PREPARING to go back into the office after months of working in your PJs? A versatile, easy-to-wear dress is the perfect way to give your work wardrobe a boost.
The best work dresses make getting ready in the morning a breeze. There's no wondering what top goes with what trouser: just throw on a no-fuss frock, grab your accessories and you'll look instantly polished and put together.
Heading into the new season is a great time to shop for new work dresses—the LBD is a classic transitional piece that can be worn on its own now and layered as autumn approaches. Breathable, comfortable fabrics are a must for stuffy commutes too: think less formal and restrictive, and more smart and chic.
Trend-wise, the AW20 shows back in March brought some standout looks for the season, with voluminous sleeves, checks, fringing, red dresses and head-to-toe black all being key trends you can work into your office wardrobe.
Meanwhile, if you're still working from home, dressing 'for the office' is a must for separating work and home life; choose dresses you can sit comfortably in, which still look and feel like smarter versions of your ordinary daywear.
Check out our selection below to get your work dresses on track for the new season.
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Best winter dress for work: Find's Midi Length Shirt Dress
- (AD) Amazon Brand Find Women's Midi Length Shirt Dress, from £40.90 from Amazon – buy here
Effortlessly chic and smart, the shirt dress is a must for work—especially in classic black.
This belted version by Amazon brand, Find, comes in at midi length, with long sleeves and button-up fastening that can definitely be worn a little lower come evening.
It's a great all-seasons dress too, with one reviewer calling it the 'perfect work dress with tights and boots in winter' as well as with 'sleeves rolled up with white trainers in spring/autumn.'
Best red dress for work: French Connection's Boh Whisper Business Casual Dress
- (AD) French Connection Women's Boh Whisper Business Casual Dress, from £17.32 from Amazon – buy here
Right, let's get all the lady in red/Chris de Burgh references out of the way because the red dress is going to be massive this autumn/winter.
From Valentino to Bottega Veneta, bold and fiery dresses stormed down the AW20 runways, and while there was a LOT of sparkle and glitz involved— it's a trend that can work just as well for work, as this chic French Connection number proves.
Featuring a covered button corset and a concealed back zip fastening, it's a shift that works exceedingly well worn from the office and straight to post-work cocktails.
Best printed dress for work: Midi Printed Dress
- Midi Printed Dress, £69.99 from Mango – buy here
We have found the ultimate dress for taking straight from meetings through to mojitos. Welcome, Mango's Printed Midi Dress.
The monochrome swirl pattern is gorgeous, the cut is elegantly sophisticated and the puffed shoulders are oh-so stylish.
Imitate Mango's styling by wearing yours with knee-high leather boots.
Best timeless dress for work: Hobbs Simona Ponte Jersey Fit and Flare Dress
- Simona Ponte Jersey Fit and Flare Dress, £89 from Hobbs – buy here
The Hobbs Simona Ponte Jersey Fit and Flare Dress looks made to be worn in the office, with its demure length and simple yet classy design.
Cut from flattering stretch-fabric, it comes in slightly at the waist and drops down to the knee which is ideal for a work-appropriate dress.
Pair it with a low heel for work and switch to a high one if you have a dinner date post-5pm. Easy.
Best animal print dress for work: &OtherStories Puff Sleeve Midi Dress
- Floaty Pleated Midi Dress, £95 from &OtherStories – buy here
When you know how to wear them, animal prints can be a sophisticated office wardrobe addition.
&OtherStories' beautiful Floaty Pleated Midi Dress is made from recycled polyester, which is another reason to treat yourself.
We just love the cinched-in waist because it's flattering and takes the oversized fit from frumpy to fabulous.
Best shirt dress for work: Harriet Knitted Midi Dress
- Harriet Knitted Midi Dress – Navy, £130 from Boden – buy here
The best part about this midi dress from Boden is that its made from knitted fabric, so it's just as comfortable as it is smart. A winner all round.
You can remove the belt to wear it on the weekend but keep the belt on for a more structured look when you're headed to the office.
Our top tip: navy goes beautifully with neutral make-up and silver jewellery.
Best staple work dress: M&S Collection High Neck Knee Length Shift Dress
- M&S Collection High Neck Knee Length Shift Dress, £25 from M&S – buy here
When you own an easy-to-style black dress then you never have to go through the stress of deciding what to wear in the morning.
For just £25, M&S have the perfect style for work, from the long sleeves to the high-neck and average length.
Wear yours with brogues or loafers.
Best big meeting work dress: ASOS Design High Neck Shoulder Pad Twist Front Midi Dress in Forest Green
- ASOS Design High Neck Shoulder Pad Twist Front Midi Dress in Forest Green, £35 from Asos – buy here
Dressing up and feeling good can instil you with confidence for an important day of meetings with new clients.
So, we're loving the ASOS Design High Neck Shoulder Pad Twist Front Midi Dress in Forest Green, especially as it's only £35.
From the shoulder pads to the elegant shade of green, this is power dressing in 2021.
Best bodycon work dress: Black Ribbed Button Detail Midi Dress
- Black Ribbed Button Detail Midi Dress, £18 from George at Asda – buy here
Another must-have for every woman's office wardrobe: a comfy, long black dress like this one from George at Asda.
Yes, you read that right, it's only £18.
Dress it up with heels and statement earrings, or down with trainers – this one does it all.
Enjoyed our guide for the best work dresses? Why not check out the best work backpacks?
We've also rounded up the best bucket bags which will look great for work.
And check out our dedicated Sun Selects fashion section for more style tips, trends and products.
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