Dressing for the workplace comes with its own set of challenges for any woman, from intern to CEO. Pants or a skirt? White shirt or pale blue? Pumps or flats? Handbag or briefcase. Pearl studs or diamonds? Yes, we totally get you! Just because we walk shoulder to shoulder with our male colleagues doesn’t mean we need to dress like them. So, for us, the eternal question is: “How do I look feminine yet professional?”
It’s actually quite simple. Just one word: DRESSES! That’s why we’ve trawled the depths of the Internet to find you dresses that are simply perfect for work. Whether it is a high-powered board meeting or a casual Friday, with this fab list, we’ve got you covered!
1. A Hint of Peekaboo
A great pick, this one! With the dark panels on the sides, and a streamlined silhouette, you’re sure to look slimmer and taller. And did you notice the cut-outs at the shoulders? We love a bit of peekaboo! Nude pumps are the most important wardrobe staple for any office-going girl – make sure you get a comfy pair, though – you don’t want to be distracted by shoe bites! The gray-blue bag is perfect when you don’t need to carry files and a laptop… Understated yet modern and edgy, we likey!
2. Elegant in White
Bang on for casual Fridays, this white A-line dress is chic, comfy and elegant. Add some subtle colours with your bag and shoes. We’re totally digging this shade of pale, minty blue at the mo! Cool as a cucumber this summer, eh?
3. Do the Blue
While this dress isn’t particularly easy on the pocket, it’s so versatile and wearable that you’ll get more than your money’s worth. Wear it by itself, or add a belt, or a printed scarf, or a jacket, and you’ll have a whole new look each time. Plus silk and a great fit and cut don’t ever come cheap, right? For us, just that hue of blue makes it worth the dough! We recommend pairing this stunner of a dress with black-and-white duo-tone heels and handbag – a slightly more fun take than plain black or safe-as-ever nude, yet classic and formal. Paired with a statement necklace or ear-cuffs, you’re party ready too!
4. On Wednesdays, We Wear Pink!
As long as you’re a safe distance away from frills and satin bows, pink is a great colour for the office. Feminine and stylish, but not fussy and girly, this dress ticks all the boxes for a perfect office outfit. Team it with black to set off the accent at the waist. Suede and leather pumps and a textured leather sling bag complement the dress perfectly.
5. Wrap It Up
Aah, well, what can we say about wrap dresses? Incredibly flattering and supremely stylish, let’s just call this the Lady Di of dresses, shall we? This black beauty clings in the just right places and camouflages all the possible problem areas with ease. And you can take this dress from day to night in a jiffy with a quick change in accessories. Tan and black accessories – another classic colour combination – are just the thing to add some va-va-voom to the dress. Imagine the use you’ll get out of this handbag and these pumps – they go with pretty much anything!
6. Pretty in Print
Who says you can’t wear prints to work? This dress is the classic example of what you can totally wear! Low-contrast subtle prints make for a welcome change to the solid-colour-dominant wardrobe. If you don’t own a pair of black flats and an everyday black leather bag, go shopping NOW! For the days, if heels just seem like too much work, opt for stylish flats instead, without compromising on style. Totally acceptable, we promise!
7. Gunmetal and Lace
Solid colour. Simply cut. Modest neckline. Not too short, not too long. Checks all the boxes. And as an added bonus, this beautiful dress has subtle lace panels on the sleeves to add a touch of femininity. A total winner, these gunmetal heels are superstars – you can dress up pretty much any outfit with these beauties! A handbag in a similar shade is the ideal choice to complete the look.
8. Go Classic in Black-and-White
Dress to impress, ladies! Contemporary, modern and uber chic, this dress gives the illusion of an itsy-bitsy waist. Pair with blacks or add a fun element with heels in a textured or coloured leather – we’re loving this pair here. A black handbag to hold your red lipstick and powder compact, and you’re set to rule the boardroom.
9. The Not-So-White Shirtdress
Shirtdresses are big on our current lust lists, and this one is perfect! Comfy yet smart, opt for a shirtdress on days you’re not expected to make a presentation to the CEO. Aren’t those shoes just lovely? We’d wear them to work with a dress or trousers, and with a white tee and jeans on the weekend. Choosing a leather bag in navy makes for a good change from the blacks.
10. Who Said Grey Was Boring?!
Another multitasking winner, this dress in a neutral gray goes with pretty much anything. A jacket, or scarf or statement necklace, whatever tickles your fancy. Though not really the Pantone Marsala, Oxblood is our surefire winner of the colour-of-the-season award. Rich and regal, we’re loving these shoes and this leather bag! Aren’t you?
11. The Red Power Dress
Tough negotiation, power meeting or big presentation, donning a fire-engine red dress will give your confidence a shot in the arm. Paired with nude heels and an elegant bag, who’s gonna dare stand in your way?
12. Totally Teal
A dress that works for both casual Fridays as well as a big-leagues conference, pair this with a slouchy tote and flats for a chilled out day, or with killer heels, pearls and red lipstick for an “I’m the boss” look.
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