15 Business Dresses for Women
What's the key to a no-brainer office look? A dress. Real Simple sorted through hundreds to find the smartest new options.
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Textured Calvin Klein Dress
As long as the fabric is substantial (read: not too sheer or filmy), white can work year-round. Add black tights and heeled boots in fall and winter.
To buy: For a similar product: $60, macys.com.
Antonio Melani Gwen Peplum Twill Dress
Channel Claire Underwood’s perfect-for-the-office brand of minimalist chic. An angular neckline and peplum draping add visual interest.
To buy: For a similar product: $295, nordstrom.com.
The Limited Printed Textured A-Line Dress
Don’t shy away from prints—they can look just as professional as solids if you stick to modest hemlines and pair them with simple, neutral accessories.
To buy: For a similar product: $168, nordstrom.com.
Donna Morgan Vivian Jacquard Shift Dress
The sophisticated dot pattern on this heavyweight jacquard makes this dress look so much more expensive than it is.
To buy: For a similar product: $107, nordstrom.com.
Gap Linen-Cotton Fit & Flare Dress
Ideal for warmer weather, this linen-cotton blend adds a little texture (and means you can wear a classic LBD all year).
To buy: For a similar product: $134, macys.com.
White House Black Market Denim Sheath Dress
Denim is totally ok! In a crisp sheath, there is nothing “dressed down” about spring’s most on-trend material.
To buy: For a similar product: $60, macys.com.
Talbot's Blue Dress
The vertical piping on this dress creates a slimming, elongating effect. Pair it with nude heels (or even flats) for a no-fail office look.
To buy: For a similar product: $102, bloomingdales.com.
Tommy Hilfiger Memo Shift Dress
A wardrobe workhorse, this neutral shift goes with anything, and is appropriate for nearly any situation.
To buy: For a similar product: $188, jcrew.com.
Sangria for SimplyDresses.com Dress
In deep, muted colors, this cool geometric pattern works for the office, but is also fun enough for happy hour.
To buy: For a similar product: $79, macys.com.
Banana Republic Gray Dress
No longer just for grannies or professorial blazers, tweed is reimagined in this cute fit-and-flare. Go the extra mile by pairing it with of-the-moment lace-up flats.
To buy: For a similar product: $129, lordandtaylor.com.
Ariana Rockefeller Nadia Tunic Dress
Go ahead, wear flats. Most dresses look just as good with them as they do with heels—the key to pulling the look together is a sleek, pointy-toed shape.
To buy: For a similar product: $88, nordstrom.com.
Club Monaco Eliska Ruffle-Sleeve Dress
A traditional flared silhouette with pretty details is suitable for work, work dinners, and events that have nothing to do with work at all.
To buy: For a similar product: $70, saksoff5th.com.
L.L. Bean Signature Poplin Dress
For the most flattering fit (no tailor needed) opt for a dress that adjusts to create a custom waistline. You’ll never find yourself stuck between sizes.
To buy: $109, llbean.com.
The Limited Colorblocked Sheath Dress
It doesn’t just look stylish—this black and white color-blocked number elongates your torso and defines a waist. It might just become your favorite go-to.
To buy: For a similar product: $90, macys.com.
Eliza J Crepe Fit & Flare Dress
Elevate your everyday work dress: A light blue crepe fabric, beautifully tailored with princess seams and cap sleeves, feels just right for spring.
To buy: For a similar product: $29, nordstrom.com.