Ask the Editor: Work Dresses for Summer

If you’re still going into the office multiple days per week (or all the days of the week), this post is for you.

Abra:

June 3rd I start a job that is 100% in office.  The dress code is professional but from what I can tell does not require a suit.  Can you help me find some new work dresses?  Looking in the $250 and under range, but could go to $300 for the right dress.

Happy Birthday! Kate L

Sitting in my home office in linen pants and a striped, long-sleeve tee, it’s tough to remember life before WFH.  But I do remember how much I loved getting dressed up for work.  I almost can’t wait to go into the office later this month so I can wear dresses again.

Before I make a few suggestions, let me recommend cleaning out your closet first.  If it’s been a while since you dressed for the office, there might be some gems hiding in the back of the rack.  So take a few hours and go through everything before you shop.  Also, order a clean out kit from Thredup, and see if your closet can make you a bit of money to shop second hand.  

To start shopping, you can obviously hit Ann Taylor or J.Crew on your own, so the dresses below are from some other places.  

Karen Millen has some wonderful work dresses if you love a tailored, structured look.  I own the dress on the left in pink.  It’s really lovely and well made.  A bit spendy at $275, but worth it, especially in a neutral that you can wear often.  I like this green-blue color, which I suspect is more green in person.  Also, if you like the look without sleeves, the dress on the right is phenomenal and comes in six colors.  

Just remember, this dress is UK sized, so it will run small.  I am an Ann Taylor 8 and I take a 10 in this dress.

Maggy London is a great mid-price brand.  I like the ruffle detail on the sheath on the left.  It’s a nice accent on an otherwise simple dress.  This option comes in five colors, all of them perfect for summer.  Also, the deep teal dress on the right is really beautiful in person.  The side pleating is nice for enhancing the look of your waist.

Maggy London runs true to size.  And if you like these dresses, you can often find this line at deep discount at the Rack.  I bought this dress last summer to wear to a casual wedding, and it’s a great multitasker for weekend or work.

Bloomingdale’s is that store with an In Office shop that has actual work clothes in it, not cocktail dresses masquerading as work clothes.  These dresses are from Theory and Hobbs, both great work lines.  I love the deep blue on this shirt dress and the fabulous print on this relaxed frock.  Bloomingdale’s also has the T Tahari line if you need work clothes that won’t break the bank.

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