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Womens/Clothing/Dresses & Jumpsuits/Work

Top 10 Work Dresses

When You Need A Dress For Work, Here Are The Internet's Most Popular Recommendations

Image credits: boden

The last thing you want to think about when your alarm goes off at 7 AM is what you’re going to wear to work. As if there wasn’t enough pressure to get out the door on time with everything you need, fashion brain freeze has to throw another hurdle your way. That said, adding some new styles to your work wardrobe can make things easier—and we’ve rounded up a list of 10 dresses to help you do just that.

Before we get into the lineup, let’s talk about what makes a work dress a good investment. For starters, you want to look for styles made from breathable, stretchy materials—so avoid anything that’s 100% polyester unless you want to turn into a puddle. Flowy silhouettes (looking at you, #1) are always a good idea, as well as design additions like pockets, back slits, and adjustable waistlines that help you remain comfortable throughout an eight-hour workday. With all that in mind, let’s take a look at what our algorithm turned up.

How We Found The Best Work Dresses on the Internet

Here’s how our Top 10 lists work: We task our data-powered algorithm with finding the best products out there—the ones that shoppers are raving about in reviews, on social media, and in the news. Then, using information from all of those sources, our algorithm assigns each of the top options a score. We take a pass of our own at researching the final ranking, then we present our findings to you. 

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January 29, 2024

Written By:Sierra Rogers

Product Expert:Georgia Jones

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Top 10 Lists serve as unbiased shopping guides to the most trusted product recommendations on the internet. Products are scored and ranked using an algorithm backed by data consumers find most valuable when making a purchase. We are reader-supported and may earn a commission when you shop through our links.

The Rankings


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Image credits: boden
Rank & Style Approved

boden

Boden Laura Jersey Midi Shirt Dress

Overall Score

4.25

10

Boden Laura Jersey Midi Shirt Dress

4

75 User Reviews

2.5

Best Seller

3

Industry Recognition

3

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

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Best Jersey Work Dress

THE STYLE
Boden's Laura Shirt Dress is made of a modal cotton blend that helps it drape just right. Combining the best parts of a button-down shirt and a bias-cut skirt, this midi dress has a figure-friendly silhouette that you can rely on all year round. 

GOOD TO KNOW
Reviewers mention that the sizing for this style is a bit off. Most shoppers suggest going up a size to get the most flattering fit possible.

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Maggy London Ruffle Sheath Dress

Overall Score

4.3

09

Maggy London Ruffle Sheath Dress

4.09

105 User Reviews

2.6

Best Seller

3

Industry Recognition

3

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Sheath Work Dress

THE STYLE
Versatile and classic, Maggy London's Ruffle Sheath Dress features a cinched waistline, a high neck, and frilly sleeves. Whether you're drawn to the traditional navy version or the vibrant Rose Red color, one thing's for sure: This is the kind of dress that never goes out of style.

REVIEW HIGHLIGHT
"This is a figure-flattering dress structured with simplicity and elegance. I got the eggplant and will pair it with tall boots or kitten heels. It's a perfect dress to wear to the office or church. If you want to make it more retro, you could have the hem raised about six inches. However, I like this length going into winter."

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Quince Washable Stretch Silk Midi Shirt Dress

Overall Score

4.35

08

Quince Washable Stretch Silk Midi Shirt Dress

4.8

33 User Reviews

2.3

Best Seller

0

Industry Recognition

4

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Silk Work Dress

THE STYLE
Washable silk? Say less, Quince. Crafted from mulberry silk with a hint of stretch, this shirt dress features a waist belt, dolman sleeves, and a rounded hem.

GOOD TO KNOW
Long days at the office ahead? Good thing the silk blend this dress is made from is both hypoallergenic and breathable. 

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Nordstrom Long Sleeve Belted Shirtdress

Overall Score

4.4

07

Nordstrom Long Sleeve Belted Shirtdress

4.3

8 User Reviews

2.1

Best Seller

3

Industry Recognition

4

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Affordable Work Dress

THE STYLE
Comfort meets class in Nordstrom's Long Sleeve Belted Shirtdress. With a breezy, flared skirt and a removable tie belt, this work dress can handle a 9 to 5. Plus, it's machine washable, so you won't have to worry about dropping it off at the dry cleaner's. 

REVIEW HIGHLIGHT
"This shirtdress is comfortable and fits nicely. It is flattering, but runs a little big. I'm usually a medium, but the small fit just perfect. I'm 5' 4" and it hits below my knee, mid-calf."

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Maeve The Soren Long-Sleeve Shirt Dress

Overall Score

4.5

06

Maeve The Soren Long-Sleeve Shirt Dress

4.3

294 User Reviews

2.7

Best Seller

4

Industry Recognition

4

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Work Shirt Dress

THE STYLE
There are so many ways to wear Maeve's Soren Shirt Dress. You can add a belt to the waist to create a refined silhouette or let it hang loose and throw on some sneakers for a casual look. Or, pop it over a slip dress and leave the buttons undone to turn it into a shirt jacket of sorts.

GOOD TO KNOW
Looking for a work dress to wear during the warmer months? If so, check out the two motif patterns this style is available in.

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J.Crew Resume Dress

Overall Score

4.5

05

J.Crew Resume Dress

4.58

262 User Reviews

2.7

Best Seller

4

Industry Recognition

3

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Professional Work Dress

THE STYLE
For interviews, board meetings, and client lunches, there's J.Crew's Resume Dress. Simple and stunning, this little black dress features a knee-length hem and a tailored construction that will shine under blazers. 

REVIEW HIGHLIGHT
"I bought this as a staple for upcoming events and this dress has not disappointed me. It's flattering, slim, and very comfortable. I was so pleased that it looks as stunning on me as it does on the model."

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Black Halo Jackie Belted Sheath Dress

Overall Score

4.55

04

Black Halo Jackie Belted Sheath Dress

4.36

179 User Reviews

2.6

Best Seller

4

Industry Recognition

4

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Designer Work Dress

THE STYLE
Who doesn't love a twist on a traditional silhouette? The Jackie Sheath Dress takes a familiar body-skimming shape and updates it with a draped asymmetric neckline and feminine cap sleeves.

GOOD TO KNOW
There's a back slit on the skirt of this dress—meaning, you can strut down the hallways of your office without anything holding you back.

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Spanx The Perfect A-Line 3/4 Sleeve Dress

Overall Score

4.55

03

Spanx The Perfect A-Line 3/4 Sleeve Dress

4

544 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

3

Industry Recognition

4

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Long Sleeve Work Dress

THE STYLE
On the topic of little black dresses, Spanx's Perfect A-Line Dress is worthy of your consideration. Not only is this dress beautiful, but it has four-way stretch, pockets, and can be thrown in your washing machine without worry.

GOOD TO KNOW
This little number is made out of Spanx's premium Ponte fabric, a buttery-soft, smoothing material.

Inclusive

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Amazon Essentials Classic Cap Sleeve Wrap Dress

Overall Score

4.55

02

Amazon Essentials Classic Cap Sleeve Wrap Dress

4.3

1830 User Reviews

3.2

Best Seller

4

Industry Recognition

4

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Work Dress On Amazon

THE STYLE
Stretchy jersey material gives this wrap dress a slinky feel. Designed to flatter, it has an adjustable wrap closure with an interior hidden button, making it easy to tailor the fit to your exact specifications. Choose from nine different color options, from floral patterns to classic navy and black. 

REVIEW HIGHLIGHT
"I don’t like dressing up, but this dress is so comfortable and makes any body look amazing. Definitely a must have for any wardrobe. Fits true to size and covers exactly what you need it to cover."

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Anthropologie The Somerset Maxi Dress

Overall Score

4.65

01

Anthropologie The Somerset Maxi Dress

4.6

1345 User Reviews

3.1

Best Seller

4

Industry Recognition

4

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Work Dress Overall

THE STYLE
Office-appropriate and cute enough to throw in your travel bag, The Somerset Maxi Dress features a smocked waist and a flowy, tiered skirt. Anthro warns that buying this dress can lead to an obsession, saying that Somerset fans have collections of the style in their closet.

GOOD TO KNOW
Good news for the petite and tall women out there: This style comes in three different lengths. Plus falls 57" from the shoulder, Standard falls 55", and Petite falls 51". 

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