update our categories and picks. And for more work essentials, we also have guides to the best work pants for women, chic button-downs and cool blazers.
Size range: 000 to 16 | Price range: $16 to $225 | Shipping and returns: Free shipping over $100; $7 shipping fee for 30-day returns (free in-store returns)
Well-stocked with elevated basics, Everlane is the best resource for workwear essentials that you can mix and match. From high-waisted trousers to menswear-inspired blazers (including this one made of a soft lyocell-cotton blend), Everlane’s pieces are sustainable made and straddle the line between sophisticated and comfortable. A majority of the offerings come in neutral, highly versatile shades; you won’t find any over-the-top patterns beyond a tasteful pinstripe here and there.
Size range: 0 to 16 | Price range: $15 to $250 | Shipping and returns: Free shipping; free 365-day returns
If you’re looking to refresh your office wardrobe, Quince is proof that high-quality clothes don’t have to come at astronomical prices. The sustainable brand offers plenty of work-ready pieces for less than $100—like this collared blouse made from a mulberry silk blend fabric. Another essential for chilly offices: Quince’s $50 cashmere sweater, which our editors tested as part of our review of the best cashmere sweaters.
Size range: M to 3X, 14 to 32 | Price range: $25 to $155 | Shipping and returns: Free shipping over $125; free 60-day returns (for store credit)
Eloquii specializes in bold, confidence-inspiring pieces that come in a variety of vibrant hues and artful patterns. Dresses, pencil skirts, trousers and blouses come in sizes ranging from 14 to 32; curve-hugging styles are infused with spandex for just the right amount of stretch.
Size range: 00 to 24 | Price range: $44 to $289 | Shipping and returns: $5 standard shipping; $8 fee for 30-day returns (free in-store returns)
J.Crew is a mainstay for casually refined pieces, and this extends to their smart selection of work clothes. The brand is also great about offering a variety of lengths for several of their styles; you’ll find trousers, pencil skirts and button-down shirts in classic, petite and tall sizing options. For those who frequently need to get their office attire hemmed, this is a game-changer.
Size range: XS to 3X | Price range: $58 to $378 | Shipping and returns: Free shipping; $8 fee for 30-day returns (free in-store returns or if you keep one item from your order)
When you’re ready to level up your work wardrobe, Reformation’s top-quality pieces are made with luxury-level materials and sustainable practices. While they’ll cost more up front, the classic designs will take you through the seasons, year after year. The draped Mason Pant pair effortlessly with Oxford shirts, fitted crewnecks and heels (or even sneakers).
Size range: 00 to 28 | Price range: $48 to $568 | Shipping and returns: $5 standard shipping; $8 fee for 30-day returns (free in-store returns)
Madewell’s design ethos is based on timeless and effortless dressing, which makes for many stylish office-appropriate options. Bestsellers include casual-chic pieces like cotton button-downs, pleated crepe trousers, relaxed blazers and wide-leg jeans that easily transition from day to night. Their sizing is inclusive sizing as well.
Size range: 0 to 20 | Price range: $48 to $148 | Shipping and returns: Free shipping; free 30-day returns
Lululemon has increasingly expanded from high-performing workout pieces into everyday wear. The surprisingly versatile and neutral office basics include pieces like stretchy, cropped pants, slouchy cardigans and soft tees that are great for layering. Just like their fitness gear, the clothing is made from moisture-wicking and wrinkle-resistant fabrics designed to keep you comfortable on commutes and long days.
Size range: 0 to 20 | Price range: $90 to $270 | Shipping and returns: Free shipping over $50; free 30-day returns
Banana Republic has been quietly making over its image recently, focusing on sophisticated and well-made workwear that marries classic design details with an edgy twist. Elegant pieces like wool herringbone midi skirts, luxe Italian suiting in oversized silhouettes and cotton twill slim-fit cargo pants offer endless mix-and-match opportunities for the office and beyond into cocktail hour.
Size range: XS to 3X | Price range: $85 to $595 | Shipping and returns: Free shipping over $150; free 21-day returns
California-based lifestyle brand Jenni Kayne has focused on high-quality and sustainable fashion since their launch 17 years ago. Today, their elevated designs are not only ethically-produced investment pieces meant to last for years, they also make a chic office statement. From cashmere knits to silk button-ups to cotton twill trousers, there’s a natural fiber design to suit anyone, plus their items layer wonderfully with basics you already have.
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Size range: 00 to 20 | Price range: $65 to $695 | Shipping and returns: Free shipping over $400; free 21-day returns
M.M.LaFleur is all about chic and functional workwear you can style multiple ways. Case in point: The Gwynne Dress, which you can wear belted as a dress or unbuttoned as a blazer. It’s part of the Origamitech collection that features everything from elastic-waist trousers to blazers that are especially ideal for travel since they’re made with wrinkle-resistant fabrics and foldable designs that easily pack into a suitcase. Also great: Many of their luxury level pieces are machine-washable.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
The Forbes Vetted editors have years of experience scouting out the best fashion on the market, and we’ve published dozens of stories on the subject, including firsthand tested reviews of the best leggings, cashmere sweaters, work bags for women and more. For this story, we spent ample time researching customer reviews, scouring the sites of popular fashion retailers and generally hunting down the best work clothes for women on the market. What’s more, we refresh this story regularly to ensure that all of our picks are in-stock and up-to-date; it was last updated in September 2023.
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